MERRI A. WITTE
Pensacola
Summary
Detail-oriented professional with extensive experience in analyzing cell samples to identify abnormalities and diseases. Proficient in advanced laboratory techniques that enhance diagnostic accuracy and reliability. A strong foundation in cellular biology and pathology ensures timely and precise results, contributing to improved patient outcomes. Committed to maintaining high standards of quality and efficiency in all laboratory processes.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Lead Cytologist
Vivid Pathology
Pensacola, FL
06.2023 - Current
- Screening of gynecologic and non-gynecologic cytology cases
- Document slide interpretation results for each gynecologic and non-gynecologic cases examined or reviewed in accordance with the requirements set forth in the clinical laboratory licensing regulations of the State of Florida and the laboratory’s policies and procedures
- Document the total number of slides examined or reviewed each 24-hour period
- Document the number of hours spent examining slides in each 24- hour period
- Preparation of Thinprep and cytopsin slides
- Achieved improved laboratory performance by maintaining comprehensive preventative maintenance records. Enhanced quality control standards through effective documentation of corrective actions. Contributed to regulatory compliance by ensuring accurate and organized laboratory records
- Organized and coordinated scheduling of all instruments for service
- Managed creation and updates of quality improvement manuals to ensure compliance across various facilities
- Organized and facilitated meetings to present departmental statistics to medical director
- Executed amendments to reports
- Facilitated outreach by sending HSIL follow-up letters to clinics
- Oversaw inventory management and supply ordering for department to maintain adequate stock levels
- Oversaw monitoring of case volume statistics and turnaround times across multiple facilities
- Oversaw time clock adjustments and authorized PTO requests for staff
Cytologist (PRN)
HCA Florida West Hospital
Pensacola, FL
09.2023 - Current
- Screening of non-gynecologic cytology cases
- Document slide interpretation results for each case examined or reviewed in accordance with the requirements set forth in the clinical laboratory licensing regulations of the State of Florida and the laboratory’s policies and procedures
- Document the total number of slides examined
Histotechnologist (as needed)
Vivid Pathology
Pensacola, FL
06.2023 - Current
- Managed embedding of tissue specimens, ensuring precision and accuracy
- Executed precise microtomy techniques to prepare high-quality tissue samples for analysis
- Executed routine histology and eosin staining procedures
- Conducted special staining procedures to support diagnostic pathology
- Performed IHC staining techniques to support histopathological evaluations and ensure quality results
Pathology Prep Tech
Cape Fear Valley Medical Center
Fayetteville, NC
10.2018 - 12.2020
- Assisting pathologist and pathologist assistants- grossing, frozen sections
- Gross room/histology lab specimen processing
- Retrieving/accessioning surgical specimens from hospital departments and outside clinics
- Organizing specimens, registering patient’s specimens, preparing cassettes
- Test send outs- flow cytometry, cancer cytogenetics/constitutional cytogenetics, bone marrows, renal biopsy specimens, immunofluorescence, epidermal nerve biopsy specimens, muscle biopsy specimens and sending out paraffin tissue blocks for molecular testing (ER/PR/HER2, PD-L1), block X-ray
- Cleaning, maintaining and restocking the grossing room and autopsy suite
- Specimen troubleshooting and new gross room employee trainee
Cytology Prep Tech
Cape Fear Valley Medical Center
Fayetteville, NC
10.2018 - 12.2020
- Accessioning/processing Non-GYN specimens- body fluids (fresh/preserved), FNA’s, core biopsies, cell blocks, smears, Thinprep slides
- Perform/prepare specimens for ROSE procedures- FNA, core biopsy and endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) procedures, including Veran Protocol and Percutaneous biopsy
- Weekly stain/equipment maintenance, regular specimen discard (cytology and morgue)
- Afirma send outs for thyroid FNA specimens
- Urovision FISH send outs for urine specimens
- New employee prep tech training
Anatomic Pathology Office Assistant
Cape Fear Valley Medical Center
Fayetteville, NC
10.2018 - 12.2020
- Clerical responsibilities, mail opening/distribution and sending pathology results
- Slide and legal requests, receiving/processing consults
- Basic charging and billing (CoPath, EPIC, and EPIC Beaker)
- Organizing/distributing lab faxed information
Education
Masters - Cytopathology
University of Tennessee Health Science Center
Memphis, TN05.2023
Bachelor of Science - Biology, Sociology
Texas State University
San Marcos, TX05.2018
Associate of Science -
Blinn College
Bryan, TX12.2014
Skills
- Effective verbal communication
- Laboratory safety protocols
- Teamwork orientation
- Adaptability in dynamic environments
- Sample preparation
- Quality control procedures
- Digital pathology proficiency
- Analytical problem-solving
- Dependable performance
Certification
- HTL (ASCP)CM 12/2022-12/2025
- CT (ASCP)CM 05/2023-05/2026
- HTL/CT Florida license (SU 56207) 11/2025-08/2026
Timeline
Cytologist (PRN)
HCA Florida West Hospital
09.2023 - Current
Lead Cytologist
Vivid Pathology
06.2023 - Current
Histotechnologist (as needed)
Vivid Pathology
06.2023 - Current
Pathology Prep Tech
Cape Fear Valley Medical Center
10.2018 - 12.2020
Cytology Prep Tech
Cape Fear Valley Medical Center
10.2018 - 12.2020
Anatomic Pathology Office Assistant
Cape Fear Valley Medical Center
10.2018 - 12.2020
Masters - Cytopathology
University of Tennessee Health Science Center
Bachelor of Science - Biology, Sociology
Texas State University
Associate of Science -
Blinn College
ADDITIONAL TRAINING
- ThinPrep T-2000 Operation
- ThinPrep T-5000 Operation
- Hologic Genius Imager
- Hologic ThinPrep Imager
- CAP inspector
- Experience with preparing department for CAP inspection- assisting with all common checklist and uploading appropriate documentation to media lab inspection proof
- LigoLab, CoPath, EPIC, EPIC Beaker, Media Lab, Microsoft and Outlook programs
- Specimen send out procedures- LabCorp, PathGroup, PBM, Duke
- Updating patient EMR chart with finalized send out test results, case corrections/addendums
- Maintaining lab documentation according to CAP and organization standards
- Approved trainer in Histology, Cytology, and Pathology gross room, and Anatomic Pathology office