Richard Rivas
Meadows Place,Texas
Summary
Scientific professional skilled in histological techniques, contributing to accurate and timely diagnostic outcomes. Proficient in tissue processing, embedding, sectioning, and staining, with talent for maintaining high standards in laboratory environments. Emphasizes teamwork and adaptability, ensuring seamless operations and reliable support for pathologists and medical staff.
Overview
1
1
Certification
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Histotechnologist
Sagis Diagnostics
05.2026 - Current
- Conducted tissue processing and embedding to prepare samples for microscopic examination.
- Implemented quality control measures to ensure accuracy in slide preparation and staining.
- Streamlined workflow processes, enhancing efficiency in specimen handling and documentation.
- Mentored junior staff on histological techniques and laboratory best practices.
- Troubleshot inconsistencies and identified errors to trace root causes and implement corrective actions.
- Maintained adequate stock and supplies to perform procedures and prepare reagents.
- Cut, mounted and stained samples from hospital patients suffering from acute and chronic concerns.
- Completed complex histological procedures to prepare slides for analysis.
- Dictated and grossed tissue samples obtained from multiple physicians' offices and medical facilities.
Histology and Grossing Manager
Medical Pathology Associates (Med Path Labs)
07.2022 - 12.2023
- Under the direction of the Medical Director and Lab director, I manage day to day operations of a close to 24 hour histology lab.
- Manage, make schedules, and approve payroll for 17 histology technicians and grossers.
- Ensure that all employees are following S.O.P.’s and reviewing all quality control procedures.
- Helping to ensure the lab is CLIA and CAP compliant.
- Developing IHC optimization and validation procedures for a menu of 10 antibodies
- All lead tech duties
- Full time 40 hours per week
Lead Histotechnologist
Medpath Labs Inc.
12.2019 - 07.2023
- Grossing, Processing, Embedding, and Staining of skin and podiatry biopsy tissue.
- Hand Special Staining as well as use of the Ventana and Dako special strainers.
- Troubleshooting cases under the direction of the Medical Director.
- Training of new grossing and histology techs for day and night shift positions.
- Keeping inventory and ordering supplies as needed.
- Full Time 40 hours per week
Histotechnologist
Gala Histology Laboratory
07.2013 - 12.2019
- Grossing, processing, embedding, and microtomy of GI and Liver Biopsies.
- Grossing, processing, embedding, and microtomy of OBGYN specimens.
- Quality Control and microscopic evaluation of slides.
- Keeping lab and workstation clean and organized.
- Special Stains
- Immuno staining (Leica Bond max)
- Full Time 40 hours
Education
Bachelor of Science - Histotechnology
University of Texas MD Anderson
Houston, Texas08-2012
Bachelor of Science - Anthropology
University of Houston
Houston, Texas08-2010
Skills
- Microtomy
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Laboratory equipment maintenance
- Pathologist assistance
- Tissue embedding
- Special Staining
- Immunohistochemistry
- Quality Control
- Grossing
- Laboratory safety protocols
- Teamwork orientation
Certification
- HTL - Histotechnologist
Timeline
Histotechnologist
Sagis Diagnostics
05.2026 - Current
Histology and Grossing Manager
Medical Pathology Associates (Med Path Labs)
07.2022 - 12.2023
Lead Histotechnologist
Medpath Labs Inc.
12.2019 - 07.2023
Histotechnologist
Gala Histology Laboratory
07.2013 - 12.2019
Bachelor of Science - Histotechnology
University of Texas MD Anderson
Bachelor of Science - Anthropology
University of Houston