Laboratory Manager
What is your role with Community Healthcare System?
Laboratory manager at Community Hospital.
What was your inspiration for getting into healthcare?
My interest in science started at a young age. In college, I had considered going to medical school but then participated in a continuing medical education externship at St. Mary Medical Center. I shadowed different physicians, including Dr. Heidi Nordbrock in the laboratory, and her work really intrigued me. The scope of the work performed in the laboratory is quite expansive, with certified medical laboratory scientists being a crucial part to the everyday operations of the hospital. The field of medical laboratory science allows me to incorporate my science background and knowledge with my passion for patient care.
What is a typical day like for you?
My day-to-day responsibilities include monitoring and assessing quality metrics, supervising employee compliance with policies and procedures, and providing technical oversight in the clinical areas within the lab. In the field of laboratory medicine, no day looks the same. We process a large volume of samples each and every day for various tests needed to optimize patient care.
How long have you been employed here?
I started with the system as a medical laboratory science student in July 2016, and shortly thereafter, in November 2016, started as a student fellow in the Microbiology Department. Since that time, I have served as a medical laboratory scientist, point-of-care supervisor, off-shift supervisor, and now laboratory manager. I have been with the healthcare system for over six years.
What are some of the big changes you have experienced in this position?
Over the years, I have seen new instruments and devices be implemented across the laboratory system. Technology has improved, allowing us to provide faster and more accurate results. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the critical need for medical laboratory scientists across the country. The specialized training and high level of expertise needed for some of the testing performed did not go unnoticed during these unprecedented times.
What are some of your interests outside of work? What is your favorite “local gem?”
I enjoy cooking, baking and crafting. For the past several years, Mary Puntillo (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) and I have made Halloween costumes for the babies in the NICU. These range from crayons, butterflies and princesses to bats and ghosts. Also, I enjoy traveling. My goal is to visit all 50 states because I think there are so many neat things to within our country. One of my favorite local spots is the Indiana Dunes National Park.
What do you enjoy most about working at Community Healthcare System?
I love that Community Healthcare System is a well-respected employer and forward-thinking institution in Northwest Indiana. The departments work together well as an interdisciplinary team, and the camaraderie among staff makes coming to work each day enjoyable.