MCC Alum Works on Frontlines of Testing for COVID-19

Alex Pum works on the frontlines of testing for COVID-19. A Middlesex Community College alum of the college’s Medical Laboratory Program, Pum works as a second shift Senior Medical Technologist at Lowell General Hospital. In this role, he performs lab testing and processes and provides results, which includes for COVID-19.

Although the practice of assuming patients are infectious when treating them is not new to COVID-19, Pum believes it is more important now than ever to remain adaptable at work because “yesterday’s information might already be too old.”

“One of the best pieces of advice I have heard is to act as if you have a current infection with the coronavirus,” he said. “We have a responsibility to protect each other. Our actions truly have a certain weight to them.”

The student in him also wants to remind people to check sources to ensure they are “credible and reputable” as so much information streams in about COVID-19.

It was at Middlesex where Pum learned how to relate the theory he studied in his classes to practical experiences in the lab. He credits his professors – Sue McHale and Chris Laviolette – for their guidance.

Having professors who also worked in the field was valuable and relevant to him.

“Science is an ever-changing field,” he said. “So a fresh and current perspective is always enlightening.”

The program was like a little family of support for him. Pum worked full-time at night while taking classes, so he would sleep when he could – including at school, in-between classes. He believes that because MCC has a diverse population of students with an assortment of needs, his classmates and professors were understanding and would wake him up for class.

“It was comforting to know that my professors knew my story and that they believed in me,” he said. “I was absolutely expected to do my work, study and attend classes. They just had the gentle hand I needed at the time.”

Amid the pandemic, McHale has had to alter the Med Lab Tech program to keep students safe and on track with their learning – and to continue offering support.

Under normal circumstances, students complete a competency-based bootcamp before being allowed to complete clinical experience at a hospital. This would usually be on-campus, but as MCC has had to adhere to social distancing, McHale instituted a virtual laboratory experience in its place.

“Faculty developed intensive simulations in the areas of microbiology and urinalysis using photography and videography to build patient case studies, while the college supported our needs in other clinical disciplines allowing for the purchase of software to enhance student learning,” McHale said. “Students complete these assignments independently using our LMS and the faculty provide continuous support and guidance when needed.”

In addition to spearheading donations of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to Lowell General from Middlesex, McHale also collaborates with faculty and clinical experts in hospitals and in the industry. The team shares tips and tools to enhance the learning outcomes for future medical laboratorians. This allows graduates of the program an opportunity to develop more advanced clinical thinking skills in the field.

It’s this commitment to success from McHale, the Med Lab Tech Program and MCC that prepares students like Pum to be workforce ready – despite unexpected challenges that arise.

“I do not think I could have done as well as I could have if I had done it anywhere else,” Pum said. “It is not an exaggeration to say that MCC has been life changing.”

For more information on MCC’s Medical Laboratory Technician program, contact Suzanne McHale, Program Coordinator, at mchales@middlesex.mass.edu or call 978-322-8412.

MCC’s Quickstart Summer Session and Summer Sessions 1 and 2 will feature enhanced online learning options. Summer is a great time for students to take general requirements.

Visit www.middlesex.mass.edu/registration/ or call 1-800-818-3434 for more information and to register for classes.

Discover your path at Middlesex Community College. As one of the largest, most comprehensive community colleges in Massachusetts, we educate, engage and empower a diverse community of learners. MCC offers more than 80 degree and certificate programs – plus hundreds of noncredit courses – on our campuses in Bedford and Lowell, and online. Middlesex Community College: Student success starts here!