Stephen Mendoza

Company Overview: A Quest Diagnostics Subsidy

• Managed 85+ direct staff, including Department Supervisors and Analysts
• 24/7 oversight and responsibility for all functions in Specimen Management including Referral Testing, Imaging, Quality Control, and Problem Resolution
• Managed all aspects of specimen handling, including receiving, processing, storage, and distribution, ensuring compliance with laboratory standards and protocols
• Streamlined Specimen Management workflows, reducing turnaround time and increasing overall operational efficiency by implementing Lean or Six Sigma methodologies
• Maintained strict adherence to regulatory standards such as CLIA, CAP, and OSHA, ensuring specimen handling procedures were always audit-ready
• Directed cross-functional teams to collaborate on Specimen Management, ensuring seamless integration between laboratory operations, clinical departments, and external partners
• Created and enforced comprehensive quality control protocols to monitor specimen integrity, reducing errors and minimizing risk of specimen loss or mislabel
• Analyzed data and performance metrics to optimize throughput, handling high volumes of specimens while maintaining accuracy and timeliness
• Trained and mentored Specimen Management personnel, fostering a high-performing team and promoting employee development and retention
• Spearheaded adoption of automated specimen tracking systems, enhancing traceability, accuracy, and accountability throughout the specimen lifecycle
• Addressed and resolved complex specimen handling and processing issues, collaborating with clinical staff to ensure timely and accurate specimen delivery
• Led initiatives to continuously improve Specimen Management processes, including Kaizen events, driving enhancements in productivity and error reduction
• Managed the procurement and inventory of supplies, ensuring cost-effectiveness while avoiding shortages
• Liaised with internal and external stakeholders to ensure specimens were handled in line with client requirements and timelines, maintaining high levels of satisfaction
• Made department adjustments to meet business demands based on staffing models and data projections
• Demonstrated exceptional organizational, communication and interpersonal skills
• A Quest Diagnostics Subsidy

• Company Overview: a Quest Diagnostics Subsidy
• 30+ direct reports, including Department Trainers, Group Leads and all new hires
• Designed and executed comprehensive training programs for new hires and existing employees, tailored to individual and team performance needs
• Conducted regular in-person and virtual training sessions, workshops, and skill-building seminars to enhance workforce knowledge and proficiency
• Facilitated employee growth through targeted coaching, mentoring, and continuous development, resulting in measurable improvements in productivity and engagement
• Assessed training program effectiveness using feedback, KPIs, and post-training assessments, leading to the implementation of enhancements for higher engagement and knowledge retention
• Worked closely with department managers and supervisors to identify training gaps and create solutions that aligned with overall business objectives
• Created leadership development initiatives to prepare high-potential employees for management roles, fostering internal promotions and reducing external hiring needs
• Led the design and continuous improvement of onboarding programs, reducing new hire time-to-productivity and increasing employee retention
• Ensured all training materials, documentation, and procedures were compliant with industry standards and regulations, always maintaining audit readiness
• Implemented initiatives that promoted a culture of learning, boosting employee engagement, motivation, and long-term retention rates
• A Quest Diagnostics Subsidy

• Set the example for demonstrating good safety habits and conduct monthly safety meetings
• Take appropriate action to assure that staffing is adequate and be able to utilize resources effectively at any given time
• Compile statistical data to effectively monitor quality and production standards
• Interview, hire, coach, develop, motivate, and counsel employees when necessary
• Took direction from Clinical Laboratory Scientist on applicable training and competencies
• Delegated decisions of a technical nature, such as suitability of specimen acceptability, to a licensed individual
• Have functional knowledge of all areas in the department and can troubleshoot processing equipment and client-related issues
• Able to utilize an innovative approach to problem solving and demonstrate process improvement
• Effectively work with Laboratory departments to resolve interdepartmental problems as well as with other departments
• Handled confidential information in an appropriate manner regarding personnel, payroll, patient information, client information, billing, and results
• Oversaw daily operations in Specimen Management, processing, storage, and distribution, ensuring accuracy and adherence to laboratory protocols
• Optimized Specimen Management processes, leading to improved efficiency and reduced turnaround times for critical lab tests
• Maintained strict compliance with regulatory bodies such as CLIA, CAP, and OSHA, ensuring all specimen handling and documentation met industry standards
• Supervised and trained a team of Specimen Management technicians, providing coaching and continuous education to ensure high performance and quality
• Established and enforced quality control procedures, ensuring specimen integrity and minimizing errors in processing and labeling
• Acted as the primary point of escalation for resolving complex specimen handling issues, collaborating with lab and clinical staff to ensure timely solutions
• Worked closely with laboratory, client services, and Referral Testing departments to ensure seamless specimen flow and clear communication across teams
• Tracked KPIs such as specimen throughput, error rates, and processing times to identify areas for improvement and implement corrective actions
• Conducted ongoing training on best practices for Specimen Management, safety protocols, and regulatory requirements to maintain a knowledgeable workforce
• Led internal audits and root cause analyses to identify workflow inefficiencies and mitigate recurring specimen-related issues
• Promoted a culture of accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement, resulting in increased employee morale and retention

