Wow, talk about someone who has really done it all! Meet Mallory J. Yelenich-Huss, M.D.
After completing her BA in Behavioral Neuroscience - Psychology, Mallory applied to medical school. Although she was initially not accepted into medical school, she knew she still wanted to work in the health sciences. Wanting to get more experience, she pursued a position as a surgical aide at Regions Hospital for the next three years.
During her time in that role, she continued working on her medical school application and actively networked with professionals across a number of positions at the hospital. She asked critical questions to find another profession she would enjoy, in the event she would not be accepted into medical school. One day, while bringing specimens to the pathology lab, she asked her colleagues in that department about their degree and how they achieved their current positions. Finding their work fascinating, she learned more about laboratory science degrees, and decided to apply to what was then called the Clinical Laboratory Sciences program, now the Medical Laboratory Sciences Program at the University of Minnesota.
Dr. Yelenich-Huss describes her time in the MLS program as an incredible learning experience which set her up to later reapply for medical school. She notes how instrumental the MLS background was for her acceptance into the University of Minnesota Medical School, and her success in becoming the surgeon she is today.
After graduating with a BS in Clinical Laboratory Science in 2009, she worked in a clinical lab at Fairview University Hospital for 6 months, and then began medical school. From there, she did her surgical residency at the University of North Dakota, then matched with the Breast Surgery Oncology Fellowship in Dallas at Baylor University Medical Center. Today, she is a successful attending as a Breast Surgical Oncologist, and Specialist in General Surgery in Maple Grove, MN.
While Dr. Yelenich-Huss has pursued additional steps in her medical career, she affirms her love and appreciation for her MLS degree, and states that she absolutely could have seen herself staying in that field for her whole career. She enjoys the nature of solving problems, practicing applied science, working with her hands, and answering questions only someone with MLS knowledge can. She credits the MLS degree in giving her a solid foundation, with many transferable skills, which has allowed her to be the well-rounded doctor she is today.
For those thinking about a career in MLS, Dr. Yelenich-Huss recognizes how instrumental this degree is for those who want to work in applied science. This degree can absolutely be used as a stepping stone if you are looking for a path into other health sciences. At the same time, this degree is also an excellent stand-alone profession. There is an endless list of ways an MLS graduate can utilize their degree, but to name a select few, one may get into: laboratory management, teaching, working in specialty labs, microbiology & pathology labs, blood banking, working with the Department of Health, and other public health related fields. She notes, “It really is hard to say only one profession, and it can be hard to define, as the opportunities are so broad.”
Naming some of the significant takeaways from her experience as an MLS student, she recounts the long lasting friendships and professional relationships she has built. For students entering the program, she highlights how impactful the small class sizes are, and that the core classes are grouped together with the same students. This led to a tight-knit group of peers and future colleagues who held study groups, worked together, solved problems, and through it all, became lifelong friends. The program gave her the opportunity to both learn from and teach her peers; in turn, making her a better student and future surgeon. The small class sizes also created a welcoming environment to connect with professors, ask questions, and find needed support within the program. Mallory is still very connected to her peers and professors, and maintains friendships with many to this day.
The overarching theme to Dr. Yelenich-Huss’ interview is this: the MLS degree is an incredibly diverse and exciting career with endless opportunities in a wide range of fields. There is always a need for professionals in MLS. Further, if you are someone interested in this field, and the health sciences, you can absolutely begin your training and education with MLS, and use the transferable skills to pursue further education. The MLS degree is an outstanding program, and she encourages you to explore what this degree could mean for you!