Emily Forbeck
Rock Rapids,IA
Summary
Quality driven Medical Laboratory Scientist eager to cultivate Newman Regional Health Laboratory staff to best support providers and patients as Director of Laboratory. Looking to apply 10+ years of military and civilian laboratory and leadership skills to ensure accurate patient results while providing people centric leadership to develop and support laboratory team members. Experience with regulation compliance, project implementation, quality control, department budgeting, and all aspects of staff management. Data- driven and analytical with a systematic approach. Motivated to continually learn, grow, lead, and excel in laboratory science.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Laboratory Supervisor
Sanford Health
Luverne, MN
01.2022 - Current
- Manage day-to-day operations of Luverne Medical Center Laboratory, Rock Rapids Clinic Laboratory, Edgerton Clinic Laboratory and Adrian Clinic Laboratory.
- Act as Laboratory Director for Edgerton Clinic Laboratory, Rock Rapids Clinic Laboratory and Adrian Clinic Laboratory.
- Represent South Network laboratories on Sanford Enterprise Microbiology/Molecular workgroup and Chemistry/IA/UA workgroup.
- Led small team working to standardize chemistry QC across the 80 CLIA-certified labs across Sanford Enterprise.
- Monitored quality control and quality assurance reports for shifts and trends that could impact patient testing.
- Liaison between providers and laboratory staff to ensure needs of both groups are being met.
- Monitored Sanford SAFE events (HRO initiative)- perform investigation when an event is entered involving laboratory, follow up if process/procedure needs changed, and participate in ACA/RCA if deemed necessary by network patient safety teams.
- Compiled information and write SBARs for capital purchases, additional staffing needs, and other requests.
- Implemented addition of two overnight technologists, removing the burden of night call from laboratory staff - resulting in improved productivity and tech morale.
- Assign, monitor, and submit API proficiency testing events - complete ungraded specimen forms and corrective action investigation if indicated by results.
- Frequently volunteered as beta site for upcoming laboratory project implementation – Multiplex Vaginitis Panel, Rover mobile phlebotomy collection, Direct Group B Strep testing.
- Provided leadership stability and support to staff resulting in a 51-point increase in employee satisfaction scores on Employee Engagement Survey from May 2022-December 2025.
- Implemented process improvements, enhancing efficiency in laboratory workflows.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to streamline communication between departments.
- Mentored junior staff members to foster professional growth, skill development, and career advancement opportunities within the organization.
- Maintained compliance with regulatory requirements by staying current on industry standards and updating policies accordingly.
- Worked closely with quality assurance teams to address and resolve any discrepancies or concerns related to laboratory processes, data, or results.
- Managed budget effectively by monitoring expenses, identifying cost-saving opportunities, and prioritizing investments in resources that maximize value for the organization.
- Increased productivity with effective resource allocation, maximizing the use of available personnel and equipment.
- Oversaw in-depth laboratory inspections and contributed to favorable outcomes.
Medical Laboratory Scientist
Sanford Health
Sioux Falls
03.2021 - 12.2021
- Cultivate, isolate, and identify microbial organisms on specimens collected from patients and performs various tests on microorganisms.
- Identify patients and labeled specimens with correct information to protect patients from adverse errors.
- Transcribe laboratory test results into patient charts.
- Follow laboratory protocols for specimen processing, analysis and results reporting.
Medical Laboratory Scientist Microbiology Supervisor
Newman Regional Health
Emporia
06.2020 - 03.2021
- Notified public health authorities of potential public health issues.
- Implemented and managed collection/testing of SARS-CoV-2 specimens over three molecular testing platforms in height of pandemic.
- Trained and supervised microbiology technicians.
- Represented Microbiology on hospital wide multi-disciplinary councils- Antibiotic Stewardship, Infection Control, COVID-19 Strategy Team.
- Maintained 70+ Microbiology Standard Operating Procedures to ensure compliance and patient safety.