• Monitored and analyzed specimen processing data to identify trends, inefficiencies, and areas for improvement, leading to optimized workflows
• Verified the accurate handling, labeling, and tracking of specimens to minimize errors and ensure timely delivery to the appropriate departments
• Ensured the integrity of specimen management data by implementing rigorous checks and audits, reducing the risk of data entry and processing errors
• Investigated specimen discrepancies, performing root cause analyses to identify underlying issues and recommending corrective actions to prevent future occurrences
• Worked closely with laboratory, clinical, and operations teams to ensure smooth specimen workflows, providing data-driven insights for continuous process improvement
• Tracked and analyzed KPIs such as specimen throughput, error rates, and processing times to inform decision-making and drive operational efficiency
• Prepared and presented reports on Specimen Management performance, providing actionable insights to improve department outcomes
• Participated in process improvement initiatives such as Lean or Six Sigma projects to enhance efficiency in specimen handling and reduce error rates
• Ensured specimen handling procedures complied with CLIA, CAP, and OSHA standards, contributing to successful internal and external audits
• Assisted in the development and revision of standard operating procedures (SOPs) for Specimen Management, ensuring consistency and compliance with industry best practices
• Trained new team members on Specimen Management protocols, tracking systems, and quality control measures, contributing to team proficiency

• Led a team of Specimen Management technicians, overseeing daily operations including specimen receipt, processing, and distribution to ensure timely and accurate handling
• Identified bottlenecks and implemented process improvements that streamlined specimen workflows, reducing turnaround times and increasing throughput
• Ensured all specimen management procedures adhered to CLIA, CAP, and OSHA regulations, resulting in successful audits and reduced compliance risks
• Enforced rigorous quality control measures, reducing specimen errors and improving overall accuracy in specimen handling and documentation
• Led training initiatives for the Specimen Management team, ensuring staff were well-versed in procedures, compliance standards, and the use of tracking systems
• Acted as the point of escalation for resolving complex specimen handling and processing issues, ensuring timely and effective problem resolution
• Collaborated with management to plan and execute strategic initiatives that aligned with the department’s goals for specimen handling and operational excellence

• Received and processed incoming specimens with precision, ensuring accurate labeling, documentation, and preparation for testing in accordance with lab protocols
• Handled specimens with care to maintain integrity throughout the entire process, ensuring specimens were stored, transported, and processed in optimal conditions
• Performed accurate labeling and barcoding of specimens, reducing the risk of misidentification and ensuring all specimens were tracked through the laboratory information management system (LIMS)
• Followed strict protocols and regulatory guidelines (e.g., CLIA, CAP, OSHA) for specimen handling, ensuring compliance and contributing to successful audits
• Maintained a low error rate in specimen processing by following detailed standard operating procedures (SOPs) and performing quality checks
• Efficiently processed a high volume of specimens daily, meeting tight deadlines while maintaining high accuracy and quality standards
• Used Laboratory Information Systems (LIS)
• Efficiently utilized LIS and other tracking systems for specimen entry, ensuring accurate and timely data entry and specimen traceability
• Participated in quality improvement initiatives by providing feedback on process inefficiencies and collaborating on solutions to enhance overall specimen management operations