School of Allied Health Professions

Speakers

Titles, Topics, and Objectives

At the completion of this session, the participant will

Lauren Ashcraft, MLS(ASCP)

Seminar Title: Diseases You've (Probably) Never Heard Of

Description: The human body can develop a wide range of rare, remarkable, and distinctive conditions, from atypical illnesses to exotic disorders. These diseases often challenge healthcare professionals because their causes and symptoms are not well understood.

Objectives:

1. Discuss the rare diseases and how they affect the body.
2. Describe symptoms and causes of the unique diseases.
3. Discuss management and treatment of patients of the diseases.

Level of presentation: Basic

Stephanie Blackburn, EdD, MLS(ASCP)cm

Seminar Title: Tiny Terrors: The Science & Surveillance of Tick-Borne Diseases

Description: This presentation provides an overview of tick-borne diseases in the United States. Emphasis will be on distinguishing major illnesses by pathogen, clinical presentation, and regional distribution, while also examining public health surveillance efforts to monitor tick exposure and disease incidence. 

Objectives:

1. Identify the most common tick species responsible for transmission of human diseases in the United States.
2. Differentiate major tick-borne illnesses based on causative agents, symptoms, and geographic distribution.
3. Examine the surveillance of tick exposure and incidence of disease. 

Level of presentation: Intermediate

Lee Ellen Brunson, MHS, MLS(ASCP)CM

Seminar Title: It's Not Just a Senior Moment: Anemia and Aging

Description: Anemia is a common but many times underrecognized condition in older adults, often with a significant negative impact on health and well-being. This presentation will explore both explained and unexplained forms of anemia associated with aging, including symptoms, diagnoses, and treatments.

Objectives:

1. Describe common causes of anemia in older adults.
2. Discuss Unexplained Anemia of Aging (UAA).
3. Outline diagnostic approaches for anemia in older adults. 

Level of presentation: Basic

Kristin Butler, MPH, MLS(ASCP)CM

Seminar Title: Pee-culiar Blood Groups: The Curious Case of Sid

Description: This presentation will discuss the Sid blood group system, including history and discovery, molecular biology, and clinical significance of the antigens and respective antibodies. Special emphasis will be placed on laboratory testing.

Objectives:

1. Define and characterize the Sid blood group system.
2. Explore unique biological features of the Sid antigen.
3. Describe laboratory testing and clinical significance for the Sid antigen and antibodies.

Level of presentation: Basic

Jade Schoendorf, MS, MLS(ASCP)

Seminar Title: Lab Clues to Cardiac Care:  A Review of Cardiac Markers

Description: This presentation will review key cardiac markers, clinical significance, and laboratory methods.  Emphasis will be placed on interpreting results for diagnosis, patient management, and risk stratification.

Objectives:

1. Compare and contrast the specificity and sensitivity of commonly used cardiac markers.
2. Correlate laboratory results with cardiac conditions, including myocardial infarction.
3. Interpret cardiac function laboratory results given patient data.

Level of presentation: Basic