Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Additional Information
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Melissa Furman

Schererville,IN

Summary

Dependable Histology Technician specializing in technical histology work. Proficient in embedding, cutting, preparing slides, staining IHC, special stains, or H&E, documenting results and producing timely reports. Work effectively with clinical staff to provide information and resolve problems.

Meticulous and methodical Histotechnologist with strong laboratory and Hospital background and expertise in preparing histological samples. Skilled in quality control and documentation with strong focus on preventing medical errors and sample contamination.

Energetic Histology Technician with over 13 years of Histology experience. Efficiently and safely prepares histologic slides leveraging knowledge of best practices for accuracy and infection control. Mastery in evaluating quality of thickness, impregnation, fixation and dehydration of tissues.

Versatile Histotechnologist offering comprehensive, hands-on experience preparing histologic slides from tissue sections to prepare for microscopic examination. Skillful in freezing and dehydrating tissue samples and identifying tissue structure and cell components to diagnose diseases. Valued team player with in-depth knowledge of quality control standards and procedures paired with familiarity of alternate processing techniques.

Systematic individual possessing strong leadership, communication and problem-solving capabilities. Versed in preparing reagents, maintaining laboratory equipment and evaluating control slides. Attentive and hardworking professional with outstanding knowledge of standard health and safety standards and compliance guidelines.

Organized and dependable candidate successful at managing multiple priorities with a positive attitude. Willingness to take on added responsibilities to meet team goals.

To seek and maintain full-time position that offers professional challenges utilizing interpersonal skills, excellent time management and problem-solving skills.

Team Leader experienced in directing activities in Histology setting. Talented at developing strategies, setting goals and training employees. Confident and decisive when communicating goals and vision to succeed. First-class problem solver with excellent interpersonal skills.

Overview

14
14
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Histology Technician Coordinator

Alverno Laboratories
04.2025 - Current
  • Entered data, generated reports, and produced tracking documents.
  • Improved team productivity with regular communication and progress updates, fostering a collaborative work environment.
  • Enhanced operational workflows by maintaining well-organized documentation systems and updating records accurately as needed.
  • Gathered and organized materials to support operations.
  • Collaborated with department heads to develop strategic plans aligning with overall company objectives, fostering a unified approach toward shared goals.
  • Reduced turnaround time for test results by streamlining histology procedures and workflow.
  • Maintained a high level of quality control, ensuring accurate and reliable test results for patients.
  • Improved diagnostic accuracy with meticulous attention to detail in slide preparation and staining.
  • Reviewed slides for quality control prior to sending to pathologists.
  • Minimized infection risk by regularly cleaning and disinfecting work areas and equipment.
  • Troubleshot inconsistencies and identified errors to trace root causes and implement corrective actions.
  • Documented routine laboratory instrument maintenance and corrective actions.
  • Cut, mounted and stained samples from hospital patients suffering from acute and chronic concerns.
  • Completed complex histological procedures to prepare slides for analysis.
  • Sorted specimens according to priority and difficulty of procedures and recorded all processes in pathology log.
  • Monitored inventory levels of supplies, equipment, and reagents used and placed orders for replacements.
  • Stayed current on changing procedures to offer expert support for histology laboratory activities.
  • Assisted in troubleshooting equipment issues, minimizing downtime and maintaining productivity levels.
  • Participated in continuing education opportunities, staying current on industry advancements and trends.
  • Performed complex tissue embedding processes, preserving samples for future analysis or archival purposes.
  • Trained new histology technicians, sharing best practices and improving overall team capabilities.
  • Managed workload effectively under tight deadlines, prioritizing cases based on clinical urgency.

Histotechnician

Rush Copley Hospital
11.2024 - 02.2025
  • Ensured high-quality patient care through precise execution of histotechnician duties and attention to detail.
  • Maintained a clean and safe working environment, adhering to strict laboratory safety protocols and guidelines.
  • Delivered reliable results by performing routine maintenance on laboratory equipment and troubleshooting issues as needed.
  • Contributed to the timely delivery of pathology reports by maintaining efficient workflow and prioritizing tasks.
  • Improved diagnostic accuracy through meticulous tissue sample preparation and staining techniques.
  • Maintained strict confidentiality when handling sensitive patient information, ensuring compliance with all relevant data protection regulations.
  • Enhanced laboratory efficiency by implementing updated staining procedures and techniques.
  • Promoted a culture of continuous quality improvement, actively seeking opportunities to enhance laboratory services and patient outcomes.

Histotechnician

UChicago Advent Healthcare
04.2024 - 08.2024
  • Participated actively in departmental meetings, contributing valuable insights gained from hands-on experience with specimens and equipment.
  • Maintained a clean and safe working environment, adhering to strict laboratory safety protocols and guidelines.
  • Enhanced laboratory efficiency by streamlining histology processes and implementing quality control measures.
  • Ensured high-quality patient care through precise execution of histotechnician duties and attention to detail.
  • Troubleshot technical issues in the laboratory, collaborating with colleagues to find effective solutions and maintain high-quality results.

