Laura Severs

About Laura Severs

Throughout my fifteen-year career in laboratory medicine and pathology, I have learned that lasting impact comes not only from what we do, but how we do it – and who we bring along with us. Three lessons have shaped how I lead and mentor today: influence is earned through trust, vision, and clear communication; transformation begins with people, not technology; and visibility is power – those who tell the story shape the future. At the core of all three is a single foundation: meaningful relationships.

Although laboratory medicine underpins more than 70 percent of medical decisions, it often operates behind the scenes. One of my professional missions has been to reposition the laboratory as more than a support function – as a strategic partner in patient-centered care. I have built multidisciplinary collaborations that amplify the laboratory’s voice in both clinical and operational strategy, ensuring our contributions are visible, valued, and focused on improving patient outcomes.

Mentorship, for me, is about creating space for others to grow into their most impactful selves – grounded in science, driven by relationships, and centered on the patient. As a mentor, I see it as both a responsibility and a privilege to help future leaders excel not only in their technical roles but also in their broader purpose: improving lives through science and service. I coach a team of emerging and established leaders to keep the patient at the center, innovate through collaboration, and use their influence to drive change across traditional boundaries. I encourage them to tell their own stories with confidence, align their work with system-wide goals, and build strong relationships – because that’s where transformation truly happens.

Too often, innovation is layered on top of legacy processes, which stifles progress. To address this, I have volunteered with professional societies and not-for-profits to provide leadership development that reframes the role of the laboratory. I also helped develop an upskilling Bioscience Certificate program at Washington University in St. Louis that integrates technical training with strategic thinking and systems leadership. The curriculum emphasizes collaboration, empathy, communication, and visibility – competencies essential for navigating the future of health care.

Through this work, I aim to shape professionals who do more than execute tasks. I want to inspire leaders who bring heart to their science, amplify the laboratory’s role in health systems, and drive meaningful progress regardless of job title.