The Medical Laboratory Science Education Scholarship Endowment Fund was established through The Research Foundation with a $25,000 donation from Lucia Johnson. Lucia spent most of her 40-year career as a laboratory professional at Research Medical Center.
Lucia understands how vital laboratory work is in health care. As with many professions in the health care field, there is a shortage of qualified medical laboratory scientists. The college major is arduous and day-to-day tasks must be performed with very few errors. Studies show that at least 70% of decisions made by physicians are based on results of laboratory tests. The analytic process to ensure accuracy and reliability of tests plays a large role in the diagnosis and treatment of patients. Laboratory workers often perform in demanding conditions and the salary hasn’t kept pace with other health care professionals that require similar education and responsibilities. Students also must complete clinical rotations that involve costly moves to other states for several months at a time. With all this in mind, Lucia decided to create more opportunities for fellow laboratory scientists.
"I hope scholarship recipients appreciate the financial assistance, and enjoy working in the profession as much as I did. I want them to be proud of the important role medical laboratory scientists have in health care."
She established the fund to address the current shortage of laboratory scientists and help students to complete their four-month internship. Lucia hopes the scholarship will attract students to Kansas City and encourage them to stay and work in our community.
Email info@theresearchfoundationkc.org to learn more about establishing a scholarship.
