Christopher Cruz
Abilene,USA
Summary
Directed healthcare operations with over 20 years of expertise in sterile processing, surgical technology, and medical office administration across hospitals, outpatient centers, and the U.S. Navy.
Overview
1
1
Certification
23
23
years of professional experience
Work History
Sterile Processing Manager
University of Miami | Bascom Palmer Eye Institute
08.2022 - Current
- - Lead and manage Sterile Processing and Perioperative Aide teams to support surgical services and operating rooms.
- - Oversee compliance with DNV, AAMI, APIC, AORN, and infection control standards.
- - Develop and monitor quality indicators (e.g., biologicals, wet loads) and productivity metrics (CEI).
- - Manage inventory, vendor relations, capital equipment planning, and departmental budgeting.
- - Supervise staff lifecycle: recruitment, onboarding, training, evaluation, and corrective actions.
- - Drive departmental improvements through Lean processes and performance data analysis.
- - Maintain documentation for regulatory readiness, competencies, and continuing education.
Sterile Processing Manager
Texas Health Resources – HEB Hospital
01.2016 - 04.2021
- - Directed Sterile Processing operations during a $15M department redesign project.
- - Introduced and managed the Censis Instrument Tracking System.
- - Consolidated and restructured three separate teams into a unified SPD unit with 15 FTEs.
- - Oversaw equipment acquisition, vendor coordination, and hospital-wide instrument transport.
- - Provided leadership in staff training, workflow redesign, and compliance monitoring.
- - Committees served on: Joint Commission Readiness, Environment of Care, Water Quality, Shared Governance and Quality Improvement.
Practice Operations Manager
Central Park ENT & Surgery Center
01.2014 - 01.2016
- - Managed day-to-day office operations, including medical billing, coding, revenue cycle processes, collections, and human resources functions to ensure efficient and compliant clinic operations.
- - Supervised and supported a team of 20+ staff members through hiring, onboarding, scheduling, training, and performance management while promoting accountability, engagement, and high service standards.
- - Ensured full compliance with HIPAA regulations, payer requirements, and internal policies by implementing standardized procedures, conducting audits, and providing ongoing staff education.
- - Oversaw administrative and financial functions including supply procurement, provider scheduling, daily deposits, insurance verification, claims submission and follow-up, and patient billing communications.
- - Implemented and maintained operational policies, inventory control systems, and performance tracking tools to strengthen consistency, regulatory compliance, and financial accuracy.
- - Evaluated and optimized office workflows to improve efficiency, reduce errors, enhance patient experience, and better align staffing and resources with operational demand.
SPD Supervisor
Scripps Green Hospital
01.2012 - 01.2014
- - Supervised and supported a team of 15 Sterile Processing Technicians responsible for the decontamination, assembly, sterilization, and distribution of more than 10,000 surgical instruments and devices supporting multiple surgical service lines.
- - Ensured strict compliance with sterilization standards, infection prevention protocols, and regulatory requirements (AAMI, AORN, Joint Commission, and internal policies), maintaining readiness for audits and continuous quality improvement.
- - Coordinated daily operations and case cart workflows in close partnership with the Main Operating Room, case scheduling, and surgical leadership to ensure on-time instrument availability and minimize case delays.
- - Supported recruitment, onboarding, and training efforts while maintaining employee competency records, continuing education documentation, and annual validation requirements.
- - Monitored quality metrics, tray accuracy, biological testing results, and process audits to identify gaps, implement corrective actions, and strengthen patient safety outcomes.
Surgical Technologist / Hospital Corpsman
U.S. Navy
01.2004 - 01.2012
- - Provided direct surgical assistance, instrument handling, sterilization support, and perioperative patient care across all major surgical service lines, including general surgery, orthopedics, ENT, ophthalmology, neurosurgery, cardiovascular, plastics, urology, OB/GYN, trauma, and specialty procedures in high-acuity, fast-paced environments.
- - Supervised, trained, and coordinated 25 surgical technologists across multiple surgical suites and service lines, ensuring appropriate staffing coverage, adherence to sterile technique, and consistent compliance with clinical, safety, and regulatory standards.
- - Maintained accurate military medical logs, procedural documentation, and operational reports while supporting daily clinical operations, readiness requirements, and quality assurance activities across diverse surgical programs.
- - Administered first aid and assisted with emergency response, pre-operative preparation, intraoperative support, and post-operative processes to ensure patient safety, surgical continuity, and mission readiness.
- - Supported surgeons, anesthesiology teams, nurses, and perioperative leadership with equipment preparation, case coordination, and cross-service workflow management to optimize operating room efficiency and surgical throughput.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Healthcare Administration
Southern New Hampshire University
Manchester, NHSurgical Technologist
Naval School of Health and Sciences San Diego
San Diego, CAMaster of Science - Healthcare Management
Southern New Hampshire University
Manchester, NHSkills
- Achieved efficient central sterile processing and SPD management outcomes
- Enhanced surgical instrumentation practices and optimized aseptic techniques
- Delivered effective operations and perioperative support solutions
- Strengthened infection control protocols and maintained regulatory compliance
- Drove process improvement initiatives through lean CEI implementation
- Cultivated staff development and supervision for increased productivity
- Optimized budgeting, inventory, and capital planning for resource efficiency
- Streamlined vendor management and equipment procurement to reduce costs
- Ensured full compliance with HIPAA regulations and mastered medical terminology
- Leveraged military leadership skills to enhance team dynamics and performance
Certification
- CRCST (Certified Registered Central Service Technician) – Nov 2026
- CHL – Nov 2026
- BLS Certification – Active
Timeline
Sterile Processing Manager
University of Miami | Bascom Palmer Eye Institute
08.2022 - Current
Sterile Processing Manager
Texas Health Resources – HEB Hospital
01.2016 - 04.2021
Practice Operations Manager
Central Park ENT & Surgery Center
01.2014 - 01.2016
SPD Supervisor
Scripps Green Hospital
01.2012 - 01.2014
Surgical Technologist / Hospital Corpsman
U.S. Navy
01.2004 - 01.2012
Surgical Technologist
Naval School of Health and Sciences San Diego
Bachelor of Science - Healthcare Administration
Southern New Hampshire University
Master of Science - Healthcare Management
Southern New Hampshire University