Leveraging the Laboratory

Hosted by Mayo Clinic Laboratories

Management Health Fitness

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Jul 2026

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About the show

A Mayo Clinic podcast for administrators, outreach managers, and laboratory professionals hosted by Jane Hermansen, outreach manager at Mayo Clinic Laboratories, on how to best leverage and optimize the laboratory for patients, clients, and staff.

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45 recent

July 27, 2026Episode 4524 min

The Metrics Behind High-Performing Outreach Programs

In this episode of the “Leveraging the Laboratory” podcast, host Jane Hermansen, outreach manager at Mayo Clinic Laboratories, is joined by colleagues Wendy Daigle and Ellen Dijkman Dulkes to discuss how laboratory outreach programs can use metrics to drive performance, strengthen client relationships, and support long-term growth. Together, they explore: Financial metrics (01:35): Learn which financial indicators are most important to monitor and how they can help guide strategic decisions. Operational metrics (06:41): Discover the measures that can help determine whether your outreach program is running efficiently and effectively. Service metrics (10:56): Explore the indicators that can reveal client satisfaction, identify potential risks, and support client retention. How to improve metrics (15:55): Hear real-world examples of how outreach programs drove meaningful improvements in their metrics. For additional insights, read “ Metrics that matter: Tracking your laboratory outreach program ,” an article by Daigle, and join us at our annual conference, Leveraging the Laboratory: Bold Thinking. Big Impact.

June 29, 2026Episode 4422 min

Proven Tactics for Identifying New Customers

In this episode of the “Leveraging the Laboratory” podcast, host Jane Hermansen, outreach manager at Mayo Clinic Laboratories, is joined by colleagues Wendy Daigle and Ellen Dijkman Dulkes to discuss how to identify and engage new customers. They pull from their own experiences prospecting new clients to offer practical tips and suggestions. Recognizing attrition risks (01:23): Learn how to recognize signs that a client may be considering another outreach lab and why industry attrition may be an opportunity. Identifying strong prospects (05:10): Explore unique types of clients to consider and how to determine if a potential client isn’t the right fit for your organization. Targeting the right contacts (11:29): Once you define your ideal type of prospects, discover how to identify specific organizations to connect with. You can find more insights and advice for growing your outreach program in “ Four steps to attract quality outreach clients ,” and article by Dijkman Dulkes.

May 25, 2026Episode 4323 min

Real-World Strategies for Skilled Nursing Outreach

In this episode of the “Leveraging the Laboratory” podcast, host Jane Hermansen, outreach manager at Mayo Clinic Laboratories, is joined by colleagues Wendy Daigle and Ellen Dijkman Dulkes for the second episode in a two-part series on skilled nursing facilities . Drawing on their experience managing outreach services, the group shares practical insights and real-world solutions. Collecting specimens (02:14): Key considerations for various options for specimen collection in skilled nursing facilities, including staffing, scheduling, and training across different care settings. Transporting specimens (09:28): How organizations have successfully managed specimen transport using couriers, laboratory staff, and skilled nursing facility personnel. Maintaining strong relationships (15:47): Strategies for sustaining partnerships amid ownership changes and other operational challenges. You can get more on this topic in these resources: “ Establishing Successful Relationships With Skilled Nursing Facilities ,” the first episode in this two-part podcast series. “ Discover the value of skilled nursing facility collaborations ,” an article from Daigle outlining the benefits of collaboration. “ Best practices for supporting lab testing in skilled nursing facilities ,” an article from Hermansen.

April 27, 2026Episode 4220 min

Establishing Successful Relationships With Skilled Nursing Facilities

In this episode of the “Leveraging the Laboratory” podcast, host Jane Hermansen, outreach manager at Mayo Clinic Laboratories, is joined by colleagues Wendy Daigle and Ellen Dijkman Dulkes for the first installment of a two-part series on skilled nursing facilities. The discussion explores how partnerships between hospital laboratories and skilled nursing facilities can deliver mutual value — and what it takes to build these relationships successfully. Mutual benefits (01:17): An overview of why hospital laboratories and skilled nursing facilities can benefit from working together. Engaging skilled nursing facilities (04:35): Practical tips for how laboratory outreach programs can establish and strengthen these relationships. Common service needs (08:15): An overview of the laboratory services most often needed by skilled nursing facilities. Elements of a successful contract (11:36): Key considerations to include in contracts to support long-term, successful relationships. Get a full list of the value and benefits of these relationships in “ Discover the value of skilled nursing facility collaborations ,” an article from Daigle.