Histotechnologist (Contractor)

Tempus AI
11.2023 - 01.2024
  • Ensured accurate testing results by maintaining high-quality histology slides for pathologists'' review.
  • Streamlined sample processing times with effective prioritization and organizational skills.
  • Contributed to improved patient care by providing timely and accurate test results for diagnosis and treatment planning.
  • Maximized lab productivity through meticulous maintenance of equipment and instruments.
  • Reduced error rates by conducting regular quality control checks on equipment.
  • Improved workflow efficiency by cross-training in other areas of the laboratory, increasing overall staff flexibility and adaptability.
  • Supported laboratory accreditation efforts by adhering to established standards and protocols in daily work practices.
  • Maintained a safe working environment through strict adherence to safety guidelines, including proper disposal of hazardous materials.
  • Assisted in the development of new laboratory procedures, contributing to ongoing improvements in testing accuracy and turnaround time.
  • Demonstrated strong attention to detail when preparing tissue specimens for microscopic examination, ensuring optimal slide quality for accurate diagnoses.

Insurance Benefit & Billing Specialist (WFH)

Clear View Practice Strategies LLC
07.2023 - 10.2023
  • Researched and resolved billing discrepancies to enable accurate billing.
  • Identified, researched, and resolved billing variances to maintain system accuracy and currency.
  • Worked with multiple departments to check proper billing information.
  • Assisted colleagues in resolving complex billing issues, promoting teamwork and knowledge sharing within the department.
  • Prepared itemized statements, bills, or invoices and recorded amounts due for items purchased or services rendered.
  • Collaborated with the collections team to recover overdue payments from clients, maintaining cash flow and minimizing writeoffs.
  • Maintained detailed records of each account''s payment history, providing easy access to information for audit and analysis purposes.
  • Reduced errors in financial records by conducting regular audits of billed accounts.
  • Contributed to improved financial reporting by reconciling discrepancies between invoiced amounts and actual payments received.
  • Enhanced customer satisfaction with timely and accurate invoice generation.
  • Maximized revenue potential by identifying and resolving under-billed accounts.
  • Ensured compliance with industry regulations by staying up-to-date on changes in billing rules and guidelines.
  • Strengthened client relationships through effective communication regarding billing issues and concerns.
  • Verified insurance for new clients across various facilities to assess eligibility and benefits.

OFFICE MANAGER

Dr. Leonard Anlgis Implant Restorative Dentistry
10.2022 - 02.2023
  • Maintained computer and physical filing systems
  • Oversaw office inventory activities by ordering and requisitions and stocking and shipment receiving
  • Optimized organizational systems for payment collections, AP/AR, deposits and recordkeeping
  • Established workflow processes, monitored daily productivity and implemented modifications to improve overall performance of personnel
  • Managed files and records for clients and adhered to safety procedures to prevent breaches and data misuse
  • Resolved issues through active listening and open-ended questioning, escalating major problems to Doctor
  • Monitored front areas so that questions could be promptly addressed
  • Improved customer satisfaction scores through application of superior conflict resolution and problem-solving skills
  • Oversaw appointment scheduling and itinerary coordination for both clients and personnel
  • Prepared insurance claim forms, explained benefits and outlined pricing details for procedures and services
  • Maintained patient data with required regulatory chart documents, personal information and treatment consultation documentation
  • Prepared bank deposits and posted daily revenues to stay on top of administrative demands
  • Supervised and led team of dental hygienists and support staff of 7
  • Provided proper scheduling of patients, ensuring timely and effective allocation of resources and calendars
  • Assessed processes and procedures, complying with OSHA and HIPAA regulations.

HISTOLOGY TECHNICIAN

Northwestern Memorial Hospital
03.2017 - 10.2022
  • Cut, mounted and stained samples from hospital patients suffering from acute and chronic concerns
  • Created and managed electronic patient records, encompassing data entry and administrative functions related to insurance, billing and accounts receivable
  • Accomplished multiple tasks within established timeframes
  • Completed complex histological procedures to prepare slides for analysis
  • Reviewed slides for quality control prior to sending to pathologists
  • Troubleshot inconsistencies and identified errors to trace root causes and implement corrective actions
  • Retrieved pathological data and delivered pat logist's dictation tapes and surgical pathology requisitions to medical transcriptionists
  • Embedded over 150 specimens daily
  • Cut over 200 slides daily.

MEDICAL SUPPORT CLERK/HISTOTECHNICIAN

PCL Alverno Laboratories
08.2011 - 03.2017
  • Completed administrative patient intakes with case histories, insurance information and mandated forms
  • Minimized infection risk by regularly cleaning and disinfecting work areas and equipment
  • Documented routine laboratory instrument maintenance and corrective actions
  • Entered data on demographics, grossing descriptions and clinical diagnosis into EMR
  • Sorted specimens according to priority and difficulty of procedures and recorded all processes in pathology log
  • Monitored inventory levels of supplies, equipment and reagents used and placed orders for replacements
  • Operated instrumentation for tissue dehydration and section clearing.

