Let's Talk Micro

Luis Plaza

Clinical microbiology explained in simple terms, suitable for students and microbiologists alike. We discuss organisms, reactions, infectious diseases, and more. Hosted by Luis Plaza, a Medical Laboratory Scientist and microbiologist, who also shares his experiences in the field.

  1. 6日前

    239: Inside ASM Microbe 2026

    ASM Microbe is the largest microbiology meeting in the United States, bringing together thousands of scientists, laboratorians, clinicians, and industry partners to discuss the latest advances in microbiology. In this episode, Luis shares highlights from ASM Microbe 2026, including sessions on diagnostic challenges, antimicrobial resistance, rapid susceptibility testing, emerging therapeutics, laboratory automation, phage therapy, and whole-genome sequencing. Topics include a Brucella case that reinforces the importance of Gram stain interpretation, updates on resistance mechanisms in Pseudomonas aeruginosa and KPC-producing organisms, advances in rapid AST, and innovations showcased in the vendor hall. Luis also discusses several posters that caught his attention, covering pharyngeal gonorrhea, direct-from-specimen susceptibility testing, phage testing, rapid resistance reporting for Mycobacterium abscessus, and CRISPR-based diagnostics for bloodstream infections. Whether you attended ASM Microbe 2026 or couldn't make it this year, this episode provides a practical overview of some of the trends, technologies, and conversations shaping the future of clinical microbiology. Topics Discussed: • Diagnostic challenges in clinical microbiology • Rapid identification and susceptibility testing • Antimicrobial resistance and emerging therapies • ESKAPE pathogens and Pseudomonas aeruginosa • Laboratory automation and AI-assisted workflows • Phage therapy and phage susceptibility testing • Whole-genome sequencing and CRISPR diagnostics Stay connected with Let's Talk Micro: Website: letstalkmicro.com Questions or feedback? Email me at letstalkmicro@outlook.com Interested in being a guest on Let's Talk Micro? Fill out the form here: https://forms.gle/V2fT3asjfyusmqyi8 Support the podcast: Venmo Buy me a Ko-fi

    21分
  2. 6月18日

    238: From the Bench to CPEP: An MLS Journey

    What does it take to go from working at the bench to becoming a future clinical microbiology laboratory director? In this episode, Luis is joined by Dr. Mackenzie Collins, a CPEP fellow at UCLA, to discuss her journey from Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) to PhD scientist and CPEP fellow. Mackenzie shares how she discovered laboratory medicine, her experience working as an MLS in molecular microbiology, and the mentors and opportunities that helped shape her career path. The conversation explores the CPEP fellowship, the role of laboratory directors, and how MLS professionals can strengthen their applications through projects, research, presentations, and professional involvement. Mackenzie also discusses her PhD work involving HIV reservoirs and long-read sequencing, and why genomics and molecular diagnostics will continue to play an increasingly important role in clinical microbiology. Whether you're considering graduate school, interested in the CPEP fellowship, or exploring career paths in laboratory medicine, this episode offers a firsthand look at one MLS's journey from the bench to clinical microbiology leadership. Topics discussed: The MLS-to-CPEP pathway and transitioning from the bench to graduate school Mentorship, professional development, and building a competitive application The role of clinical microbiology laboratory directors and career opportunities beyond the bench Sequencing, genomics, and the future of clinical microbiology Additional Resources CPEP Fellowship Overview with Dr. Sam Goodfellow Interested in learning more about the CPEP Fellowship? In this episode, Dr. Sam Goodfellow discusses the structure of the program, the application process, and what to expect from CPEP training. https://directory.libsyn.com/episode/index/id/36395120 Understanding the ABMM Certification Examination Learn more about the American Board of Medical Microbiology (ABMM) certification, its importance for future laboratory directors, and what candidates can expect from the examination process. https://directory.libsyn.com/episode/index/id/35868345 Stay connected with Let's Talk Micro: Website: letstalkmicro.com Questions or feedback? Email me at letstalkmicro@outlook.com Interested in being a guest on Let's Talk Micro? Fill out the form here: https://forms.gle/V2fT3asjfyusmqyi8 Support the podcast: Venmo Buy me a Ko-fi

    51分

番組について

Clinical microbiology explained in simple terms, suitable for students and microbiologists alike. We discuss organisms, reactions, infectious diseases, and more. Hosted by Luis Plaza, a Medical Laboratory Scientist and microbiologist, who also shares his experiences in the field.

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