1. What IS the Academy of Diagnostics & Laboratory Medicine?
The Academy of Diagnostics & Laboratory Medicine, known within our organization as “the Academy,” is a group of ADLM members who have doctoral degrees and who are considered scientifically engaged and distinguished laboratory experts. Members of the Academy, who are referred to as Academy Fellows, provide the leadership and research to move the profession forward to provide better health for patients worldwide. Academy Fellows’ expertise across all areas of lab medicine shapes science in the field, driving innovative solutions for patient care and creating the tools to bring greater visibility to the value of laboratory medicine.
2. What are the benefits of being an Academy Fellow?
Academy Fellows influence health policy and drive clinical guidelines and test strategy across the globe. Fellows move the practice of science forward through collaborations with globally recognized clinical societies and through publications and presentations within the international scientific and healthcare communities.
Fellowship in the Academy advances careers. Through the Academy, Fellows network with leaders in the field, contribute to evidence-based guidance, and author papers – all significant achievements that aid in building CVs and advancing through promotions.
3. Why did the Academy change its name?
In the fall of 2023, association members decisively voted to change the association’s name from AACC to the Association for Diagnostics & Laboratory Medicine (ADLM). This change officially took place on July 23, during the Opening Plenary session of the 2023 AACC Annual Scientific Meeting & Clinical Lab Expo.
As the broader organization’s name changed, the association’s Transition Task Force recommended -- and the Board of Directors approved -- that the name of AACC Academy be changed to the Academy of Diagnostics & Laboratory Medicine, or simply “the Academy.” This change was informed by the work of the ADLM Board of Directors and Transition Task Force, with significant input from the Academy Council, Academy Fellows, and other association members. This new name more accurately reflects the Academy’s current work – which goes far beyond clinical chemistry and spans across the broader field of laboratory medicine.
4. What are some examples of the work the Academy is currently doing?
The Academy is focused on creating relevant content to guide the laboratory community. Examples of this content include:
- Guidance Documents
- Laboratory Medicine Practice Guidelines (LMPGs)
- Optimal Testing Guides
- Scientific Shorts
Several Guidance Documents are in development on the following topics:
- Respiratory Virus Testing
- Lipid Testing
- Coagulation Testing in Patients Using Direct Oral Anticoagulants
- Emergency Department Toxicology
- Autoimmune Neurology Testing
- Data Analytics for Laboratory Medicine
The Academy is also working on initiatives that support ADLM’s Value of Lab Medicine strategy. More information on the Academy’s work in this area will be available soon.
5. What are the requirements for membership in the Academy?
Academy Fellows must be ADLM Professional Members who have doctoral degrees and at least five years of postdoctoral experience in clinical laboratory science. The specific membership requirements can be found here.
Please note that American Board of Clinical Chemistry (ABCC) certification or other board certification is NOT necessary if other criteria are met.
6. I am an Academy Fellow, but I have not been involved in recent activities. How do I get more involved?
- Volunteer! The Academy promotes opportunities to participate on Academy committees each year. We regularly need new participants to help select awards, review member applications, solicit Scientific Shorts, and create content. Information on all of these opportunities can be found on the Get Involved page of our website.
- Nominate Yourself! On an annual basis, the Academy puts out a call for nominations to fill Academy Council positions. Self-nominations are accepted, so watch your email for instructions on the process.
- Talk to a Council member! We are always looking for new content ideas, whether it be for an Annual Meeting Scientific Session or a Guidance Document. If you have an idea for content that you would like to suggest, contact a member of the Academy Council.
7. If I am not an Academy Fellow, can I contribute to the work of the Academy?
Absolutely. Here’s how:
- Write a Scientific Short! We accept Scientific Shorts from all willing contributors. Guidelines for submission can be found here.
- Participate in a Guidance Document writing group! If there is a certain topic you are passionate about, email [email protected] and let us know. We will pass your interest on to the appropriate parties.
- Review Academy content! Every Guidance Document and Laboratory Medicine Practice Guideline (LMPG) is posted for ADLM member comment as part of its review process. If you are an expert in the topic of the document, your feedback is much appreciated.
- Join the Academy! Review the criteria, and if you qualify, submit an application.
Questions? Email [email protected].