LEGAL ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

Bruce Clark & Associates
04.2013 - 04.2014
  • Supported multiple attorneys simultaneously by efficiently prioritizing tasks according to urgency or deadline requirements.
  • Managed general clerical needs such as opening and closing files, scanning sheets and faxing documents.
  • Facilitated clear communication between clients and attorneys by acting as a liaison to ensure all parties were informed of updates or changes.
  • Prepared drafts of forms, letters and agreements for legal staff use.
  • Reduced attorney workload through proficient document management, handling correspondence, and performing clerical tasks.
  • Screened phone calls to effectively handle less important inquiries and keep senior staff free for more important matters.
  • Helped with intake of new clients and materials by setting up files and documenting important information.
  • Assisted in trial preparation, compiling critical documents and evidence for successful legal proceedings.
  • Managed accounts and client records of clients, observing confidentiality, and extreme discretion.

FRONT OFFICE MANAGER

Fresh Start Counseling
09.2011 - 04.2013
  • Monitored financial transactions at the front desk, ensuring accurate billing procedures and minimizing discrepancies.
  • Created weekly schedules for front office staff members to ensure appropriate coverage during peak hours or high demand periods.
  • Reconciled end-of-day reports to determine accurate billing and payment processing.
  • Resolved guest complaints professionally, maintaining positive relationships with customers for future business opportunities.
  • Supervised and guided new employees and responded quickly to questions to improve understanding of job responsibilities.
  • Enhanced guest satisfaction by efficiently managing front office operations and addressing customer concerns promptly.
  • Managed files and records for clients and adhered to safety procedures to prevent breaches and data misuse.
  • Implemented pre-arrival preparations such as assigning rooms based on specific requirements leading to seamless arrival experiences.
  • Updated guests'' profiles systematically incorporating preferences and feedback for providing personalized experiences during future visits.

Education

Bachelor of Arts - Computer Info Systems & Minoring, Health Information Administration

Indiana University Northwest
Gary, IN

Certification - Histology

Indiana University - Purdue University Indianapolis
Indianapolis, IN
08.2016

Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics -

University of Phoenix
Tempe, AZ
11.2015

Skills

  • Oral and Writing Communication
  • Staff Training
  • Maintaining Confidentiality
  • High-Volume Environments
  • Works week independently and with others
  • Laboratory Safety Protocols
  • Workflow optimization
  • Microtomy precision
  • Interdepartmental communication
  • Pathologist assistance
  • Quality control adherence
  • Adaptability and flexibility
  • Tissue processing expertise
  • Embedding tissue samples
  • Digital pathology familiarity
  • Cytopreparation techniques
  • Histopathology knowledge
  • Frozen section technique
  • Computer literacy
  • Automated staining systems
  • Specimen Processing
  • Specimen Preparation
  • Equipment Maintenance
  • Administrative Support
  • Tissue Embedding
  • CLIA Guidelines
  • Tissue Processing
  • Specimen Handling
  • Dissection
  • Critical Thinking
  • Team Collaboration
  • Strong communication skills
  • Continuing education commitment
  • Immunohistochemistry proficiency
  • Special staining mastery
  • Antibody validation experience
  • Immunohistochemical testing
  • Microtome operation

Additional Information

Meticulous and methodical medical professional with strong laboratory background and expertise in preparing histological samples. Skilled in quality control and documentation with strong focus on preventing medical errors and sample contamination.

Certification

Histology Certification through IUPUI in August of 2016.

Timeline

Histology Technician Coordinator

Alverno Laboratories
04.2025 - Current

Histotechnician

Rush Copley Hospital
11.2024 - 02.2025

Histotechnician

UChicago Advent Healthcare
04.2024 - 08.2024

Histotechnologist (Contractor)

Tempus AI
11.2023 - 01.2024

Insurance Benefit & Billing Specialist (WFH)

Clear View Practice Strategies LLC
07.2023 - 10.2023

OFFICE MANAGER

Dr. Leonard Anlgis Implant Restorative Dentistry
10.2022 - 02.2023

HISTOLOGY TECHNICIAN

Northwestern Memorial Hospital
03.2017 - 10.2022

LEGAL ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

Bruce Clark & Associates
04.2013 - 04.2014

FRONT OFFICE MANAGER

Fresh Start Counseling
09.2011 - 04.2013

MEDICAL SUPPORT CLERK/HISTOTECHNICIAN

PCL Alverno Laboratories
08.2011 - 03.2017

Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics -

University of Phoenix

Bachelor of Arts - Computer Info Systems & Minoring, Health Information Administration

Indiana University Northwest

Certification - Histology

Indiana University - Purdue University Indianapolis