Linh Gutierrez
Clinical Data Analyst (Microbiology Specialist)
San Jose,CA
Summary
Healthcare Data Analyst with 12+ years of experience in clinical microbiology and laboratory operations. Expert in bridging the gap between raw clinical data and actionable healthcare insights. Proven track record of managing complex datasets, ensuring high-integrity diagnostic reporting, and optimizing lab workflows. Adept at translating technical laboratory findings into data-driven narratives to improve patient outcomes and operational efficiency.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Lead Clinical Lab Scientist
Palo Alto VA Hospital, Microbiology Department
06.2023 - Current
- Assisting supervisor on day to day management and continuous improvement of the department
- Responsible to development and preparation of correlation studies with Cepheid and Biofire machines related to PCR testing
- Improves and maintains process control in microbiology using quality improvement monitors(Quest Reference Lab Send outs)
- Knowledgeable in the process of inventory control, ordering and maintenance.
- Performs validations of new methods and/or instruments to determine accuracy, precision, sensitivity, specificity, and normal ranges (Torch Biofire)
- Completed specimen collection and analysis while complying with OSHA, Universal Precautions, and quality assurance policies.
- Analyzed laboratory findings to check accuracy of results.
Medical Technologist
Palo Alto VA Hospital, Microbiology Department
06.2019 - 01.2023
- Advanced knowledge in analysis on aerobic and anaerobic cultures to identify pathogens to discern antibiotic susceptibility.
- Enters data observations and client report identifications
- Utilization of rapid testing and PCR; Occult blood, BD Affirm, Giardia and Cryptosporidium, Legionella, Monospot, Cryptococcal Antigen, Covid, CT/NG, MRSA
- Utilization of Lab equipment; Biofire Torch, Vitech II, Maldi-Tof, WASP, and GenXpert Cepheid and DX
- Knowledgeable in the process of inventory control, ordering and maintenance.
- Identifies, defines, and resolves issues associated with complex aspects of data or unique or controversial aspects of the testing
- Performs validations of new methods and/or instruments to determine accuracy, precision, sensitivity, specificity, and normal ranges (Torch Biofire)
- Improves and maintains process control in microbiology using quality improvement monitors(Quest Reference Lab Send outs)
Remote ESL Teacher
Qkids
04.2018 - 08.2019
- Developed and taught ESL curriculum to improve students' conversational abilities.
- Gave one-on-one attention to each student while maintaining overall focus on entire group.
- Developed activities and integrated technology to diversify instruction.
- Educated students in basics of English grammar and conversational speaking.
- Created and delivered engaging lesson plans to accommodate different learning styles.
- Promoted critical thinking to build subject engagement and interaction.
- Adopted new technologies and online platforms to facilitate student learning.
Education
B.S - Biology
Texas Woman’s University
Denton, Texas01.2013
High School Diploma -
Haltom High School
Haltom City, Texas01.2009
Skills
- Data Tools: Excel, SQL (Data Querying),
- Visualization: Power BI, Advanced Excel (Pivot Tables, VLOOKUPs)
- Analytical Techniques: Data Cleaning & Validation, Statistical Analysis, Predictive Modeling
- Systems: Laboratory Information Systems (LIS/LIMS), Electronic Health Records (EHR),
- Domain Knowledge: Clinical Microbiology, Pathogen Identification, Immunology
- Data Management: Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (AST) Data, Epidemiology & Surveillance Reporting
- Process Improvement: Diagnostic Workflow Optimization, Lean Lab Methodologies
- Instrumentation: Automated Diagnostic Platforms, Molecular Diagnostics (PCR/NGS) Data
- Regulatory: HIPAA Data Privacy, CLIA/CAP Regulations, Joint Commission Standards
- Quality Management: Quality Assurance (QA/QC), Root Cause Analysis, Data Integrity Auditing
- Communication: Cross-functional Stakeholder Briefing, Technical Documentation, Interdisciplinary Leadership
Accomplishments
- Providing training and guidance to junior staff and students in clinical rotations.
- Implemented new laboratory protocols that improved efficiency and reduced turnaround times for test results.
- Played a key role in optimizing workflows that resulted in cost savings for the department.
- Led accreditation and certification efforts, ensuring the laboratory met all regulatory requirements, such as CLIA and CAP.
- Developed and maintained quality control measures that consistently achieved high compliance rates.
- Collaborated with clinical teams to improve patient outcomes through effective communication and coordination of lab services.
Certification
- ASCP- M 12/16/2016
- Introduction to Data Analytics, IBM - 10/10/2025
Timeline
Lead Clinical Lab Scientist
Palo Alto VA Hospital, Microbiology Department
06.2023 - Current
Medical Technologist
Palo Alto VA Hospital, Microbiology Department
06.2019 - 01.2023
Remote ESL Teacher
Qkids
04.2018 - 08.2019
High School Diploma -
Haltom High School
B.S - Biology
Texas Woman’s University