The CLMA Trillium Chapter Board of Directors is working on an exciting new project to develop a series of podcasts on subjects related to laboratory administration. The Board believes this project is an important strategic initiative for the Trillium Chapter since it provides a way to showcase the technical and administrative expertise of our members and to share information that is important to the laboratory industry.

Podcasts are a means of prepare audio (or video) presentations in a digital format which can be played back using computer based multi-media software or portable audio playback device such as an iPod or mp3 player. The files can also be copied to recordable CDs and played back on many stereos or home entertainment systems. Downloading and playing the audio podcasts files is similar to listening to taped presentations of lectures or recordings of interviews on topics that are of interest to you. Plan is to provide audio recordings of lectures and interviews on topics that are of importance to veteran laboratory managers and neophytes who are aspiring to a laboratory leadership role.

Some of the topics for which we have plans to record include lectures on the role of management, aspiring to a laboratory leadership role, lean and six sigma, product reviews of equipment, software and reagents. There will also be advice on topics related to budget and finances, human resources planning, and customer services initiatives. Our plan is also to showcase the Trillium Chapter membership by inviting members to present lectures on topics they have expertise or interest in.

This is a great way for members to share their ideas and their expert knowledge and to network with others in the laboratory industry. This will likely provide a means of getting your views in front of others who might not otherwise have a means to hear your message.

The CLMA Trillium Chapter has already produced a few audio podcasts. At this point there are no plans to produce video podcasts, but it is possible to do this in the future. You can download the podcasts that have been produced by visiting the Trillium Chapter website at www.clmatc. com and clicking on the Podcast button. As we add more podcasts to the Laboratory Administration Podcast Series you will be able to download the new presentations from this site as well.

We are looking for additional content for the Laboratory Administration Podcast Series. We are asking Trillium Chapter members to prepare presentations which we can record. If you have a lecture on a laboratory related topic which you would like to include, please contact Glen Dietz at: glen.dietz@rogers.com. Provide the title and a brief outline of what you plan to include in your presentation. Make an estimate of how long the presentation will be. If you have slides or a handout to accompany the presentation, send them along as well. You will be contacted to arrange to record your presentation.

If you already have the equipment that you need to produce high quality digital recordings, you can also prepare the recording yourself and submit it for review and approval. The production team may edit your presentation and add branding prior posting it on the Trillium Chapter web site. 

 Glen Dietz

Board Member, CLMA Trillium Chapter;
Chair, Communications Committee