Sheneice Joseph is a dedicated Medical Laboratory Technologist at Halton Healthcare. Having completed her clinical placement here as a student, Sheneice seamlessly transitioned into a full-time member of the team, where she has been making valuable contributions to patient care since her start in March 2024.
We met up with Sheneice to talk about her passion for science and equitable healthcare access for all.
Q: What unique challenges have you observed that Black individuals face in accessing laboratory services, and how do you think these challenges can be addressed?
A: A significant issue is the need for more diverse blood donors, especially for patients with sickle cell disease who require multiple transfusions, as this inherited blood disorder predominantly affects people of African ancestry. For sickle cell patients, it’s crucial that the blood received is closely matched to their own blood type to reduce the risk of complications. The limited ethnic diversity in the donor pool means it can be difficult to find closely matched blood for these patients.
To address this, we need to encourage more Black individuals to donate blood. By raising awareness about the importance of diverse blood donation, we can improve access to essential services.
Q: What inspired you to pursue a career as a medical laboratory technologist, and how has your journey been so far?
A: I have always loved science - I completed my undergrad at McMaster University, where I studied chemical biology. I went on to attend the Medical Laboratory Science Program at the Michener Institute of Education at UHN for my specialized training, where I graduated with the second highest average in my class, and was honoured to receive the Silver Academic Award of Excellence. This was a proud moment for me and my family and is a testament to Black excellence in our field.
I have always been drawn to the hands-on aspect of lab work and the opportunity to be part of a healthcare team. The field has been incredibly rewarding.
Q: How do you think education and awareness about laboratory services can help improve health outcomes in the Black community?
A: Education and awareness about laboratory services are crucial for improving health outcomes. By empowering people to ask questions and seek clarity about their health – like understanding what certain tests and test results mean – they can advocate for themselves more effectively. This approach can lead to better health decisions and ultimately improve the well-being of our community.
Q: Can you share a personal experience that shaped your understanding of the importance of equitable healthcare access as it relates to laboratory services?
A: This came when my dad was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes, a condition that disproportionately affects Black individuals. This experience highlighted the importance of having equal access to healthcare services, including undergoing diagnostic laboratory testing, seeing the right specialist, and ensuring the appropriate medications for effective management.
I recognize that universal healthcare can make a significant difference, but I also understand that being able to access the right resources is a privilege that not everyone has. This drives my commitment to advocating for equitable access to laboratory services and healthcare for all.