Cutting jobs in the medical laboratory sector of healthcare, CDC’ s Epidemic Intelligence Program, and other similar public health programs would likely lead to weaker disease surveillance, slower outbreak responses, greater economic costs, and increased national security risks.”
through an academic program that includes rigorous coursework, laboratory sessions, field work and / or clinical and medical rotations. Then, these professionals need time to“ mature and become seasoned” veterans to mix with the newer professionals. Without this type of educational and training model, we lose our pipeline which is already struggling to fill new employment spots.
Strategies to Mitigate Negative Outcomes Addressing these challenges requires a multifaceted approach:
Advocacy for Stable Funding: Professional organizations, academic institutions, and industry stakeholders must advocate for sustained or increased funding for public health and research. Highlighting the long-term benefits of investment in these areas can help influence policy decisions.
Enhancing Job Security and Satisfaction: Employers should focus on creating supportive work environments that offer job security, competitive compensation, and opportunities for professional development. Recognizing and addressing factors that contribute to burnout can improve retention rates.
Educational Outreach and Support: To attract future professionals, educational institutions should provide clear pathways to stable careers in public health and research. This includes offering scholarships, mentorship programs, and real-world experiences that align with job market demands.
Public Awareness Campaigns: Raising public awareness about the critical role of public health and research professionals can generate broader support for these fields. Showcasing success stories and the tangible impacts of their work can inspire the next generation to pursue these careers.
The 2025 CDC job losses and similar reductions in medical laboratory and research positions pose significant challenges to the recruitment and retention of professionals in these vital fields. Proactive measures are essential to ensure a robust workforce capable of safeguarding public health and advancing medical knowledge. In summary, cutting jobs in the medical laboratory sector of healthcare, CDC’ s Epidemic Intelligence Program, and other similar public health programs would likely lead to weaker disease surveillance, slower outbreak responses, greater economic costs, and increased national security risks. The long-term impact could be more severe pandemics and a less prepared public health workforce.
Rodney E. Rohde, PhD, MS, SM( ASCP) CM, SVCM, MBCM, FACSc, is the Regents’ Professor, Texas State University System; University Distinguished Chair & Professor, Clinical Laboratory Science( CLS); TEDx Speaker & Global Fellow – Global Citizenship Alliance; Texas State Honorary Professor of International Studies; Associate Director, Translational Health Research Initiative; Past President, Texas Association for CLS.
LEARN & NETWORK IN LOUISVILLE AT HSPA 2025
World-class education and exceptional networking opportunities await for HSPA Conference attendees. It’ s all taking place at the Kentucky International Convention Center in Louisville, Kentucky. You won’ t want to miss it!
Visit www. myhspa. org / 2025conference today!