Reflecting on Pathology and Lab Medicine Placement at RMIT University

This reflective paper details a student's experience during an educational placement at the RMIT University's pathology laboratory. The student reflects on the development of key skills, including reagent preparation, tissue processing for microscopic tests, and time management. The paper highlights hands-on experiences, such as serial dilution and tissue embedding, and discusses the challenges faced, including the lack of computer access for research, limitations on personal phone usage, and delegation of tasks. The reflection concludes with an assessment of the placement's benefits, emphasizing professional and personal growth, and the intention to apply the learned skills to future career endeavors. The student gained experience in preparing chemical reagents, particularly in performing serial dilutions and accurately weighing chemical powders. The student also enhanced expertise in tissue preparation, mastering techniques like embedding and staining. Furthermore, the student developed time management skills through multitasking. The placement provided opportunities for skill enhancement and professional development.

1Running head: PATHOLOGY AND LAB MEDICINE
Pathology and Lab Medicine
Name of student:
Name of university:
Author note:

PATHOLOGY AND LAB MEDICINE
Reflecting on the tenure of educational placements helps a learner in gaining
meaningful insights into developments made as well as the areas of further improvement
pertaining to skills and competencies1. In this paper, a reflection is put forward regarding
educational placement at the RMIT Univerisity as a part of professional development.
As a student learning core concepts of pathology and laboratory medicines, I value
my placement at the RMIT university. I was placed at the pathology laboratory of this
Australian public research university located in Melbourne, Victoria. The three essential
skills that I developed while working at the concerned laboratory were the preparation of
reagents, preparation of tissues for microscopic tests and time management.
While working at the laboratory, I gained valuable knowledge about the preparation
of chemical reagents, and this was more prominent as I received a hands-on experience of the
same. For instance, my skills in carrying out serial dilution of the solution with the help of
simple equation (n1 v1= n2 v2) increased rapidly. In addition, I learnt the process of
accurately weighing chemical powder and understood the importance of the same. My
expertise in preparation of tissue for microscopic tests also enhanced as I developed the
understanding of the significance of tissue handling and processing pertaining to accurate
results. The present semester required us to cut tissues, embed them and carry out staining
procedure. Previously, it was difficult for me to successfully embed tissues such as skin,
which I was able to overcome at the end of the placement. I also got a chance to carry out
different staining procedures and understand the application of each. Initially, it was
challenging to carry out certain staining procedures such as reticuline staining that requires a
clean background to be generated against the tissues. After struggling with this process
throughout the placement tenure, I was successful in learning the right technique.
1 Brown GA, Bull J, Pendlebury M. Assessing student learning in higher education. Routledge; 2013.

PATHOLOGY AND LAB MEDICINE
Time management skills is another key arena that I show development in after the
placement. By time management one refers to the ability to do planning, management and
regulation of time frame spend on a certain activity. This skill is noteworthy since it aids in
the reduction of workload through prioritisation of important tasks2. I learnt the method of
multitasking activities for ensuring that all tasks are accomplished within a certain time
frame.
At this juncture, I would also like to highlight the challenges I faced while working at
the RMIT laboratory. As a student, it is desirable to carry out extensive research in core field
which is enabled by the provision of a computer system. Since RMIT pathology laboratory
does not have any such provision, I faced difficulties in carrying out such research work. In
addition, I was answerable to the concerned authority for using my personal mobile phone as
I was thought to be using it for personal reasons while it was being used for research purpose.
I would also like to mention that delegating tasks that were not a part of my duties was not
appropriate. The absence of a laboratory assistant implied that we students had to complete
their set of responsibilities. Communication and interpersonal concerns also prevailed as I
was subjected to disrespect and insolence at times.
Coming to the end of the reflection I would like to conclude that the placement at the
RMIT laboratory was a significant one as it gave me chances of bringing in professional as
well as personal development. The placement was beneficial for me since I was presented
with the opportunity to enhance the core set of skills required for becoming an expert in the
2 Friess WA, Davis MP. Formative Homework Assessment Strategies to Promote Student Self-Reflection and
Improve Time Management: APilot Study. InProceedings of the ASEE NE 2016 Conference, Rhode Island, RI
2016.

PATHOLOGY AND LAB MEDICINE
field I am studying. The key learnings from the placement would be applied in future for
establishing a strong career in my field.

PATHOLOGY AND LAB MEDICINE
References
1. Brown GA, Bull J, Pendlebury M. Assessing student learning in higher education.
Routledge; 2013.
2. Friess WA, Davis MP. Formative Homework Assessment Strategies to Promote
Student Self-Reflection and Improve Time Management: APilot Study. InProceedings
of the ASEE NE 2016 Conference, Rhode Island, RI 2016.