Medical Laboratory Scientist/Phlebotomist
Newman Regional Health
Emporia, KS
01.2014 - 06.2020
- Validated Laboratory Information System operation during system wide Electronic Health Record upgrade.
- Supervised training and onboarding phlebotomy team.
- Maintained confidentiality of all patient information to conform to HIPAA, internal and other regulatory standards.
- Participated in essential quality improvement programs to maintain accurate and timely laboratory testing and meet customer needs.
- Utilized expertise in microbiology, chemistry, urinalysis, immunohemotology, serology, and hematology to help with diagnosis of medical issues.
Student Intern
Kansas Department of Health and Environment
Topeka, Kansas
05.2019 - 08.2020
- Analyzed public health's role in preventing unintentional spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in Kansas.
- Researched and assisted in implementation of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Hospital Acquired Infection Containment Strategy regarding Carbapenem-Resistant Acinetobacter baumanii.
- Completed a range of simultaneous job tasks to support advanced epidemiologist's research and operational needs.
Medical Laboratory Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge
Kansas Air National Guard
Topeka, KS
06.2015 - 06.2018
- Ensured compliance of 300+ unit members on annual, pre-deployment, and post-deployment laboratory testing.
- Coordinated laboratory operations during base wide mass annual physical reducing units' down time for medical appointments.
- Led quarterly Quality Assurance meetings.
- Developed process improvements to guarantee patient safety and accuracy of testing.
- Collected blood samples from patients, observing principles of asepsis to obtain blood samples.
- Supervised and instructed other technicians or laboratory assistants.
Unit Training Manager
Kansas Air National Guard
Topeka, KS
08.2013 - 06.2015
- Reviewed and evaluated training and apprenticeship programs for compliance with government and Air Force standards.
- Oversaw orientation sessions and arranged on-the-job training for Airmen.
- Managed and arranged ongoing technical training and personal development classes for 50 unit members.
- Developed, delivered and evaluated education and training programs.
- Selected instructional design, methods, and media.
Electronic Signals Intelligence Mission Supervisor
United States Air Force
Beale AFB, CA
06.2008 - 02.2013
- Supervised 8 member ELINT team and provided quality control for airborne threat summary and signals of interest report, guaranteed 100% report accuracy for intelligence community customers.
- Performed research and analysis of RADAR signals throughout area of responsibility, provided training aids to analysts ensuring 100% situational awareness.
- Commanded & controlled ELINT sensors to maintain collection efforts, guaranteed national level requirements 100% satisfied.
- Trained airman for 15 upgrade positions all achieving optimal highest proficiency rating.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Health Sciences
Excelsior College
Albany, NY02.2020
Associate of Applied Science - Medical Laboratory Technology
Community College of The Air Force
Montgomery, AL12.2017
Associate of Applied Science - Intelligence Studies
Community College of The Air Force
Montgomery, AL05.2011
Skills
- Quality control
- Quality assurance
- Problem-Solving
- Unity RealTime
- Laboratory Leadership
- Staff Scheduling
- Training and mentoring
Timeline
Laboratory Supervisor
Sanford Health
01.2022 - Current
Medical Laboratory Scientist
Sanford Health
03.2021 - 12.2021
Medical Laboratory Scientist Microbiology Supervisor
Newman Regional Health
06.2020 - 03.2021
Student Intern
Kansas Department of Health and Environment
05.2019 - 08.2020
Medical Laboratory Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge
Kansas Air National Guard
06.2015 - 06.2018
Medical Laboratory Scientist/Phlebotomist
Newman Regional Health
01.2014 - 06.2020
Unit Training Manager
Kansas Air National Guard
08.2013 - 06.2015
Electronic Signals Intelligence Mission Supervisor
United States Air Force
06.2008 - 02.2013
Bachelor of Science - Health Sciences
Excelsior College
Associate of Applied Science - Medical Laboratory Technology
Community College of The Air Force
Associate of Applied Science - Intelligence Studies
Community College of The Air Force