Celebrating the Unsung Heroes: Recognizing the Importance of Laboratory Professionals in Veteran Healthcare

Steve Ugbo, Acting Chief Medical Technologist & Laboratory Manager at Atlanta VAHCS, emphasized the importance of recognizing and honoring the invaluable contributions of laboratory professionals to Veteran healthcare. Despite working behind the scenes, these professionals play a crucial role in every aspect of healthcare.

During National Medical Laboratory Professionals Week, which falls on April 14-20, it is important to recognize and thank these dedicated laboratory employees for their hard work and commitment to improving Veteran healthcare. Steve Ugbo expressed his pride in the laboratory team and encouraged others to show appreciation for their efforts during this special week.

The VA laboratory professionals encompass a variety of roles including phlebotomists, specimen management technicians, medical lab scientists, histotechnologists, cytotechnologists, pathologists, and other support staff. They provide diagnostic data to healthcare providers to determine the best treatment for Veteran care. The VA laboratory network is the largest clinical diagnostic system in the nation, with over 1,000 laboratories processing nearly 300 million tests annually. The Atlanta VA Health Care System laboratory alone processes nearly eight million tests each year.

It is essential to acknowledge the vital role that these individuals play in ensuring that Veterans receive accurate and timely diagnoses so that they can receive appropriate treatment. Their work has a direct impact on patient outcomes and overall quality of care within the VA system.