The OLIP interns recently had a wonderful meeting with Michelle Hoad, CEO of the Medical Laboratory Professionals Association of Ontario (MLPAO). The MLPAO is a non-profit health professional organization that represents the interests of 4,200 Medical Laboratory Professionals across the province of Ontario. Working with government, regulatory bodies, educational institutions, health care professions, and other stakeholders, the MLPAO raises awareness about the needs of the profession and its vital contributions to the provincial healthcare system. They are also one of OLIP’s generous partners who make the programme possible.
We learned many important facts during our hour with Ms. Hoad. For example, lab professionals are the 4th largest group of healthcare professionals in Ontario, after doctors, nurses and pharmacists. Furthermore, 70% of medical decisions are based on lab results. Ms. Hoad also described how medical laboratory tests cover the entire life cycle of a person, from testing during pregnancy to autopsies after death and everything in between. Medical laboratory professionals also have a central role in preventative medicine and early intervention for patients.
We also learned about some of the issues facing the profession, and what the MLPAO is doing to solve them. For instance, there is a shortage of lab professionals despite their critical role in the healthcare system. To meet the growing need for technicians, the MLPAO is educating high school students about careers in the field. They are also talking with MPPs and Ministers about the importance of their work and solutions for increasing recruitment and retention.
The interns would like to extend our thanks to Ms. Hoad and the rest of the MLPAO for their continued support of the programme. Thank you also for teaching us about the vital work of lab professionals and what the MLPAO is doing to improve the healthcare system for all Ontarians.