Sara Waheed
Laurel,MD
Summary
Talented professional considered knowledgeable leader and dedicated problem solver. Brings 10+ years of valuable expertise to forward company objectives. Focused Project Manager adept at planning, directing and maintaining continuous operations in various laboratory departments. Attentive to detail with experience in coordinating projects, programs and improvements. Skilled at identifying or anticipating problems and providing solutions. Excels through mentoring, training and empowering team to excel in performance.
Expertise with cross functional team coordination, multi-tasking skills, strong analytical, quantitative, requirement gathering, and problem-solving skill sets with excellence in strategic thought leadership. Experience in implementation and validations of systems/processes and hands on experience in a variety of laboratory systems/instruments including CERNER, Haemonetics- Blood Hemobanks, TIMS-Pyxis, Safetrace, EPIC, Sysmex, COBAS, Clinitek, IRIS, Bio Rad IH-1000, Horiba, Abbott’s Cell-DYN.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Project Manager Laboratory Services
University of MD Medical Center
05.2023 - Current
- Successfully managed multiple projects simultaneously by prioritizing tasks according to urgency, resource availability, and alignment with organizational goals.
- Developed comprehensive project plans with clear timelines, milestones, and budget requirements, ensuring timely delivery of high-quality results.
- Planned, designed, and scheduled phases for large projects.
- Met project deadlines without sacrificing build quality or workplace safety.
- Established effective communication among team members for enhanced collaboration and successful project completion.
- Monitored progress against established goals, adjusting schedules and resources as needed to keep projects on track.
- Developed strong relationships with stakeholders through regular communication updates, fostering trust and confidence in the team''s ability to deliver results.
- Identified plans and resources required to meet project goals and objectives.
- Coordinated with cross-functional teams to resolve project issues and mitigate risks.
- Coordinated with cross-functional teams to achieve operational and financial goals for FY23 and FY24.
- Collaborated closely with senior management to align project objectives with strategic company initiatives, ensuring that efforts contributed to overall business growth.
- Mentored junior team members in project management best practices to enhance their skills and contribute to better overall performance.
- Facilitated change management processes within organizations by effectively communicating benefits of new systems or processes being introduced during projects.
- Created and completed project charters by collaborating with the project sponsors and the stakeholders.
- Performed conversion of outdated excel data spreadsheets to Smartsheets for better tracking and monitoring of data, trigger alerts, allocating resources, and project progress.
- Generated a project intake form on Smartsheet for the laboratories of pathology to be used for all proposed projects within the laboratory.
- Assisted the laboratory director and assistant directors to improve overall laboratory efficiency by leading projects to monitor and eliminate waste in our processes.
- Identified process improvement opportunities using Lean Six Sigma methodologies within all laboratory departments.
- Proficient in Cerner DA2 report building and data analysis.
Quality Assurance Specialist
University of MD Medical Center
01.2023 - 06.2023
- Ensured product and processes compliance with industry regulations by staying up-to-date on relevant standards and guidelines, implementing necessary changes to maintain conformance.
- Educated employees on specific QA standards and confirmed maintenance of standards.
- Completed deviation forms and recorded findings of inspection process, collaborating with quality team members and department managers to implement procedural remedies.
- Utilized root cause analysis techniques to identify underlying issues contributing to deviations/variances or customer complaints.
- Achieved timely resolution of non-conformance issues by implementing corrective action plans working closely with relevant departments.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by addressing reported issues promptly and providing effective solutions.
- Provided regular updates to team leadership on quality metrics by communicating consistency problems or production deficiencies.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop robust quality assurance strategies for internal processes.
- Assisted in the development, improvement, validation and management of systems and processes.
- Implemented process improvements to increase productivity in quality assurance operations.
- Served as the point person in successful FDA, CAP and AABB inspections. Recorded findings of inspection process, collaborating with quality team to implement corrective actions.
- Served as the primary point person for resolving Haemobank issues; proficient in troubleshooting and Haemobank maintenance.
- Conducted internal and external audits to ensure conformance and identify any corrective actions.
- Well versed with internal audits including blood transfusion compliance, CernerBridge Audit and Nicu/Picu Milk Audit, and transfusionist audits.
- Collected, analyzed and reported data on monthly inventory, PEG ,XI and Electronic crossmatches and created product wastage reports
Medical Laboratory Scientist II/BioRad Superuser
University of MD Medical Center
08.2021 - 12.2022
- Provided high-level technical advice, consultation, and troubleshooting for laboratory instrumentation.
- Performed pre-analytical, analytical and post-analytical processing procedures.
- Documented test results using computerized and manual transcription methods.
- Supported blood bank team and work flows on assigned lead days by managing staff shortages on critical staffing days.
- Trained personnel on most benches within the blood bank including, quality control, accessioning and reference.
- Mentored new staff members, providing training on laboratory techniques and best practices for efficient workflow management.
- Reduced errors in test results by implementing rigorous quality control measures.
- Promoted a culture of continuous improvement within the lab by identifying opportunities for process optimization and championing change initiatives.
- Maintained confidentiality and professionalism by following strict HIPAA guidelines when handling patient information and test results.
- Investigated QC/QA problems to implement corrective action.
- Analyzed QC and calibrations; performed troubleshooting and rectified as needed.
- Resolved any instrumentation issues and provided technical support as needed.
- Assisted with new employee checklist completions, and evaluated knowledge by asking questions.
- Performed routine ABO/Rh and antibody identification.
- Performed PEG and Electronic Crossmatch on blood products for trauma, OR and admitted patients.
- Performed reference work-up including, cold panels, acid elutions, phenotyping patient and donor units, ABO discrepancies, antibody ID and work-up resolutions, panel rule-outs.
