ASCP Chapters and Ambassadors Program Draw Upon Their Synergy to Promote Outreach

The ASCP Chapters and Ambassador programs are reaping the benefits of “cross pollination” that is helping strengthen each. The chapters can encourage their members to sign up as Ambassadors, and the Ambassadors program can encourage their volunteers to join the local ASCP chapters in their area. The end result is the boost of visibility of the laboratory profession across the nation. 

“When you are doing outreach into the community (as an Ambassador, for example), you are doing outreach at a local level,” says Kerwin Kolheffer. MS, PA(ASCP)CM, a longtime ASCP Career Ambassador. “The chapters are a great resource for providing members to serve as Ambassadors who can speak about the medical laboratory profession. Similarly, the Ambassador program has the opportunity to bring new members into the chapters.” 

The key is to engage ASCP members as volunteers. Mr. Kolheffer chaired the Ambassador subcommittee of the ASCP Council of Laboratory Professionals last year, so he is very familiar with a variety of ASCP career outreach activities, including NextPo-to-Go. 

“The idea for NextPo-to-Go came about later at a retreat of the Council of Laboratory Professionals," he explains. "NextPo-to-Go is a digital toolkit which includes online training sessions where we give volunteers the tools they need to set up NextPo at their laboratory or location.” 

As a result of ASCP's various career outreach efforts, these initiatives are gaining traction in communities across the nation. And the synergy between the ASCP Chapters and Ambassadors programs is largely responsible for that. 

Mr. Kolheffer finds tremendous satisfaction in serving as a Career Ambassador. “For me, the best part is seeing people learn something they did not know before the session. It is always a bit surprising that so many people have no idea about the number of people who comprise the laboratory team,” he says.  

To get involved in the Ambassadors program, click here.To learn about joining an ASCP chapter in your area, click here.