Baptist Alumni Spotlight: Honoring Medical Laboratory Professionals Week

In honor of Medical Laboratory Professionals Week, we’re spotlighting two outstanding alumni from Baptist Health Sciences University (BHSU) whose dedication and passion have left a lasting impact on the field. Meet Tempest Thornton, Medical Laboratory Scientist at the Lt. Col. Luke Weathers, Jr VA Medical Center, and Amber Toles, Adjunct Professor of MLS at BHSU and Medical Education Specialist at BUCOM. Read on for their experiences, advice, and words of wisdom for current and future medical lab scientists!

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Tempest Thornton (2013 MLS Grad)

Current Role: Medical Laboratory Scientist, Lt. Col. Luke Weathers, Jr VA Medical Center

1. Can you share a memorable experience from your time at BHSU?
I remember participating in the BHSU mission trip to the Dominican Republic in 2013. I was nervous because the trip was mainly for nursing students, and I wasn’t sure how I could contribute. But I wanted to represent the laboratory and our role in helping those less fortunate. It was an amazing experience that I’ve cherished ever since. I made lasting friendships and learned life lessons. “To whom much is given, much is required.” God has blessed me with skills to help heal, and I thank BHSU for the opportunity.

2. What aspects of your BHSU education have been most valuable in your current role?
BHSU allowed us lab students to gain first-hand clinical experience at facilities where we’d eventually work full time. Once you graduate from BHSU, you are prepared for anything!

3. What advice would you give to current medical lab science students?
Gain as much experience and new skills in different areas of the laboratory. There is core lab but don't limit yourself. Gain specialty skills and certifications in Blood Bank, Microbiology, or Molecular diagnostics to become a well-rounded technologist. There are so many other opportunities to become a lead or supervisor. Graduation is just the beginning to a limitless path in the Laboratory world!!!

4. What career tips would you offer recent graduates entering the field?
If you’re adventurous, consider taking travel assignments! It’s a fantastic way to gain experience in various settings, learn new LIS systems and technologies, and meet people from all walks of life. I traveled for eight years across the country, gaining both professional and personal relationships.

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Amber Toles (2018 MLS Grad)

Current Role: Adjunct Professor of MLS at BHSU; Medical Education Specialist, Academic Affairs at BUCOM

1. Can you share a memorable experience from your time at BHSU?
It’s hard to pick just one because I enjoyed every moment of my undergraduate studies at BHSU! Any time spent in the student labs (Anatomy, Biochemistry, Biology, Clinical Chemistry, Hematology, Microbiology, and Organic Chemistry were hours well spent because it helped me to see how much I truly enjoyed being in the lab! Of course, this significantly impacted my decision to become a laboratorian as I genuinely enjoyed student labs!

2. What aspects of your BHSU education have been most valuable in your current role?
I realized that every aspect built upon the next and just how vital it is to actually learn the material, and not just memorize. Unequivocally, I use my knowledge acquired in my role as an educator.

3. What advice would you give to current medical lab science students?
I would say to focus on learning the material and building your technical skills. This is important for becoming a good medical lab scientist. It's never just good enough to do the bare minimum but go above and beyond for your patients.

4. What career tips would you offer recent graduates entering the field?
1. Don’t specialize right away. Practice and develop your skills first, then consider specializing.
2. Always remember: behind every specimen is a person. Don’t become complacent—what we do is vital, and without lab professionals, physicians are lost.

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Thank You, Lab Professionals!

We’re grateful for the dedication, expertise, and compassion of our medical laboratory professionals. Thank you, Tempest and Amber, for sharing your journeys and inspiring the next generation. Happy Medical Laboratory Professionals Week!