DOMINIQUE ORTIZ
Charlotte,NC
Summary
Experienced and ASCP-certified Medical Laboratory Scientist with over 13 years of experience in clinical laboratory operations, microbiology, diagnostic testing, and quality assurance. Demonstrated expertise in laboratory leadership, technical coordination, regulatory documentation, instrumentation, and staff training. Skilled in managing daily laboratory workflows, implementing new testing methodologies, troubleshooting complex laboratory equipment, and maintaining high standards of accuracy and patient care. Strong background in microbiology, molecular diagnostics, and multidisciplinary laboratory testing.
Overview
1
1
Certification
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Medical Laboratory Scientist IV Technical Coordinator, Microbiology
Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center
Charlotte, NC
05.2018 - Current
- Serve as the technical leader for the microbiology department, providing oversight and guidance to support efficient laboratory operations and accurate diagnostic testing.
- Coordinated daily laboratory workflows and prioritized testing responsibilities to enhance operational efficiency and staff support.
- Facilitate problem resolution by identifying technical and operational challenges and implementing appropriate solutions.
- Evaluate and assist with implementing new laboratory instrumentation, diagnostic technologies, and testing methodologies.
- Participate in personnel selection, onboarding, orientation, training, and competency assessments for laboratory team members.
- Collaborate with physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to support timely and accurate patient diagnosis and treatment.
- Perform preventive maintenance, calibration, and troubleshooting of laboratory instrumentation to maintain operational reliability.
- Conducted and evaluated quality control procedures to ensure accuracy and reliability of patient testing results.
- Maintain comprehensive documentation of laboratory procedures, quality control activities, and technical operations.
- Prepared and distributed monthly quality management reports to monitor laboratory performance and drive improvements.
- Develop new standard operating procedures and revise existing protocols to reflect current testing practices.
- Coordinate and lead clinical student rotations, providing hands-on instruction, technical guidance, and performance feedback.
- Perform bacterial cultures on clinical specimens, including blood, body fluids, sputum, tissue, eye, ear, and wound samples.
- Conduct molecular and serological testing to support the identification and diagnosis of infectious diseases.
- Utilize Epic Beaker Laboratory Information System for specimen tracking, documentation, and reporting.
- Operate and troubleshoot advanced microbiology instrumentation, including VITEK 2, VITEK MS, BioFire, GeneXpert, Cepheid Infinity, and BACT/ALERT VIRTUO.
- Full-Time
Medical Technologist I Medical Laboratory Scientist, Microbiology
Atrium Health
Charlotte, NC
10.2019 - 07.2020
- Performed microbiological testing and bacterial cultures on clinical specimens, including blood, body fluids, sputum, tissue, eye, ear, and wound samples.
- Maintained and monitored laboratory equipment to ensure accurate and reliable diagnostic testing.
- Performed equipment calibration, routine maintenance, and troubleshooting to minimize interruptions to laboratory operations.
- Supported laboratory quality standards and timely processing of clinical specimens.
- Per Diem
Medical Laboratory Scientist Generalist/Microbiology
Department of Veterans Affairs
Syracuse, NY
05.2015 - 02.2018
- Performed comprehensive laboratory testing across multiple disciplines, including chemistry, hematology, urinalysis, blood bank, and microbiology.
- Received, processed, and prepared clinical specimens for diagnostic analysis.
- Operated, calibrated, maintained, and troubleshooted laboratory instrumentation to ensure reliable testing performance.
- Conducted quality control procedures to verify accuracy and consistency of laboratory results.
- Performed culture reading and analysis in acid-fast bacilli (AFB), mycology, and parasitology.
- Conducted molecular and serological testing to assist in the identification of infectious diseases.
- Performed phlebotomy and specimen collection according to established laboratory procedures.
- Collaborated with healthcare professionals to support diagnostic decision-making and patient care.
- Full-Time
Medical Laboratory Scientist Generalist
Internist Associates Clinical Laboratory
Syracuse, NY
05.2013 - 05.2015
- Conducted laboratory testing in chemistry, hematology, urinalysis, blood bank, and microbiology.
- Received, processed, and analyzed clinical specimens in accordance with established laboratory procedures.
- Performed equipment maintenance, calibration, and troubleshooting to support accurate laboratory operations.
- Conducted quality control testing to ensure reliability and accuracy of diagnostic results.
- Performed molecular and serological testing to support clinical diagnosis.
- Provided phlebotomy services and ensured proper specimen collection and handling.
- Maintained accurate laboratory records and adhered to established quality and safety procedures.
- Full-Time
Education
Bachelor's Degree - Medical Technology
SUNY Upstate Medical University
Syracuse, NY05-2013
Skills
- Clinical Microbiology and Molecular Diagnostics
- Laboratory Operations and Technical Coordination
- Quality Assurance and Quality Control
- Laboratory Instrumentation and Troubleshooting
- Staff Training, Orientation, and Competency Assessment
- Laboratory Workflow Management
- Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
- Clinical Student Education and Training
- Diagnostic Testing and Specimen Processing
- Laboratory Information Systems (Epic Beaker)
- Equipment Calibration and Maintenance
- Interdisciplinary Healthcare Collaboration
- Microbiology Instrumentation: VITEK 2, VITEK MS, BioFire, GeneXpert, Cepheid Infinity, BACT/ALERT VIRTUO
- Laboratory Information Systems: Epic Beaker
- Laboratory Disciplines: Clinical Microbiology, Molecular Diagnostics, Serology, Hematology, Chemistry, Urinalysis, Blood Banking, Mycology, Parasitology, and AFB Testing
- Laboratory Operations: Quality Control, Quality Management Reporting, SOP Development, Instrument Calibration, Preventive Maintenance, Competency Assessments, and Clinical Training
Personal Information
Title: Medical Laboratory Scientist | Microbiology Technical Coordinator
Certification
- Medical Laboratory Scientist MLS (ASCP)
- American Society for Clinical Pathology
- ASCP Certification ID: 25427004
- Current Certification Period: September 1, 2025 September 30, 2028
Timeline
Medical Technologist I Medical Laboratory Scientist, Microbiology
Atrium Health
10.2019 - 07.2020
Medical Laboratory Scientist IV Technical Coordinator, Microbiology
Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center
05.2018 - Current
Medical Laboratory Scientist Generalist/Microbiology
Department of Veterans Affairs
05.2015 - 02.2018
Medical Laboratory Scientist Generalist
Internist Associates Clinical Laboratory
05.2013 - 05.2015
Bachelor's Degree - Medical Technology
SUNY Upstate Medical University