MLS Flashcards
tell me about yourself
-born in vn
-bilingual
-graduated with a bachelor of science in bio
-currently an inspired MLS
Why MLS, not other healthcare fields?
-thru time at college+ uni, always wanted to work in healthcare
reasons:
1. fascinated with how science directly supports healthcare + medicine=> MLS is at the core of it
*70% of today’s medical decisions depend on lab test results-> guide clinical decisions
- always enjoyed the lab portion of my science classes
-hands on + easier to understand the materials taught in lecture
-> thru research, developed an interest in laboratory science
MLS is the field where it is the balance that I allows me to do both lab science and healthcare
how do you handle stress in a fast-paced environment?
-worked part time
-full time student
-juggled with multiple deadlines at once
*prioritize tasks by importance & urgency (allocate specific blocks of time)
*break them into smaller steps
once that is done,
-rely on checklist & detailed timeline
Lab project
-used a checklist to stay on track
-maintained open communication
-allows to submit high quality work on time
-makes it point to stay calm to approach task logically
=>stay efficient while maintaining accuracy
any lab experience
-from science courses
-often dealt with microscope, micropipettes, spectrometer, centrifuge
-hands-on experience in bacterial culturing, staning techniques & antibiotic susceptibility testing
what would do you if an equipment is damaged or broken?
-stop using it immediately to ensure safety & prevent further damage
-notify supervisor or the appropriate personnel present
minor issue:
fix it myself if i have the training to troubleshoot it safely
require professional repair/ replacement:
-document the issue in detail (type of problem, the time it occured, any preliminary shooting)
in the meantime:
minimize disruptions by using alternative equipment if possible
-adjust workflow : consult with colleagues to prioritize urgent tests/ rerouting samples to another lab
where do you see yourself in five yrs
-certified medical laboratory scientist; contributing to a hospital or diagnostic team
-possible pursue my masters in MLS to advance my skills thru professional development opportunites
can you share example of teamwork in a lab setting?
-planarian experiment in genes,brain, behavior
-me +3 other group members
-came tgt and divided responsibilities
-my task was to set up + conducting the experiement + maintain the testing environment
-others: take notes on any behavior changes, gather data
-we communicated & collaborated for 2-3 weeks
-when encountered with an issue:
we trouble shoot tgt & repeated the experiment
= reinforced the importance of teamwork & accountability
what makes you qualified when theres limited clinical experience?
-my academic background & lab training provided me with a strong decent foundation to excel
-developed proficiency in techniques such as microscopy, pipetting & analyzing experimental date- skills that are directly applicable to clinical lab work
+ in addition to technical skills, ive improved on my critical skills, time management, and attention to detail, which is crucial in a clinical setting
+blank canvas so i dont start with any bad habit and could only absorb the correct way to do things
3 strengths about you
- strong academic background in biology
-allows me to grasp comlex techniques central to mls; courses like micro & molecular biology have equiped with technical skills that can be applied in the field - take pride in my attention to detail, which i honed during my undergrad lab work (measuring reagents, labeling, recording date, or analyzing results)
-undertsand how crucial precision is to ensure quaility outcomes - take pride in strong work ethic & commitment for achieveing my goals
-balancxed a rigorous course load while working
-> required effective time management, perserverance, and focus on quality in everything I did.
same dedication will help me succeed in the demanding clinical & academic environment of this program
what type of person who I may have a hard time working with?
work best with individuals who are communicative, reliable, open to feedback.
-find it challenging to work with someone who is unwilling to communicate or struggles with open communication
this is because a lab setting,
clear communication is key to ensuring tests are completed accurately
however, i understand that not everyone has the same working style
-always strive to adapt and find a common ground with my teammates
-i believe that addressing the issue proactively and seeking to understand different prespectives can help the team remained focued on shared goals
working tgt or independently?
i can & enjoy both, depending on the situation
in a lab, much of the work such as running tests and analyzing results requires focus and attention to detail when working alone. at the same time, teamwork is essential for ensuring accuracy, troubleshooting issues,& coordinating taks effectively in lab
in bio labs
alone: preparing reagents/ recording precise measurements
group: pooling ideas and dividing responsibilities allow us to solve problems more efficiently & produce reliable results.
=>value both setting and can adapt to what the task demands
Tell me about a time when you made a mistake in a lab or classroom setting. How did you handle it?
Situation: During a microbiology lab, I mislabeled a set of test tubes during a culture experiment.
Task: I realized that the error could impact the accuracy of the results and delay the analysis.
Action: I immediately informed my instructor, retraced the steps with the group to identify the mislabeled samples, and repeated the experiment where necessary. I also developed a system for double-checking labels to prevent future errors.
Result: The issue was resolved without major delays, and I became more diligent with labeling and documentation.
Describe a situation where you had to collaborate with a difficult teammate or colleague.
Situation: In a group project, one member consistently missed deadlines and didn’t contribute equally.
Task: My goal was to ensure the project was completed on time while maintaining a positive team dynamic.
Action: I privately approached the teammate to understand their challenges. I offered to redistribute some tasks and set smaller, more manageable deadlines for everyone.
Result: This improved their participation, and we successfully completed the project. It also taught me the value of communication and flexibility in teamwork.
Share an example of a time when you had to learn a new technique or skill quickly.
Situation: During a lab class, we were introduced to PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) techniques for the first time.
Task: I had to quickly understand the theoretical and practical components to perform the experiment.
Action: I reviewed the protocol in advance, asked clarifying questions, and actively participated in practice runs. I also referred to online resources for additional explanations.
Result: I successfully executed the experiment, and my results matched the expected outcomes.
whats your weakness
i tend to be quiet, especially when im in a new enviroment or meeting new people
-tend to focus on listening & observing first to understand the dynamics of the situation and understand various perspectives. However, i believe that this helps me pick up on details and allows me to gain a deeper understanding
to address this:
ive made conscious effort to speak up more during group discussions and ask questions when i have insights to share
- during a group project in school, I initially stayed in the background, but I gradually became more involved in brainstorming and decision-making
-always working on balancing being attentive and quiet with clear effective communication
