3 Questions with Brittany J. Bell

Like a lot of laboratory professionals, Brittany Bell, MBA, MLS(ASCP)MB^CM, didn’t find the lab—the lab found her. She had always held a passion and interest in science, and when she enrolled at the University of Pittsburgh for an undergraduate degree in science, she thought physical therapy or patient-facing medicine might be her future. But her science and laboratory courses drew her attention and commitment, and through her own research she stumbled upon the MLS program at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia. Ms. Bell jumped in headfirst and never looked back, having found the perfect field that married her love for science and curiosity for pathology.  

As she says, “I can’t remember exactly what solidified my decision to choose a career in laboratory science, but I remember what made me stay. I vividly recall sitting in the office of Richard Vandell, Director of Medical Laboratory Science Programs, at Thomas Jefferson University. We were discussing potential career paths after the culmination of the MLS program. Mr. Vandell helped me to see that a solid laboratory education and working laboratory experience can open up many doors to alternative career paths. He, along with all of the educators at TJU, proved to me time and time again how important medical laboratory science is to the larger healthcare field and how there was an unmet need to promote this field beyond the walls of the laboratory.”

Here, Ms. Bell shares her insight to three questions about her career in the laboratory and the people who have influenced her along the way.

What aspects of laboratory medicine do you find most intriguing and fulfilling?

I have seen laboratory medicine touch the lives of all different types of patients and in various different situations. It’s the wide reach and diversity that the laboratory field encompasses that intrigues me the most about laboratory medicine. Laboratory medicine underpins the core of medical, academic and pharmaceutical research and is what keeps me passionate about this field.

My personal and professional goals are aligned to make a difference though the activities I do every day and by working for a laboratory organization, I am able to live my goals as part of my job. I can see the diversity of situations in which laboratory medicine impacts patient care and I’m proud to be part of an organization that champions the lab as a key piece of that journey.

Have you had any mentors or role models who have influenced your career choice?

There were many people that helped to shape my career path. But there was one person at the Philadelphia Veterans Affairs Medical Center that cemented my passion for the laboratory science field and drive for success in my career. Frances Weekes managed the Hematology department in the lab, and I’ll never forget how strong her commitment was to this field. Frances trained me during my rotations through the lab as part of my MLS program. Although I didn’t stay in the hematology lab, Frances always came over to talk with me. She was beyond dedicated to her craft and took the utmost care to connect everything she did back to her patients. I try to carry that mission through my career path. There were times, under her training, when I wanted to give up. I made mistakes and errors, but Frances would never make me feel bad about those failures. She was the ultimate coach. She saved a fortune from a fortune cookie for me. The fortune says, “A man can fail many times, but he isn’t a failure until he gives up.” I keep that pinned on my office whiteboard and look at it when I need guidance. Frances is still molding my career to this day.

How did you first get involved with ASCP?

I was connected with Joy Gould, MS, SBB(ASCP)C, BB, CQIA(ASQ), CPHQ, during my time at Thomas Jefferson University. I asked Joy to present to the program members about the importance of accreditation and involvement with ASCP. We talked before the presentation about how she was involved and how it opened up the door to networking with laboratory professionals around the world. After passing my MLS exam I started my volunteer work with ASCP. I was honored to serve on the Council of Laboratory Professionals from November 2015 until November 2022, and I still remain connected to that group. Our new ASCP President, Dr. Sossaman, told a story at the ASCP Annual Meeting about his experience with this organization. He explained that the ASCP is like a family and even if we take time away, your family is always waiting with open arms when you are ready to come back. This exact sentiment is why I keep stepping back into the open arms of the ASCP family.