Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Websites
Timeline
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Paula Torres

Paula Torres

Chicago,IL

Summary

Throughout my academic journey, I've developed a holistic understanding of health, from genetics to societal impacts. As our comprehension of health evolves, so does the training of health professionals. My interdisciplinary studies across various sciences and humanities provide a nuanced perspective on health complexities. Particularly, my minor in Psychology, emphasized during the COVID-19 pandemic, enhances my insight into resilience and mental health. This knowledge fuels my passion for addressing unseen aspects of wellness. As I graduate, I offer a comprehensive grasp of human health and its intersection with culture, environment, society, and behavior.

Overview

4
4
years of professional experience

Work History

Medical Laboratory Technician

UIHealth
09.2024 - Current
  • Performed high-volume specimen accessioning and processing, ensuring specimen integrity through accurate labeling, centrifugation, aliquoting, and proper storage.
  • Entered and verified patient demographics, test requests, and critical values in the Laboratory Information System (LIS) with a focus on accuracy and compliance.
  • Communicated STAT and critical results promptly to clinics and care units, following established protocols and documentation standards.
  • Allocated and prioritized workflow during peak and understaffed periods, meeting turnaround time (TAT) benchmarks and minimizing testing delays.
  • Conducted routine equipment calibration and maintenance (centrifuges, temperature logs, safety stations) per quality control (QC) standards and regulatory guidelines.
  • Acted as a primary resource for peer support by answering technical inquiries, offering guidance, and ensuring adherence to standard operating procedures (SOPs).
  • Maintained strict compliance with biohazard safety, HIPAA regulations, and patient confidentiality during all aspects of specimen handling and data management.
  • Received and triaged neonatal screening results by urgency; ensured timely and accurate entry into the LIS to support critical result reporting and care coordination.

Front Desk Receptionist

Equilibrium Health and Wellness
01.2024 - 05.2024
  • Cordial in welcoming patients upon arrival, adeptly facilitating their check-in, check-out, scheduling, and payment processes.
  • Ensure seamless transitions between patient appointments through efficient maintenance.
  • Uphold a pristine and well-organized workspace.
  • Display proficiency in promptly and accurately filing patient records.
  • Skillfully manage multiple tasks within a fast-paced environment, prioritizing patient care with care and diligence.

Pathology Lab Aide

UIHealth
02.2021 - 05.2024
  • Proficiently utilize the Epic system to swiftly process patient specimens in fast-moving, high-demand environments.
  • Adept at providing comprehensive support and addressing inquiries, ensuring exceptional assistance during peak workload periods.
  • Efficiently receive, pour-off, and rack patient specimens, demonstrating an enhanced precision in high-pressure, fast-paced environments with tight deadlines.
  • Professionally and clearly respond to inquiries from nurses and doctors, ensuring effective communication and understanding.

Education

Bachelor of Science - Integrated Health Studies, Minor in Psychology, Honors College

University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC)
05.2024

Skills

  • Clear and Effective Communication
  • Strategic Problem-solving
  • Agile Adaptability
  • Collaborative Teamwork
  • Time Management
  • Customer Service
  • Quality testing
  • Instrument maintenance
  • Laboratory safety protocols

Timeline

Medical Laboratory Technician

UIHealth
09.2024 - Current

Front Desk Receptionist

Equilibrium Health and Wellness
01.2024 - 05.2024

Pathology Lab Aide

UIHealth
02.2021 - 05.2024

Bachelor of Science - Integrated Health Studies, Minor in Psychology, Honors College

University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC)