RONALD POWELL
CHICAGO
Summary
To obtain a position where I can utilize my experience as a Histology/ Pathology Assistant and Customer Service Rep. Also, allow myself the opportunity to continue to provide accurate and excellent patient/customer services.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
Work History
Histology Lab Assistant
Northwestern Memorial Hospital
Chicago
12.2024 - Current
- Scanned all slides for clinical evaluations, tumor boards, outside cases, and educational studies.
- Loaded and unloaded slides into scanner for efficient processing.
- Ensured cleanliness and operational efficiency of scanned slides.
- Maintained Leica Aperio GT450 slide scanner to ensure optimal performance.
- Placed slides in designated doctor's box office for organized retrieval.
- Monitored transfer of slides from Eslide manager to Epic for accuracy.
- Ensured compliance with safety regulations while handling biohazardous materials.
- Provided histology laboratory support through automation and manual methods for staining and cover slipping. Labels slides, collates with paperwork, and submits to appropriate pathologist or resident. Documents appropriate tracking information. Submits slides and protocols to appropriate resident, pathologist, or staff.
- Reviews protocol files for Gross Only specimens and/or outstanding paperwork. Monitors logs to ensure all routine H&E slides are submitted.
- Performs and documents basic embedding procedures for routine surgical and autopsy tissues.
- Performs and documents routine paraffin block reconciliation. Prioritizes blocks based on established guidelines.
- Records all documentation consistently and legibly. Maintains manual and electronic records for easy retrieval of data as necessary. Investigates, escalates, and documents any discrepancies appropriately.
- Answers routine inquiries related to blocks, slides, and case status. Direct inquiries regarding technical information to the appropriate laboratory staff.
- Practices the proficient and safe use of all equipment necessary for the completion of all duties and responsibilities within defined turn-around times (i.e., tissue processor, embedding center, automated stainer and cover slipper, etc).
- Cleans, disinfects, performs, and documents routine instrument maintenance per SOP. Reports equipment or instrument malfunctions appropriately.
- Files paraffin blocks on a daily basis.
- Transports specimens, blocks, and slides as necessary.
- Maintains a clean and safe work environment to ensure efficient workflow and compliance with all regulatory requirements. Cleans and disinfects laboratory areas per SOP. Perform minor spill cleanup per SOP when necessary.
- Monitors laboratory inventory in the front histology area to ensure supply levels are appropriate and adequate. Promptly notifies coordinator of any supply issues.
- Fosters department and laboratory teamwork through effective communication.
- Participates in Safety and Infection Control activities.
- Assists with orientation and training of new staff in front histology area.
- Takes initiative for personal development by attending teleconferences, educational sessions, and required meetings, etc.
- Performs other duties as assigned
Histology Assistant
AAH Lutheran General Hospital
Park Ridge
04.2022 - 12.2024
- Assisted pathologist in gross examination of surgical specimens.
- Adhered to all safety and infection control precautions and regulations.
- Recorded number of tissue blocks and verified proper identification and labeling.
- Assessed adequacy of chemicals and stains.
- Disposed of specimens after completed testing procedures.
- Prepared slides for microscopic examination and analysis.
- Tracked and maintained inventory of laboratory supplies.
- Received, logged and assessed quality of specimens received.
- Prepared tissue specimens for freezer storage.
- Maintained laboratory equipment to support continuous functionality.
- Archived histologic slides and blocks.
- Applied dye and chemicals to stain tissue specimens, increasing visibility of cell details.
Gross Room Technician
West Suburban Medical Center
Chicago
05.2021 - 04.2022
- Trained in current LIS systems for Anatomic Pathology for accessioning both histological, as well as cytological specimens
- Maintain and manage both the gross room, as well as the morgue including ordering, billing and equipment maintenance for CAP inspections
- Knowledgeable in staining special stains for histology and thin prep preparation for cytology
- Assistant in frozen sectioning and staining for pathologist
- Manage charges for Anatomic Pathology and dissemination of specimens
- FNA prepping and procedure and also staining the FNA
- Prepared slides for microscopic examination and analysis
- Tracked and maintained inventory of laboratory supplies
- Disposed of specimens after completed testing procedures
- Adhered to all safety and infection control precautions and regulations
- Assisted pathologist in gross examination of surgical specimens.
Porter
Call Flawless Cleaning Services
Chicago
06.2020 - 05.2021
- Wiping down and sterilizing surfaces
- Disposal of trash and broken equipment
- Dust mopping the floor
- Mopping
- Refilling stock, tissues, napkins, and soap dispenser as needed
- Maintains clean and orderly restrooms and facilities
- Removed trash from all rooms and placed garbage and recycling receptacles in approved areas for trash pickup
- Maintained clean and tidy appearance in guest areas, such as reception, waiting areas and hallways
- Cleaned various work areas by mopping, vacuuming and polishing mirrors
- Sanitized frequented areas and equipment using approved supplies.
- Walked property and grounds, picking up trash and debris to maintain curb appeal.
Central Sterile Processing Technician 2
University of Chicago Medical Center
Chicago
03.2020 - 07.2020
- CSP 2
- Cleaning of instruments
- Decontamination of instruments Assembly of instruments
- Disinfection of Medical equipment for reuse
- Rotating stock
- Pulling case carts for daily surgical procedures
Histology Technician
West Suburban Medical Center
Oak Park
01.2003 - 01.2020
- Trained in current LIS systems for Anatomic Pathology for accessioning both histological, as well as cytological specimens
- Maintain and manage both the gross room, as well as the morgue including ordering, billing and equipment maintenance for CAP inspections
- Knowledgeable in staining special stains for histology and thin prep preparation for cytology
- Assistant in frozen sectioning and staining for pathologist
- Manage charges for Anatomic Pathology and dissemination of specimens
- FNA prepping and procedure and also staining the FNA
- Prepared slides for microscopic examination and analysis
- Tracked and maintained inventory of laboratory supplies
- Disposed of specimens after completed testing procedures
- Adhered to all safety and infection control precautions and regulations
- Assisted pathologist in gross examination of surgical specimens.
Education
High School Diploma -
Dunbar Vocational High School
Chicago, IL06.1999
Some College (No Degree) - Architectural Drafting Technology
Harold Washington College
Chicago, ILSkills
- Equipment maintenance and repair
- Basic mathematics
- Effective communication
- Team collaboration
- Training and development
- Interpersonal skills
- Problem-solving
- Multitasking abilities
- Clerical support
- Dependability and trustworthiness
- Customer service excellence
- Personal protective equipment (PPE) usage
References
REFERENCES References available upon request
Timeline
Histology Lab Assistant
Northwestern Memorial Hospital
12.2024 - Current
Histology Assistant
AAH Lutheran General Hospital
04.2022 - 12.2024
Gross Room Technician
West Suburban Medical Center
05.2021 - 04.2022
Porter
Call Flawless Cleaning Services
06.2020 - 05.2021
Central Sterile Processing Technician 2
University of Chicago Medical Center
03.2020 - 07.2020
Histology Technician
West Suburban Medical Center
01.2003 - 01.2020
High School Diploma -
Dunbar Vocational High School
Some College (No Degree) - Architectural Drafting Technology
Harold Washington College
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