Emily Sowder
Little Elm,TX
Summary
Experienced and dependable professional with over 20 years of expertise in Medical Laboratory Science and laboratory management. Known for exceptional organizational skills and a goal-oriented mindset, excels in challenging environments. Passionate about leveraging extensive skill set to excel in a new professional endeavor.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Group Lead, Med Lab Scientist (MLS),Clinical Microbiology,Quest Diagnostics
Quest Diagnostics
06.2023 - Current
- Perform and report on assigned analytical tests in accordance with applicable Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) ensuring that applicable quality control requirements are met
- Actively support and comply with laboratory policies and procedures for specimen handling and processing, test analysis, reporting and maintaining records of patient test results
- Adhere to analytical schedules to maintain turnaround time of results including STATS or critical results to clients
- Perform, review and document QC analysis to ensure accuracy of clinical data and proper instrument function
- Make quality control decisions regarding the disposition of an assay or test
- Review requests for validity checks and recommend an appropriate course of action taking into account the limitations of specimen requirements and the effects of time and the quality of additional and/or repeat testing
- Serve as a technical resource for the department by investigating and resolving analytical testing problems, recommending a course of action in instances identified as beyond acceptable limits, and responding to non-routine/complex inquiries and/or requests from clients and sales representatives
- Assist Lab Supervisor by monitoring workflow to meet testing schedules; distributing and reviewing work assignments; training employees in laboratory techniques; resolving work-related problems of staff; and providing input for performance appraisals and disciplinary actions
- Expedite the flow of work to maximize productive capacity by evaluating production systems and recommending enhancements and coordinating the resolution of production problems/issues involving other laboratory departments
- Maintain laboratory areas and equipment in a safe, functional and sanitary condition
- Complete training and competency checklists as appropriate and assist with the department’s annual competency testing process and documentation
- Adheres to all established CLIA, HIPAA, OSHA, and laboratory safety requirements and reviews department activities to ensure compliance
- Required to use (a) personal protective equipment, (b) engineering controls and/or (c) work practice controls as directed by management
- Participate in government or regulatory agency inspections, if needed
- Perform necessary supervisor functions in the absence of a Supervisor, if qualified and delegated.
- Performed complex troubleshooting and assisted in leading initiatives to solve challenging scientific problems with assays or instrumentation.
Medical technologist-senior technologist/Clinical labs of Hawaii
Clinical labs of Hawaii
01.2022 - 05.2023
- Perform quality control, maintenance, troubleshooting duties on analyzers
- Perform testing on patient samples in hematology, coagulation, clinical chemistry, microbiology and immunohematology
- Proficient manual test methods- cell counts on body fluids, tube and gel card blood banking, chemical testing to identify bacteria, variety of immunochromatographic test kits, Gram stain, peripheral blood smears
- Contributed to the overall success of the laboratory by maintaining a positive attitude and demonstrating strong teamwork skills in daily interactions with peers.
- Followed laboratory protocols for specimen processing, analysis, and results reporting.
Microbiology Laboratory Coordinator / NMC Heath- Newton, Kansas
NMC Heath
03.2021 - 11.2021
- Prepare and perform testing and maintenance procedures
- Review and perform quality control results for accuracy
- Review technologist documentation for errors and completeness
- Train technologists and students to examine and work up bacterial growth
- Train technologists and students to perform QC and maintenance
- Review laboratory results for errors
- Assess and identify bacterial growth
- Assign and perform proficiency testing with 100% accuracy
- Order supplies and monitor inventory.
Medical Laboratory Scientist/ William Newton Hospital – Winfield, KS
William Newton Hospital
01.2001 - 11.2020
- Executed quality control measures, conducted regular analyzer upkeep, and resolved any issues through troubleshooting.
- Executed testing procedures on patient samples spanning diverse laboratory areas including hematology, coagulation, clinical chemistry, microbiology,and immunohematology.
- Demonstrated proficiency in executing a range of manual test methods involving cell counts on body fluids; tube and gel card blood banking techniques; chemical testing to identify bacteria; utilization of various immunochromatographic test kits; conducting Gram staining procedures; analyzing peripheral blood smears.
- Performed pre-analytical, analytical and post-analytical processing procedures.
Laboratory Director / William Newton Hospital - Winfield, Kansas
William Newton Hospital
05.2014 - 11.2020
- Managed the oversight of quality control and quality assurance practices in different lab departments including Immunohematology, Urinalysis, Microbiology,
Chemistry , Point of Care , Hematology & Coagulation. - Initiated and supervised the implementation of laboratory analyzers
- Review and negotiate contracts with vendors
- Successfully integrated reference laboratory interface for both clinical and anatomic pathology.
- Conducted research on lab instrumentation to enhance patient care
- Prepared and submitted proposals for equipment capital purchases or leases
- Validate precision and accuracy of new laboratory analyzers
- Maintain and prepare laboratory procedures
- Proficiently perform tests spanning across hematology, coagulation, chemistry, immunohematology, urinalysis, and microbiology.
