under the microscope
under the microscope
By Rodney Rohde, PhD, MS, SM( ASCP) CM, SVCM, MBCM, FACSc
Workforce Reduction and the Impact on Public Health
... substantial funding cuts to medical research institutions like the National Institutes of Health( NIH), has profound implications for the recruitment and retention of future college majors and young professionals in public health, medical laboratory sciences, and research fields.”
In February 2025, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention( CDC) faced a significant workforce reduction, with nearly 1,300 probationary employees— approximately 10 percent of its staff— being dismissed as part of a broader federal initiative to downsize government agencies. There are also reports that two essential CDC training programs – the Public Health Associate Program( PHAP) and Laboratory Leadership Service( LLS)— are reportedly being dismantled. Hopefully, the administration’ s decision to reverse plans for devastating cuts to the CDC Epidemic Intelligence Service( EIS) is true and going to hold – it’ s the right decision.
This move, coupled with substantial funding cuts to medical research institutions like the National Institutes of Health( NIH), has profound implications for the recruitment and retention of future college majors and young professionals in public health, medical laboratory sciences, and research fields.
I have worked in public health, healthcare, and academia for more than 30 years. The first decade of my career was with the Texas Department of State Health Services, Laboratory and Zoonosis Control Division, where I was on the inaugural Oral Rabies Vaccination Program which eliminated canine rabies from Texas saving countless animal and human life. For the past 20 years, I have been at Texas State University where I am a Regents’ Professor and chair of the Medical Laboratory Science Program. It has been my passion in life to introduce students to these amazing college majors and career paths. Now, I’ m worried about our future professions.
Impact on Recruitment of Future College Majors
The allure of a stable career in public health and medical research has traditionally attracted many students to these fields. However, the recent job cuts and funding reductions send a discouraging message to prospective students. The perception of job instability and diminished federal support may deter individuals from pursuing degrees in these areas, exacerbating existing workforce shortages.
Prior to these developments, the medical laboratory profession was already experiencing a critical shortage. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projected a 13 percent increase in demand for medical laboratory scientists and technicians up to 2026, nearly double the average growth rate for other occupations. Despite this demand, there was a significant gap between job openings and the number of graduates, with approximately 4,900 students graduating annually to fill more than 9,000 positions, resulting in a 46 percent vacancy rate.
The recent federal actions are likely to intensify this gap. Educational institutions may struggle to attract students to programs perceived as leading to unstable careers. Moreover, reduced funding for research could lead to the downsizing or closure of academic programs, further limiting the pipeline of qualified professionals entering the workforce.
Challenges in Retention of Young Professionals
For those already in the field, the current climate presents significant retention challenges. Job insecurity, increased workloads due to understaffing, and diminished morale can lead to burnout and attrition. The recent CDC layoffs, for instance, have created an atmosphere of uncertainty among remaining employees, potentially prompting them to seek opportunities in more stable sectors.
Studies have shown that job satisfaction in medical laboratory professions is closely tied to workload, recognition, and compensation. In environments where staffing is inadequate, the remaining employees often face increased workloads, leading to exhaustion and a higher likelihood of errors. This scenario not only affects employee well-being but also compromises the quality of public health services.
Furthermore, the professional socialization of early-career medical laboratory scientists plays a crucial role in retention. A study highlighted that new professionals often face a theory-practice gap, where their educational experiences do not align with workplace realities. This disparity can lead to dissatisfaction and a sense of unpreparedness, increasing the likelihood of leaving the profession.
Broader Implications for Public Health and Research
The downsizing of federal health agencies and cuts to research funding have ripple effects beyond immediate employment concerns. They undermine the nation’ s capacity to respond to public health crises and stifle innovation in medical research. CDC, for example, plays a pivotal role in managing disease outbreaks and providing critical health information. A reduced workforce hampers its ability to effectively carry out these functions, potentially compromising public health.
Similarly, funding cuts to the NIH threaten ongoing and future research projects. Scientists have expressed concerns that reduced support endangers patients, threatens jobs, and undermines America’ s leadership in science and innovation. Legal challenges have temporarily halted some of these cuts, but the uncertainty continues to loom over the research community.
Importantly, those of us in academic programs who prepare these future professionals know that we can’ t simply“ create a new professional overnight.” It can take many years to matriculate
8 • www. healthcarehygienemagazine. com • mar-apr 2025