Maimuna my friend, a veteran medical laboratory scientist, was just telling me the other day something that happend at her organisation, she said she had had to watch senior stakeholders select a new diagnostic platform without consulting her on workflow integration or sustainability. Maimuna is the current Head of Laboratory Opeations, has worked in the Lab for almost 15 years, rising from Phlebotomy to Lab Manager to the role she currently occupies.
Months later, unexpected maintenance costs and inefficiencies started to derail the project for which all the conversations were had. “If only they’d asked someone who actually understands how laboratories work,” she sighed.
What if you could step into that role before the missteps occur?
Why Laboratory Scientists Are Consulting Gold
Your frontline expertise translates into:
- Operational Reality: You know which workarounds thrive in resource-limited settings.
- Implementation Insight: You’ve navigated protocol roll-outs under real-world constraints.
- Instant Credibility: Clients trust your proven track record.
- Proactive Problem-Solving: You spot pitfalls before they become crises.
- Practical Recommendations: Your solutions actually get implemented.
The Consulting Landscape: Where You Can Shine
- Laboratory Design & Setup: From bench layout to equipment placement
- Quality Management Systems: Building QMS that earn ISO 15189 accreditation
- Accreditation Preparation: Navigating rigorous certification processes
- Method Validation: Ensuring tests perform under local conditions
- Operational Efficiency: Optimizing staff, space, and supplies for peak productivity
- Information Systems: Selecting and integrating LIMS that truly work
- Training & Capacity Building: Crafting hands-on programs that stick
- Diagnostic Strategy: Advising on test menus aligned with population needs.
The African Opportunity Is Tremendous
- Market Growth: The Middle East & Africa clinical laboratory services market is projected at USD 9.59 billion from 2023–2033
- Accreditation Gap: Only 380 laboratories in sub-Saharan Africa hold international accreditation, 91% are in South Africa, and 37 of 49 countries have none
- Policy Momentum: The African Union and Africa CDC’s diagnostics initiatives are driving demand for specialist advisors.
- Public & Private Synergy: Governments, NGOs, and private chains alike are investing in lab strengthening, consultants who “speak lab” are essential.
Special Feature: Market Access Africa’s Consulting Expertise
Since I currently play in this space, I want to take a minute for a special feature on my organization. At Market Access Africa, we specialize in Diagnostic Products Commercialization and Introduction to the African market amongst other things.
Our dedicated Commercial Life Science & Regulatory Affairs Unit is a unique team of highly skilled professionals. We are specialists at building Go to Market strategies, market entry frameworks, regulatory navigation, and much more.
If you ever need healthcare or diagnostic consulting expertise, let me be the first name you remember, take a step further and check out our website- www.marketaccess.africa
Pathways into Consulting
- Firm-Based: Join consultancies serving healthcare clients.
- Independent: Start with niche projects, build case studies, then expand.
- Hybrid: Consult part-time while maintaining your current role until demand solidifies.
Beyond Technical Mastery: Essential Consulting Skills
- Problem Framing: Uncover the real issue beneath surface symptoms
- Solution Development: Design context-appropriate, scalable recommendations
- Project Management: Deliver on scope, schedule, and budget
- Communication: Translate complex data into persuasive narratives
- Business Acumen: Price services, manage finances, and measure ROI
- Networking: Cultivate trust with clients, peers, and stakeholders
The Economics: Consulting Pays Off
- Superior Rates: Daily consulting fees often exceed equivalent employment pay.
- Value-Based Pricing: Align your earnings with client outcomes.
- Scalable Models: Develop tools, templates, and training modules for passive income.
Your Next Steps
- Identify 2–3 lab challenges you solve best.
- Document real-world successes (e.g., reduced turnaround times by 40%).
- Draft a clear service menu with deliverables and timelines.
- Map potential clients: private chains, NGOs, ministries.
- Reach Out: A single coffee chat can launch your consulting journey!
P.S. Looking for a community to explore consulting opportunities, swap tips, and grow together? 👉 Join #Bench2BusinessFellows. Kindly fill this form and I will add you to the community- https://bit.ly/benchtobusinessfellows
