ASCLS is excited to introduce the ASCLS Voices Under 40, a monthly recognition of one of our many, talented and committed young professionals under 40 years old. The ASCLS Voices Spotlight has been developed to honor ASCLS members who have shown exceptional commitment to ASCLS, the laboratory profession, and their community at large at a young age in their professional career. This month we spotlight one of the 2017 ASCLS Shining Voices who was selected from nominations across the country.
Please meetJ. Eric Stanford from Nashville, Tennessee!
Ericis currently employed by Vanderbilt University Medical Centerin Nashville, Tennessee, as a Diagnostic Chemistry Supervisor/Team Leader. Prior to his current position, Eric worked at the University of North Carolina Medical Center (UNCMC) and was involved with coordination of the UNCMC Laboratory Ambassador Program and partnered with UNCMC lab leadership to develop a POC Ebola response and testing team. Eric has worked to advance the laboratory profession through multiple professional presentations delivered for various meetings and conferences. He also has been involved as a committee secretary and contributor for CLSI documents. In 2015, Eric was selected as recipient of the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Forty Under 40 award.
Eric serves ASCLS in many capacities. He was elected as Region III Board Member, President for NCSCLS, and Chemistry Scientific Assembly Chair. At the State level, Eric has served as on the NCSCLS Government Affairs Committee, Web-development Committee, and as chair of the Licensure Task Force. Additionally, he chaired the Carolinas Clinical Convention Planning Committee and Webmaster Committee, as well as attended the ASCLS Legislative Symposium.
In strong recommendation of his selection for the ASCLS Voices Under 40 recognition, one of Eric’s nominators stated:
“The ASCLS Voices Under 40 spotlight was created to showcase the Medical Laboratory Scientists, under the age of 40, who show true commitment and dedication our profession—Eric certainly fits the bill. [He] has demonstrated a burning drive, passion and enthusiasm for our profession that is not easily quenched. Coupled with his involvement, endeavors and achievements, he is truly devoted to promoting and advancing Medical Laboratory Science. From what I have witnessed, it is clear that he is not merely fulfilling an obligation.”
When asked what his motivation for being involved in ASCLS is, Eric replied:
“ASCLS provides a very important and visible vehicle for the promotion and celebration of our profession. The opportunities to influence, impact, and shape the future of the laboratory profession are huge within ASCLS, and as such I think it important that any and all laboratorians be involved at some level. The success of the organization, and I believe the future of our profession, depends upon this participation. The ability to utilize and leverage the resources and platform of ASCLS motivates me to be actively involved within the organization. I want to be a key player in this future – whether it be working with future students, promoting the laboratory profession within the healthcare landscape, or ensuring the quality and safety of the patients we serve. I am but one person, but when joined within an organization geared specifically towards the laboratory my abilities and skills are multiplied exponentially.”
Congratulations Eric on your selection as an ASCLS Voice Under 40! You are a shining voice for ASCLS and for the Medical Laboratory profession.