March 30, 2026Episode 4119 min

Celebrating Laboratory Professionals: Ideas for a Meaningful Lab Week

In this episode of the “Leveraging the Laboratory” podcast, host Jane Hermansen, outreach manager at Mayo Clinic Laboratories, is joined by colleagues Wendy Daigle and Ellen Dijkman Dulkes to discuss National Medical Laboratory Professionals Week and share ideas for celebrating across the organization. National Medical Laboratory Professionals Week background (00:25): A brief history and overview of the annual celebration honoring laboratory professionals. Celebrating in the lab (01:22): Tried-and-true traditions and creative activities the team has seen during Lab Week throughout their careers. Taking the message beyond the lab (08:52): Ideas for using Lab Week to highlight the impact of laboratory professionals in healthcare. Reaching off-site staff (11:52): Insights on engaging and celebrating staff who work outside the main laboratory. Educational opportunities (13:32): Thoughts on incorporating learning and professional development into Lab Week activities. Rapid fire question (17:14): The team shares what makes careers in laboratory medicine rewarding. Get guidance for planning your Lab Week in “Plan a meaningful Lab Week with the three E’s,” an article from Dijkman Dulkes.

February 23, 2026Episode 4026 min

Creating Effective Outreach Leadership Roles

In this episode of the “Leveraging the Laboratory” podcast, host Jane Hermansen, outreach manager at Mayo Clinic Laboratories, is joined by colleagues Wendy Daigle and Ellen Dijkman Dulkes to explore the diverse roles and responsibilities of outreach leaders. Together, they share insights based on their own experiences and the work they do with clients. Common responsibilities (01:02): An overview of core duties that outreach leaders manage across programs of varying size and maturity. Ideal job description (12:07): A discussion of what the team believes should be included in a well-designed outreach leadership role. Time distribution (21:36): How outreach leaders balance their time across responsibilities, stakeholders, and organizational needs. Leadership highlights (23:02): Reflections on the most rewarding aspects of leading and supporting a successful outreach program.

January 26, 2026Episode 3926 min

Goal-Setting Insights for Laboratory Outreach Programs

In this episode of the “Leveraging the Laboratory” podcast, host Jane Hermansen, outreach manager at Mayo Clinic Laboratories, is joined by colleagues Wendy Daigle and Ellen Dijkman Dulkes to discuss identifying meaningful goals for a laboratory outreach program and taking steps to achieve them. Key topics include: Internal influences (01:32): The importance of considering your organization’s and department’s broader goals when defining your own. Measurement (06:20): Using metrics and data to understand your current state and track progress. Ambition level (10:10): Determining the right balance between bold, aspirational goals and more attainable ones. Prioritization (13:00): Factors to consider when prioritizing goals. Planning for success (14:30): How to create a plan that helps you make meaningful progress.

December 29, 2025Episode 3820 min

Key Updates on Today’s Regulatory Landscape for Outreach Laboratories

In this episode of the “Leveraging the Laboratory” podcast, Jane Hermansen, outreach manager at Mayo Clinic Laboratories, welcomes Chelsea Conn, Mayo Clinic Laboratories’ director of regulatory affairs. Together, they break down the latest regulatory changes and share actionable strategies to help outreach programs stay informed and prepared. Key topics include: FDA rule for lab-developed tests (01:36): What the recent rescinding of the FDA rule means for labs. New Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act (CLIA) regulations (04:36): Clarifications on lab director qualification updates from late 2024. College of American Pathologists (CAP) accreditation (07:52): New checklist requirements for reporting and submitting to public health authorities. Protecting Access to Medicare Act (PAMA) reform (11:40): The latest developments on new approaches to reimbursement for laboratory tests. Recommended resources (17:32): How to stay up to date on regulations affecting the laboratory industry.

November 24, 2025Episode 3725 min

Practical Strategies for Boosting Outreach Laboratory Profitability

In this episode of the “Leveraging the Laboratory” podcast, Jane Hermansen, outreach manager at Mayo Clinic Laboratories, is joined by Wendy Daigle and Ellen Dijkman Dulkes, outreach solutions specialists. Together, they share practical strategies that outreach programs can consider to strengthen their financial performance. Managing courier expenses (02:06): Explore ways to manage customer expectations and service agreements to control courier costs effectively. Optimizing payment for phlebotomy (13:09): Discover coding considerations and unique service opportunities, such as home visits and education, that may help maximize financial return for phlebotomy offerings.

October 27, 2025Episode 3618 min

Delivering Exceptional Phlebotomy Experiences to Patients With Unique Needs

In this episode of the “Leveraging the Laboratory” podcast, Jane Hermansen, outreach manager at Mayo Clinic Laboratories, is joined by Todd Juen, outpatient lab supervisor at Mayo Clinic. Together, they explore how to deliver exceptional experiences to patient populations with unique needs, including: Pediatric patients (02:46): Learn about the thoughtful accommodations made to ensure a positive experience for young patients. Patients using wheelchairs (05:43): Explore techniques and tools for drawing blood when standard arm stabilization equipment isn’t an option. Communications challenges (7:55) : Hear about translation resources used to help patients feel understood and supported. Privacy considerations (11:01): Gain ideas for managing the needs of high-profile patients — such as politicians, celebrities, or community figures — who require enhanced privacy. New innovation in phlebotomy (15:07): Get a glimpse of emerging technologies designed to support phlebotomists.