Healthcare Spotlights
Allison Klauer '13
Employer
American Red Cross/ Medical Laboratory Scientist
1. Tell us about your journey since graduation.
Immediately after graduation I was hired full time by my clinical
site at Spectrum Health. I worked in the regional laboratory for 5
years as a generalist and developed a huge passion for blood banking.
In 2018, I accepted a job at the American Red Cross reference
laboratory in Columbia SC. Working in a reference lab was my dream job
as I would be trained in some of the most complex testing procedures.
South Carolina also has an extensive sickle cell population which has
given me the opportunity to learn hands-on with very complex and rare
blood banking cases that I otherwise would not have been exposed to.
2. Share a favorite Grand Valley memory.
My Honors College study abroad trip to Ghana was life changing.
Our group was introduced to Challenging Heights, a non-profit that
rescues and rehabilitates children enslaved in the fishing industry. I
was also given the opportunity to shadow several people in the public
health sector and saw behind the scenes of how health care operates in
another country. I was so out of my comfort zone being fully immersed
in another culture and language, but I met some truly amazing people
and learned so much about the world outside of US borders.
3. What's the best piece of advice you've ever received?
"Assume positive intent." This advice was given to me
by a supervisor years ago and it has been fundamental in maintaining
happiness both in the work place and in life. It's so easy to be
critical of decisions being made by others, especially if I disagree
with them. But when I assume positive intent, it breaks down that gut
reaction of "they're wrong", and encourages me to be open to
new ideas.
4. List three words you would use to describe your Grand
Valley experience.
Transformative, challenging, fun
5. What difference would you like to make in the world?
I am always advocating for my profession in hopes to inspire
young scientists to join our field. Because we work behind the scenes,
we are often an invisible team despite being a crucial part of the
health care system. Every day, the work we do directly impacts
people's lives. Whether it's identifying new cancer cells, preparing
blood for transfusion, reporting critical results quickly, or dozens
of other scenarios, we make a difference every day to someone.
May 2021
Interest Area(s)
Medical Laboratory Science
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