Meet our grads: Allison Fritz

Major: Medical Laboratory Science with an emphasis in Clinical Laboratory Science

Hometown and state: Beckley, WV

I will always remember the friends that turned into family while studying here at WVU.

I would tell my freshman self to trust the process and relax. It is easy to become disheartened when reality doesn't live up to your expectations, so I would urge myself to refrain from stressing about things that are out of my control and just enjoy the present.

My degree will allow me to help patients in a way that many people don't think about. 70% of the patient’s diagnosis comes from the lab’s interpretation of results. Since we are out of sight, we are often out of mind, so I think many patients and their family members disregard what a significant role the laboratory plays in patient care.

Why did you want to become a clinical laboratory scientist?

Being a clinical laboratory scientist allows you to be an active member of a healthcare team and make a difference in the outcomes of patient care. Many laboratory scientists are reaching retirement age, so the market for employment is at an all time high. The advanced curriculum and technical skills associated with this degree have also been excellent preparation for graduate school.

Why come to WVU?

As a West Virginia native, we take great pride in this university and the opportunities that it brings our state and its inhabitants. I always planned on attending WVU for grad school, so it seemed fitting to begin my college career here as well.

Tell us about your time here at the University.

I really enjoyed my time here as an undergraduate student. I was able to meet new people, travel to places I thought I’d never see, and I’ve learned more than I could have ever imagined. 

How have those experiences shaped you?

I feel as if my experiences here at WVU have shaped me into a more motivated and driven individual. These experiences have also taught me valuable leadership skills and what it means to be a part of a strong community.

Were you in any clubs or groups at WVU?

I was a member of the WVU pre-dental club, VIDA volunteer, and Mu Tau, which is an honorary society for for the MLS program. I am also a member of the honors college.

What do you find most interesting about CLS?

I love that CLS allows you to play a crucial role in the detection, diagnosis, and treatment of a variety of diseases. From detecting diabetes, cancer, and an array of other diseases to performing bone marrow transplants, medical laboratory scientists seem to have a hand in almost every clinical treatment. I believe that the variety of testing that clinical laboratory scientists perform keeps them sharp, and current with medical advances.

Looking back at your time here, is there anything you would have done differently?

If I could go back and do it all again, I would get more involved in WVU organizations. Being a part of clubs and organizations helps you get involved in the community and allows you to meet your peers that may have similar interests as you.

What advice would you give students coming into this program?

I would advise students coming into the program to take the time to get to know their professors. The small class size and small number of faculty allows for a more personal learning experience and one-on-one meetings upon request. All of our professors are more than willing to help, so incoming students should take full advantage of that opportunity.

How do you feel about walking across that stage? Nervous, excited? 

I’m incredibly excited for my entire family to see me walk across the stage to accept the diploma that I have worked so hard for.

What’s next for you?

I am grateful to say that I have accepted a seat in the WVU School of Dentistry’s class of 2023. I look forward to continuing my education and eventually moving back to my hometown in Southern WV to serve the state that has given me so much.