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But there’s another NSH educational gem that’s been around since the days of kodachromes—one many members don’t even realize exists. The NSH Laboratory Webinar Series (formerly the Teleconference Series) has quietly delivered high-quality, histology-focused education for nearly thirty years, curated—and often taught—by NSH members themselves.
Despite its long history, this program remains one of NSH’s best-kept secrets. Curious why it’s endured for decades? NSH CEO Aubrey Wanner shares the story behind this remarkable series and what makes it so valuable today.
Why Did NSH Start the Lab Webinar Series?
The program was originally created to bring histology-focused education directly to laboratories—without the need for travel. It was, essentially, distance education before the internet. The earliest version involved mailing kodachromes and cassette tapes to subscribing labs, while presenters delivered content and answered questions via telephone. As technology evolved, the program moved from physical media like tapes/CDs to fully online delivery through Zoom—yet its core strength never changed. The content has remained consistently relevant, practical, and firmly rooted in histology.
How Is the Program Designed?
One of the reasons the NSH Lab Webinar Series has thrived for nearly three decades is its people. From the beginning, the program has been shaped by histologists who know exactly what topics matter most in real labs, whether in hospitals, research facilities, or highly specialized niche settings.
The series has evolved over time to match the availability, technology, and time demands of our volunteer educators, but the heart of the program has always stayed the same: histologists teaching histologists.
In its early years, the series was championed by the legendary educator Peggy Wenk, who curated the lineup, recruited speakers, and taught countless sessions herself. When Peggy
passed the torch, new NSH volunteers stepped forward to carry the legacy.
Today, the program is guided by a dedicated advisory team (special shout-out to Toysha Mayer and April Schrenk) and supported by past contributors like Paule Alphonse, Heather Deutsch, Brandon Ward, and Robin Fitzl—along with many others who have generously shared their time and expertise.
Want to help shape the next chapter of this long-running program? We’d love to have you. Reach out at connie@nsh.org to get involved!
What Is Your Favorite Part About the Program?
The variety. Subscribers are exposed to a wide range of topics—from core safety practices and regulatory updates, to new and innovative techniques they may not otherwise encounter. We take pride in creating a series that appeals to different types of laboratories. Most webinar series are themed or focused around one topic area, but the Laboratory Webinar Program is curated with an eye toward the diverse skill sets and knowledge base histologists must bring to the workplace.
Over the last 20 years, what has been the biggest change you have seen in the program? Honestly, aside from the shift in technology, not much—and that’s something we’re proud of. The core hasn’t needed major changes because the demand for high-quality, histotechnology-focused education has never wavered. The program has remained strong, relevant, and trusted precisely because it continues to deliver what histologists value most.
Are you Subscribed?
As 2025 comes to a close, and we open registration for the 2026 NSH Laboratory Webinar Series, it is wonderful to reflect on one of our longest running programs, and to say thank you to all of the members that have, and continue to serve as advisors, speakers, and hosts!
See our entire 2026 program schedule here, but special thanks to the 2026 NSH Members presenting on the program:
- January, 28, 2026 - The Importance of Quality in the Histology Pathway – Presented by NSH member Robin Fitzl, Leica Biosystems
- March 25, 2026 - Laboratory Safety– Presented by NSH member Kathy Wilson, COLA Inc.
- June 24, 2026 - Histotechnology at the Crossroad of Spatial Biology – Presented by NSH member David Krull, GSK
- July 22, 2026 - EDTA: The Push for Increasing Molecular Yield – Presented by NSH member Michelle Bell, Milestone Medical
- August 26, 2026 - Basics of IHC – Presented by NSH member Anna Kuhn, Kings Daughters Hospital
- September 16, 2026 - Stain Game Histology Edition – Presented by NSH member Nicole Leon, Versiti Blood Research Institute
Written by: Connie Wildeman, MPA, Director of Education, NSH
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