Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Interests
Timeline
Instrumentation
Generic
Kathy Echanis

Kathy Echanis

Frisco,USA

Summary

Experienced professional with over 15 years of technical experience and over seven years of leadership and management experience. Currently working as a Clinical Research Coordinator assisting in the clinical outreach and research laboratories. Seeking opportunities in leadership and management.

Overview

21
21
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Clinical Research Coordinator II

UT Southwestern Medical Center
Dallas, TX
04.2024 - Current
  • Executed precise and timely entry of clinical research data into electronic databases.
  • Collaborated with principal investigator and team members to evaluate study progress and address challenges.
  • Supported the development of IRB applications to ensure compliance with regulatory standards.
  • Managed and organized data collection activities to support informed decision-making.
  • Supported principal investigator in managing laboratory trial budgets to ensure efficient resource allocation.
  • Served as primary liaison in compiling and presenting annual reports to federal, state, and local agencies to ensure compliance and transparency.
  • Evaluated protocols for institutional review board (IRB) submissions and sponsored programs administration.
  • Evaluated research study protocols to confirm feasibility requirements are met.
  • Facilitated the organization of regulatory documentation for research studies, aligning with industry standards and institutional guidelines.
  • Conducted internal audits for laboratory events to ensure compliance with CPT coding and pricing standards.
  • Oversaw vetting process of referral laboratories for screening committee at request of COO, ensuring compliance with UTSW Medical Center standards.
  • Facilitated strategic discussions and decision-making processes for clinical laboratory services research advisory committee.
  • Assessed agreements and executive summaries to facilitate collaboration between UTSW Clinical Lab Services and external laboratory partners.

Microbiology Laboratory Supervisor

Medical City Plano
Plano, TX
02.2018 - 04.2024
  • Oversaw staffing operations through recruitment, selection, orientation, training, counseling, evaluation, and disciplinary actions as necessary.
  • Monitored daily operational activities to guarantee adherence to inspection readiness protocols and regulatory requirements.
  • Conducted thorough quality assurance and control assessments to guarantee adherence to established testing protocols and regulations.
  • Achieved optimal equipment performance through the development of effective operations quality and troubleshooting procedures. Enhanced staff compliance with operational standards. Secured instrument performance certification and facilitated timely equipment service and repair.
  • Cultivated and sustained partnerships with vendors and field service engineers.
  • Oversaw inventory management to minimize waste and guarantee consistent supply levels.
  • Optimized productivity by monitoring workload and identifying peak and slack periods.
  • Guided lab science students in clinical rotations, providing comprehensive evaluations and educational support.
  • Engaged with pharmacy, nursing, pathologists, and providers to drive improvements in hospital quality assurance efforts.
  • Assisted in benchwork activities to ensure efficient workflow and project progress.
  • Conducted internal and external audits and inspections of laboratories to ensure compliance with regulatory standards.
  • Oversaw daily operations to ensure adherence to health and safety regulations.

Microbiology Supervisor

Long Beach Memorial Medical Center
Long Beach, CA
08.2016 - 07.2017
  • Managed laboratory operations and administrative tasks to ensure efficient workflow and technical assistance.
  • Coordinated collaborative efforts to enhance communication between infection prevention and antimicrobial stewardship committees.
  • Led environmental care rounding through systematic facility inspections, identifying areas for improvement and compliance.
  • Facilitated study site visits and provided comprehensive protocol training to enhance team performance.
  • Designed and enforced compliance policies and procedures, ensuring department consistently met inspection readiness requirements.
  • Evaluated laboratory operations through internal and external audits and inspections, identifying areas for improvement and compliance.
  • Supervised daily laboratory operations ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards.
  • Developed and implemented training programs for new microbiology staff, enhancing team performance.
  • Coordinated workflow schedules to optimize productivity and reduce turnaround times for test results.
  • Analyzed microbial cultures using advanced techniques to ensure accurate diagnosis and treatment recommendations.

Clinical Laboratory Scientist (Microbiology)

Long Beach Memorial Medical Center
Long Beach, CA
02.2015 - 08.2016
  • Operated and maintained advanced laboratory equipment, ensuring compliance with safety standards.
  • Evaluated new reagents and supplies to optimize testing processes without compromising accuracy or reliability of results.
  • Analyzed microbiological data to support clinical decision-making and patient management strategies.
  • Wrote, updated and evaluated test methods and SOPs.
  • Operated and maintained advanced laboratory instrumentation and equipment.

Clinical Laboratory Scientist (Lead)

Pathnostics
Irvine, CA
11.2013 - 03.2015
  • Collaborated with team members to set up microbiology department infrastructure and protocols.
  • Executed documentation and verification of test results utilizing computerized and manual transcription methods.
  • Developed and updated standard operating procedures (SOPs) and quality control (QC) metrics to enhance operational efficiency.
  • Executed Vitek procedures with precision, maintaining adherence to established safety and operational guidelines.
  • Coordinated shipment and reception processes for laboratory specimens, confirming implementation of safety precautions and appropriate handling techniques.
  • Performed pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical processing procedures with precision.
  • Implemented corrective actions to address test controls exceeding specified limits.
  • Analyzed and rectified unforeseen outcomes to enhance testing accuracy and data collection processes.
  • Collaborated in the design and implementation of a new LIS microbiology reporting tool to enhance diagnostic accuracy.
  • Onboarded and mentored new staff to enhance team performance.
  • Conducted complex diagnostic testing using molecular techniques to ensure accurate results.
  • Collaborated with healthcare teams to interpret lab results and guide patient care decisions.

