Publish with MLM

Editorial point of contact:
David McCormick, Managing Editor

Publishing Basics for MedicalLab Management

1. MedicalLab Management (MLM) is a peer-to-peer journal. We only accept articles written by practicing clinical (medical) laboratorians; ideally directors or section managers (eg, blood bank manager, director of clinical chemistry).
2. Unsolicited “finished” articles are not generally accepted, as is; we much prefer to work with the contributor in developing the article content. Please reach out to our editors early in the writing process.
3. Feature article word count is typically 1500-2500 words, depending on topic depth. Certain topics can be developed into a multi-part series.
4. Articles should be written in a professional yet conversational tone, as one might speak informally with colleagues.
5. Consider sharing a process improvement project: Begin with relevant background information on the impetus for the improvement (ie, topic sentence). Establish your role in the process (eg, leader, decision maker, member, observer, etc).
   • Clearly describe catalyst for action and the steps taken.
   • Walk the reader through your experience describing the actions involved in remediating the initially identified problem/issue.
   • Conclude with tips, advice, resource suggestions, and any other information that could assist your peers and colleagues who may find themselves in similar circumstances.
6. Include practical information and advice. Articles published in MLM are intended to reflect actual experiences working in clinical and anatomic pathology laboratories. As such, we do not expect heavily referenced pieces. Certainly, references and supporting data are key for any assertions, but our intent is that laboratory directors learn from the experiences of their professional colleagues.
7. Examples of tables, charts, and checklists are highly encouraged, as are high-quality photographs of relevant operations, instrumentation, and personnel. Consider including workflow charts and sample policies & procedures, job descriptions, templates, etc. [Any proprietary or sensitive material will be stripped.]

• New technology, automation, and IT implementations (eg, instrumentation, automation lines, middleware)
• Processes for achieving regulatory compliance (eg, TJC, CAP, HRSA, CDC)
• New laboratory service offerings (eg, COVID vaccine clinic, NGS, liquid biopsy, etc)
• Financial improvement efforts and ROI success stories
• Quality management or improvement efforts