- Resolved any discrepancies; consulted Blood Bank MD and American Red Cross as needed.
- Prepared coolers for emergent cases and massive transfusion events.
- Assisted providers and other caregivers with product ordering and educating them on appropriate actions during emergencies.
Medical Laboratory Technician
Patient First
10.2019 - 08.2021
- Performed in-house testing on patient samples for immediate diagnosing or sending out to reference labs
- Ensured quality control by performing routine maintenance on lab equipment and calibrating instruments as needed.
- Assisted in the training of new staff members, ensuring proper knowledge transfer and adherence to safety protocols.
- Prepared laboratory samples for analysis and performed data entry for accurate reporting.
- Developed strong working relationships with colleagues, fostering a positive team culture focused on collaboration and innovation.
- Maintained confidentiality of all patient information to conform to HIPAA, internal, and other regulatory standards.
- Utilized expertise in microbiology, chemistry, and hematology to help with diagnosis of medical issues.
- Streamlined communication between departments by creating clear protocols for sharing test results among healthcare professionals.
- Competent in performing various tests on instruments as well as microscopic analysis.
- Competent in performing serological and non-serological testing and identifying pathogens
- Reported critical results to physicians and other clinical staff for accurate treatment
- Competent with reference send-outs and ICD-codes
- Collected, processed, and handled blood and/or other biological specimens according to established procedures; instructed patients in the proper collection of samples
- Competent in urine drug testing and hair collection.
Medical Laboratory Scientist
Howard County General Hospital
12.2017 - 10.2019
- Performed pre-analytical, analytical and post-analytical processing procedures.
- Competent in performing various tests on instruments as well as microscopic analysis.
- Documented test results using computerized and manual transcription methods.
- Maintained high levels of laboratory safety by adhering to strict guidelines and conducting regular safety audits.
- Consistently met or exceeded performance targets related to accuracy, efficiency, productivity, and customer satisfaction metrics within the lab setting.
- Maintained confidentiality and professionalism by following strict HIPAA guidelines when handling patient information and test results.
- Maintained strict adherence to prescribed lab safety guidelines and operational instructions.
- Reported critical results to physicians/providers and other clinical staff for accurate treatment.
- Competent in troubleshooting analyzers, analyzing QC analysis and errors and performing corrective actions including instrument calibrations.
- Performed a variety of clinical laboratory tests in the areas of hematology, microbiology, immunology, clinical chemistry, and urinalysis, as assigned; conducts quantitative and qualitative chemical analyses of body fluids such as blood, urine, and spinal fluid; performs blood counts using microscope.
- Developed and maintained cell/tissue cultures for testing purposes, as appropriate; isolates and identifies specimens, using advanced laboratory techniques.
- Performed quality control on test results, ensuring validity and accuracy.
- Performed calibration and troubleshooting on testing systems and instruments to ensure adherence to established standards of accuracy.
- Practiced safety, environmental, and/or infection control methods.
- Performed miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.
Laboratory Technician
Howard Community College
08.2014 - 12.2017
- Assisted in the development, improvement, validation and management of systems and processes.
- Identified and led efforts to improve systems/processes
- Operated basic laboratory equipment such as balances, pH meter, colorimeter, spectrophotometer, autoclave and evaporator.
- Performed testing and quality control using approved laboratory procedures and instrumentation.
- Documented information by maintaining daily logs and equipment record books.
- Calibrated and maintained instruments to keep equipment fully operational.
- Managed staffing and new hires onboarding process.
- Trained new associates in laboratory procedures and standards.
- Trained junior technicians on laboratory techniques and safety protocols, enhancing overall team proficiency.
- Managed daily, monthly and yearly inventory reports.
- Prepared inorganic and organic chemicals required for student teaching and training purposes.
- Kept laboratory supplies prepared by inventorying stock, placing orders and verifying receipt.
- Prepared detailed documentation for each experiment, facilitating effective communication of results to colleagues and stakeholders.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Biology
University of Maryland - Baltimore County
Baltimore, MD08.2020
Associate of Applied Science - Medical Laboratory Technology
Howard Community College
Columbia, MD05.2017
Skills
- Effective Communication
- Organized
- Detail Oriented
- Critical Thinking
- Problem Solving
- Microsoft Office
- Excel
- Powerpoint
- Vizio
- Access
- Outlook
- Smartsheet
- Adobe Pro
- Project Management
- Project Planning
- Project planning and development
- Project Scheduling
- Project tracking
- Strategic Planning
- Schedule Management
- Client Relations
- Stakeholder Communications
- Advanced problem solving
- Budgeting and forecasting
- Risk Management
- Scope Management
Certification
- PMP - Project Management Professional
PMI - Anticipated: June 15, 2024
- Six Sigma Greenbelt
SSGI - April 1, 2024
Credential ID: 99907011
- Six Sigma Blackbelt
SSGI - Anticipated: June, 2024
- Medical Laboratory Technician
ASCP - 06/19/207
Credential ID: 102526
Timeline
Project Manager Laboratory Services
University of MD Medical Center
05.2023 - Current
Quality Assurance Specialist
University of MD Medical Center
01.2023 - 06.2023
Medical Laboratory Scientist II/BioRad Superuser
University of MD Medical Center
08.2021 - 12.2022
Medical Laboratory Technician
Patient First
10.2019 - 08.2021
Medical Laboratory Scientist
Howard County General Hospital
12.2017 - 10.2019
Laboratory Technician
Howard Community College
08.2014 - 12.2017
Bachelor of Science - Biology
University of Maryland - Baltimore County
Associate of Applied Science - Medical Laboratory Technology
Howard Community College
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