Clinical Laboratory Scientist (Mycobacterium)

Quest Diagnostics
San Juan Capistrano, CA
12.2011 - 11.2013
  • Performed detailed analysis and testing of mycobacterium specimens, adhering to established protocols and standards.
  • Conducted complex laboratory tests to diagnose diseases and monitor patient health.
  • Ensured quality control procedures met regulatory standards for laboratory operations.
  • Trained and mentored junior staff on laboratory protocols and safety practices.

Laboratory Technician (Microbiology)

Antech Diagnostics
Costa Mesa, CA
08.2010 - 11.2011
  • Conducted complex laboratory tests to diagnose medical conditions accurately.
  • Documented test results using computerized and manual transcription methods.
  • Maintained strict adherence to prescribed lab safety guidelines and operational instructions.

Medical Technologist (Microbiology & Virology)

Children's Medical Center Dallas
Dallas, TX
07.2008 - 06.2010
  • Operated and maintained advanced laboratory equipment, adhering to safety and quality standards.
  • Conducted complex laboratory tests to diagnose and monitor patient conditions.
  • Achieved timely processing of virology specimens and accurate cell readings, contributing to enhanced diagnostic capabilities. Improved laboratory procedures, resulting in increased throughput and reliability of results.

Medical Technologist (Microbiology)

Parkland Health And Hospital Systems
Dallas, TX
07.2007 - 07.2008
  • Managed the processing of microbiology specimens to support laboratory operations and enhance diagnostic accuracy.
  • Addressed and corrected specimen-related issues to maintain quality control standards.
  • Communicated critical results promptly to ensure informed decision-making.

Chemistry Teaching Aide & Stockroom Assistant

University of South Alabama
Mobile, AL
08.2005 - 07.2006

Education

MBA - Healthcare Management

Southern New Hampshire University
Manchester, NH
02-2023

Bachelor of Science - Clinical Laboratory Sciences

University of South Alabama
Mobile, AL
05-2007

Skills

  • Good clinical practices
  • Documentation management
  • Training and mentoring
  • Inventory control
  • Process monitoring and improvement
  • Policy and procedure development
  • Computer skills
  • Adaptability and flexibility
  • Professionalism
  • Compliance monitoring
  • Internal auditing
  • Medical microbiology

Certification

  • Microbiology Technologist Certification (ASCP), (Expires 8/2028)
  • Medical Laboratory Scientist Certification (ASCP), (Expires 8/2028)
  • Clinical Laboratory Supervisor Florida License, (Expires 8/2026)
  • Clinical Microbiologist Scientist California License, (Expires 8/2027)
  • Sponsored Program Administration (SPA) Certification
  • LEAN Six Sigma Yellow Belt

Interests

  • Baking
  • Cake Decorating
  • Photography

Timeline

Clinical Research Coordinator II

UT Southwestern Medical Center
04.2024 - Current

Microbiology Laboratory Supervisor

Medical City Plano
02.2018 - 04.2024

Microbiology Supervisor

Long Beach Memorial Medical Center
08.2016 - 07.2017

Clinical Laboratory Scientist (Microbiology)

Long Beach Memorial Medical Center
02.2015 - 08.2016

Clinical Laboratory Scientist (Lead)

Pathnostics
11.2013 - 03.2015

Clinical Laboratory Scientist (Mycobacterium)

Quest Diagnostics
12.2011 - 11.2013

Laboratory Technician (Microbiology)

Antech Diagnostics
08.2010 - 11.2011

Medical Technologist (Microbiology & Virology)

Children's Medical Center Dallas
07.2008 - 06.2010

Medical Technologist (Microbiology)

Parkland Health And Hospital Systems
07.2007 - 07.2008

Chemistry Teaching Aide & Stockroom Assistant

University of South Alabama
08.2005 - 07.2006

Bachelor of Science - Clinical Laboratory Sciences

University of South Alabama

MBA - Healthcare Management

Southern New Hampshire University

Instrumentation

  • Biomerieux Vitek2 and Vitek2 Compact
  • Biomerieux BacT Alert
  • Biomerieux VitekMS MALDI-TOF
  • Biomerieux Biofire Filmarray System
  • Beckman Coulter MicroScan Walkaway plus System
  • Beckman Coulter AutosSCAN (AS4) System
  • Bruker MALDI-TOF microflex
  • Cepheid GeneXpert Infinity and Xpress
  • Quidel Sofia and Sofia2
  • BD BACTECFX
  • BD Veritor (Strep A)
  • Abbott ID Now