- Maintained a fully compliant, organized and quality-controlled facility
- Optimized processes to improve accuracy, speed and efficiency of laboratory operations
- Directed the schedules and workflow of a 16-member staff, leading to improved team performance.
- Managed yearly laboratory budget covering all operational needs
- Inspected operations and team performance to check compliance, productivity and quality of care
- Worked with external facilities and departments to maintain a smooth flow of incoming specimens and outgoing results
- Performed quality assurance checks to verify accuracy and integrity of collected data
- Gathered information and physical samples to collect and organize materials for study
- Followed scientific literature and research studies and attended industry conferences to maintain knowledge of research findings and technological developments
- Motivated and encouraged team members to communicate more openly and constructively with each other.
- Participated in continuing education opportunities to remain current on industry advancements and best practices.
- Directed team performance, managed schedules, and optimized workflow to maximize productivity.
Microbiology Supervisor / William Newton Hospital - Winfield, KS
William Newton Hospital
07.2011 - 05.2014
- Ensured successful completion of testing and maintenance procedures
- Reviewed and ensured the accuracy of quality control results
- Review technologist documentation for errors and completeness
- Instructed technologists and students on techniques for examining and processing bacterial growth
- Provided training for technologists and students in QC and maintenance procedures
- Review laboratory results for errors
- Assess and identify bacterial growth
- Assign and perform proficiency testing with 100% accuracy
- Order supplies and monitor inventory.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to address challenges related to product quality, safety, and manufacturing processes.
Assistant Laboratory General Supervisor/Assistant Chief Technologist / William Newton Hospital - Winfield, KS
William Newton Hospital
07.2012 - 01.2014
- Prepare monthly staff general work schedule
- Prepare monthly staff department rotation schedule
- Build in-house and reference laboratory tests in LIS
- Supported the Laboratory General Supervisor with daily responsibilities
- Carried out essential medical technologist functions.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Clinical Laboratory Science
University of Cincinnati
Cincinnati, OH01.2010
Associate of Applied Science - Medical Laboratory Technology
Wichita Area Technical College
Wichita, KS01.2002
Associate - General Studies
Cowley College
Arkansas City, KS01.2001
Skills
- Experience in molecular and microbiology techniques
- Recordkeeping requirements
- Quality control standards
- Information collection and analysis
- Leadership
- Maintenance & Repair
- Computer skills
- Training & Development
- Active listening
- Hands on experience with LIS/Connectivity
- Extensive Experience in Laboratory Operations, Principles and Procedures
- Knowledgeable in MS Office, Outlook
- Available for frequent and overnight travel
- Team Collaboration
Certification
Certified Medical Laboratory Scientist, ASCP
Accomplishments
- BioMerieux Clinical Diagnostics: Vitek 2, Bac T Alert, Vitek MS, miniVidas
- BioFire FilmArray Systm
- Siemens Dimension RXL and EXL, Siemens VersaCell, Siemens Centaur XP, Siemens Stratus
- Urinalysis: Siemens STATUS urine strip reader.
- Blood Bank: Johnson and Johnson gel cards, incubator and centrifuge.
- Cepheid GeneXpert.
- Meridian Illumigene illumipro-Strep A, Bordetella pertussis, Mycoplasma pneumoniae (mini amp and direct methods)
- Luminex Verigene
Activities
- Kansas Hospital Association (KHA) Leadership Development Institute
- Transportation Specialist Volunteer, American Red Cross, Central Plains Region, Jan 2021-Present
- Dean's List, University of Cincinnati, 2008-2009
- Top 20% of class, Wichita Area Technical College, 2002
- Presidential Academic scholarship, Cowley College, 1999-2001
- Member of Southwestern Association of Clinical Microbiology (SWACM), 2008-Present
- BioMerieux Vitek 2 Compact automated microbiology instrument training, 2006 and 2011
- Member of Clinical Laboratory Management Association, Wheatlands Chapter 2016
Timeline
Group Lead, Med Lab Scientist (MLS),Clinical Microbiology,Quest Diagnostics
Quest Diagnostics
06.2023 - Current
Medical technologist-senior technologist/Clinical labs of Hawaii
Clinical labs of Hawaii
01.2022 - 05.2023
Microbiology Laboratory Coordinator / NMC Heath- Newton, Kansas
NMC Heath
03.2021 - 11.2021
Laboratory Director / William Newton Hospital - Winfield, Kansas
William Newton Hospital
05.2014 - 11.2020
Assistant Laboratory General Supervisor/Assistant Chief Technologist / William Newton Hospital - Winfield, KS
William Newton Hospital
07.2012 - 01.2014
Microbiology Supervisor / William Newton Hospital - Winfield, KS
William Newton Hospital
07.2011 - 05.2014
Medical Laboratory Scientist/ William Newton Hospital – Winfield, KS
William Newton Hospital
01.2001 - 11.2020
Bachelor of Science - Clinical Laboratory Science
University of Cincinnati
Associate of Applied Science - Medical Laboratory Technology
Wichita Area Technical College
Associate - General Studies
Cowley College
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