For those who are passionate about laboratory science and interested in staying up-to-date with the latest accreditation news and industry insights, ”COLA: Talk Lab To Me” is an engaging discourse podcast hosted by COLA, a leading physician-directed accrediting organization that provides education and accreditation services to laboratories of all sizes. The podcast covers a wide range of topics, including the latest developments in laboratory science and medicine, as well as in-depth interviews with regulators and industry thought leaders about the importance of regulatory compliance.
In this episode, we go behind the designation with a laboratory leader who has been through the journey firsthand. They share what their laboratory looked like before pursuing recognition, what motivated the team to take the leap and what it actually took to transform their operations, processes and culture along the way.
From the first 90 days to the challenges of staff buy-in, process improvement, metrics, staffing pressures and maintaining momentum, our guest offers an honest look at what happens behind the scenes.
Whether you're considering pursuing Leading Lab recognition, currently on the journey or wondering what distinguishes a truly leading laboratory from one that simply meets the baseline, this conversation offers practical insights, candid lessons and advice from someone who has lived it.
25 Jun 2026
Beyond the Equation: A Deep Dive into the Race-Free eGFR Equation with the National Kidney Foundation
For decades, a single race coefficient embedded in a laboratory equation quietly shaped the trajectory of kidney disease diagnosis and treatment for millions of patients. In this episode, we sit down with Elizabeth Montgomery, a leading voice from the National Kidney Foundation, to unpack the science, the controversy and the sweeping changes behind the transition from CKD-EPI 2009 to the race-free CKD-EPI 2021 equation. From LIS reprogramming and cystatin C adoption to transplant eligibility and health equity, we go deep on what this shift means for clinical laboratories, the laboratory science professionals who run them and the patients whose lives depend on getting it right. If you work in a laboratory, treat kidney disease, or care about equitable medicine — this one is for you.
8 Jun 2026
After the Ruling: Rethinking Oversight of Laboratory Developed Tests
The FDA's attempt to regulate laboratory developed tests as medical devices is over — for now. A federal court vacated the 2024 final rule, the agency declined to appeal, and the five-stage compliance clock was stopped. In this episode, Dr. Michael Laposata takes us inside the legal battle, explains why the court's March 2025 ruling matters far beyond LDTs, and makes the case for what real oversight reform should look like. From the limits of CLIA to the future of AI-driven diagnostics, Dr. Laposata — a world-renowned pathologist, educator, and author — offers an authoritative and deeply personal perspective on one of the most consequential moments in the history of clinical laboratory medicine.
22 May 2026
Inside the Public Health Laboratory: Detecting Emerging Viruses
Public health laboratories are essential institutions that detect disease outbreaks and protect our communities from emerging viral threats. In this episode, we explore how these laboratories work, what it takes to train and retain skilled laboratory science professionals and how they prepare for emerging pathogens like hantavirus.
31 Mar 2026
Lead, Grow, Thrive: Laboratory Leadership with Stephanie Whitehead
What does it really take to grow as a leader in the laboratory — and what happens when the pressure is on? In this episode, we sit down with Stephanie Whitehead for an honest and inspiring conversation about laboratory leadership at every level.
20 Jan 2026
Reimagining Laboratory Medicine: A Candid Conversation with a DCLS Leader
Melody Nelson, DCLS, MLS,NRCC-CC discusses the evolving role of the Doctorate in Clinical Laboratory Science and its impact on diagnostics and patient care in an interview with the host.
19 Nov 2025
Hear From COLA’ s Member Organizations
Representatives from the AMA, ACP, and AAFP explore the crucial link between physician association engagement and clinical laboratories in this interview episode.
8 Jul 2025
On Site At the 2025 Laboratory Enrichment Forum
Industry experts discuss the newest trends and breakthroughs from the 2025 COLA Laboratory Enrichment Forum in this special onsite episode.
16 Apr 2025
Lab Salaries, Morale & Job Outlook: What You Need to Know
Laboratory science professionals salaries vary greatly depending on location, experience and skills. In this episode, we talk laboratory wages and impacting factors with Jon Harol of Lighthouse Lab Services.
20 Feb 2025
An enlightening journey to NAACLS with Marisa James
This engaging podcast with a discussion with CEO Marisa James about leading the NAACLS and interacting with the next generation of laboratory science professionals.
26 Dec 2024
Conversation with Dr. Donna Sweet
With COLA's CEO Nancy Stratton we have an informative on-location discussion with Dr.Donna Sweet about the role of laboratory science in the treatment of patients living with HIV.
Dr.Sweet has been treating people living with HIV since 1983 and has spent the entirety of her medical career in practice at the University of Kansas, School of Medicine in Wichita.
16 Dec 2024
Updates on Proficiency Testing Regulations
A detailed discussion from a regulator and Proficiency Testing provider perspective on how to prepare for the upcoming proficiency testing requirement changes.
28 Oct 2024
To improve is to change, what’s new with CLIA personnel regulations
In this episode, Daniel H. Hesselgesser, MT (ASCP), will discuss the new regulatory implications and future impact on laboratories.
Featuring co-host Kathy Nucifora, MPH, MLS (ASCP), COLA’s Chief Operating Officer.
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
3 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
2 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 8 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
2
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
32
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