Candice Hatcher-Bush
Katy
Summary
Results-driven Laboratory Operations Leader and certified Medical Technologist with over 10 years managing clinical laboratory teams and optimizing testing processes. Led high-volume COVID-19 testing operations, processing over 8,000 samples daily while ensuring regulatory compliance. Expertise includes laboratory management, process improvement, and project execution.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
LABORATORY MANAGER
Houston Methodist Hospital
Houston
11.2021 - Current
- Lead operations and performance management for a 45-member laboratory team in a high-volume ambulatory care environment.
- Direct staffing strategy, scheduling, and performance management to ensure operational efficiency and service excellence
- Improved workflow efficiency and reduced specimen recollections and registration errors through targeted process improvements
- Strengthened compliance with CAP and safety standards by proactively identifying and mitigating operational risks
- Led cross-functional collaboration with clinical teams to enhance patient care delivery and turnaround times
- Manage departmental budget and resource allocation to maintain cost-effective operations
- Resolve complex escalations and patient concerns, reinforcing a culture of accountability and service excellence
- Built a high-performing team culture through coaching, conflict resolution, and continuous staff development
MICROBIOLOGY/MOLECULAR TECHNICAL SUPERVISOR
Labcorp
Houston
05.2019 - 11.2021
- Oversaw 36 staff members in high-volume microbiology and molecular testing operations, enhancing team performance and service delivery.
- Launched and scaled a COVID-19 testing program processing 8,000 samples/day, significantly expanding lab capacity
- Managed monthly throughput of 100,000+ microbiology specimens, ensuring accuracy and turnaround time targets
- Validated and implemented molecular assays (COVID-19, HPV, GC/Chlamydia, Trichomonas) using Hologic Panther systems
- Drove process improvements that reduced operational costs and improved efficiency
- Ensured compliance with CLIA, CAP, and ISO standards through rigorous quality control and audits
- Led departmental planning, staffing, and performance optimization during high-demand periods
- Facilitated team alignment through regular meetings, communication, and feedback loops
SENIOR MEDICAL TECHNOLOGIST-MICROBIOLOGY
Baylor CHI St. Luke's Health
Houston
01.2019 - 10.2020
- Delivered senior technical expertise in microbiology operations, enhancing staff training effectiveness
- Proficient in plate reading SOCs, Wounds, Bloods, Urines and AFB slides
- Performed and efficiently read Kirby Bauer's, E-test, Sensititre and identification panels
- Partnered with Infectious Disease Physicians to support clinical decision-making
- Contributed to clinical studies for LVAD patients, facilitating research advancements
- Improved organism identification accuracy using MALDI-TOF and advanced testing methods
- Developed detailed QC reports, ensuring laboratory quality standards and regulatory compliance
- Trained and mentored new technologists, strengthening team capability
LEAD MEDICAL TECHNOLOGIST-MICROBIOLOGY
The University of Mississippi Medical Center
Jackson
02.2017 - 01.2019
- Skilled plate reader in urines, blood cultures, wounds, body fluids, anaerobes, stools and respiratory cultures
- Led daily microbiology operations and supervised staff across bacteriology, mycology, and parasitology
- Monitored Bac-T Alert machine, ensuring timely identification of positive and negative blood cultures
- Identified bacteria, molds, yeast, parasites, tuberculosis, and other related organisms
- Supported CAP inspections, contributing to successful accreditation readiness and compliance
- Mentored and onboarded new hires and students, improving training efficiency
- Troubleshot instrumentation and process issues to maintain uninterrupted operations
- Verified analytic accuracy, precision, sensitivity, and reference ranges, ensuring reliable test results
MEDICAL TECHNOLOGIST (GENERALIST)
Merit Health River Region Medical Center
Vicksburg
08.2013 - 02.2017
- Prepared blood products, including plasma, platelets, and cryoprecipitate, for transfusions through blood group, type, and compatibility testing, ensuring safe patient care.
- Performed routine, moderate and high complexity tests on all blood and bodily fluids
- Assisted in all laboratory areas (hematology, chemistry, microbiology, and blood bank) to maintain appropriate patient care.
- Detected organisms through plating cultures and streaking techniques
- Utilized automated equipment and computerized instruments
- Monitored and documented temperatures in refrigerators and freezers to ensure proper storage conditions.
- Completed and reported all tests promptly, ensuring accurate documentation to support timely clinical decisions.
- Performed daily, weekly, and monthly instrument function checks and preventative maintenance, ensuring reliable lab operations and compliance with standards.
Education
Master of Public Health - Public Health
Jackson State University
Jackson, MS01-2016
Bachelor of Science - Medical Laboratory Science
The University of Mississippi Medical Center
Jackson, MS01-2013
Bachelor of Science - Biological Science
Mississippi College
Clinton, MS01-2011
Ph.D. - Healthcare Administration
Oklahoma State University
Stillwater, OK04-2026
Skills
- Laboratory Operations Management
- Project Leadership
- Process Improvement (Six Sigma)
- Regulatory Compliance (CLIA, CAP, ISO)
- QA Procedure Development
- Team Leadership & Development
Microbiology & Molecular Diagnostics - Quality Assurance & Risk Mitigation
- Workflow Optimization
- Data Analysis (SPSS, SAS)
- EHR Systems (Epic, Cerner)
Certification
- Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers, American Heart Association, Expiration Date: June 2027
- Certified Medical Technologist, American Medical Technologist (AMT) Member ID # 2675550
- OSHA (General Industry Safety Health) Certified
- Six Sigma Green Belt Certified, Management and Strategy Institute - 2021, Certification #73268839
- High Performance Teams Certified, Management and Strategy Institute, 2021,
Certification #73268838
Accomplishments
Trained new staff on laboratory instrumentation, such as Vitek II, MALDI-TOF, Biofire (FilmArray System) Sensititre, MicroScan, Exalenz (Breath Bags) and Cepheid Infinity, Panther Fusion, Virtuo, Sysmex XT 400i, BioRad(D-10), Osmometer3320, Sysmex CA 1500, Clinitek Atlas 5002, Siemens Dimension EXL-with LM, Siemens Versacell X3 and Centaur XP to ensure consistent quality and precision.
Activities
- Chair-Diagnostic and Therapeutic Council: 2023-2024
- Cochair-Diagnostic and Therapeutic Council: 2022-2023
- Phlebotomy Instructor-Houston Methodist Medical Laboratory Science Program
Awards
- Labcorp-Laboratorian of the Year, 2020
- The University of Mississippi Medical Center-University Physicians: Department of Pathology Award, 2011
Timeline
LABORATORY MANAGER
Houston Methodist Hospital
11.2021 - Current
MICROBIOLOGY/MOLECULAR TECHNICAL SUPERVISOR
Labcorp
05.2019 - 11.2021
SENIOR MEDICAL TECHNOLOGIST-MICROBIOLOGY
Baylor CHI St. Luke's Health
01.2019 - 10.2020
LEAD MEDICAL TECHNOLOGIST-MICROBIOLOGY
The University of Mississippi Medical Center
02.2017 - 01.2019
MEDICAL TECHNOLOGIST (GENERALIST)
Merit Health River Region Medical Center
08.2013 - 02.2017
Master of Public Health - Public Health
Jackson State University
Bachelor of Science - Medical Laboratory Science
The University of Mississippi Medical Center
Bachelor of Science - Biological Science
Mississippi College
Ph.D. - Healthcare Administration
Oklahoma State University