UCHECHUKWU AKPUOGWU
Salt Lake City
Summary
Detail-oriented and clinically experienced Medical Laboratory Scientist with a strong foundation in human physiology, pathophysiology, and diagnostic testing. Adept at working in high-pressure healthcare environments, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to ensure timely and accurate patient care. Demonstrated proficiency in critical thinking, precision, and adherence to safety protocols—skills essential for success in anesthesiology. Passionate about advancing into anesthesia care, combining a strong laboratory background with a commitment to hands-on patient interaction, perioperative support, and continuous learning in dynamic clinical settings.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Volunteer (5 North Volunteer)
St Marks Hospital
Salk Lake City
05.2026 - Current
- Assists staffs(nurses) with non clinical patients needs.
- Provided compassionate support to patients and families, fostering a welcoming environment.
- Comfort rounding-providing blanks, snacks/drinks, ice packs, pillows when needed.
- Escort family to cafeteria, gift shops or other areas of the hospital as needed, using a wheelchair when necessary.
- Greeting patients/visitors upon arrival.
- Visiting with patients and communicating with families.
- Uses translator app on iPad to assist patients/visitors not able to converse in English.
Medical Laboratory Scientist Specialist (NYQ)
ARUP Laboratories
Salt Lake City, UT
04.2024 - Current
- Followed all company policies and procedures to deliver quality work and ensure proper workflow of the laboratory with over 80 employees.
- Utilized expertise in microbiology, chemistry, and hematology to help with diagnosis of medical issues.
- Participated in interdisciplinary team meetings, sharing insights from lab findings to inform treatment decisions.
- Improved patient’s satisfaction rate and the tests turn around time through proactive problem-solving and efficient complaint resolution.
- Improved team collaboration by initiating regular strategy meetings.
- Conducted regular reviews of operations and identified areas for improvement.
- Evaluated quality control data daily, ensuring high operational standards for instruments and lab procedures.
- Training newly hired employees according to the standards of operations and company policy
- Assisted in the adoption of new software tools that streamlined workflows across multiple departments.
- Maintained overall safe work environment with employee training programs and enforcement of safety procedures.
- Evaluated staff performance and provided coaching to address inefficiencies
MEDICAL LABORATORY SCIENTISTS III
ARUP
Salt Lake City, UT
01.2023 - 04.2024
- Assisted in the development of innovative testing methods, leading to more accurate diagnosis and treatment plans.
- Have and implement a wide knowledge of instrumentation and it’s maintenance.
- Contributed to ongoing professional development by attending industry conferences, workshops, and seminars.
- Maintained certification with American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) and medical laboratory science council of Nigeria(MLSCN).
- Enhanced laboratory efficiency by implementing standardized testing procedures and protocols.
- Performed pre-analytical, analytical and post-analytical processing procedures.
- Collaborated with healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive patient care and improve treatment outcomes.
- Led training sessions for new laboratory staff, ensuring adherence to best practices and protocols.
CLINICAL LABORATORY SCIENTIST(Lab Manager)
Biocheck Diagnostic Centre
Abuja, Nigeria
01.2021 - 12.2022
- Enhanced laboratory efficiency by implementing new testing procedures and equipment calibration protocols.
- Reduced turnaround time for test results by streamlining workflows and optimizing sample processing methods.
- Ensured accurate test results through diligent quality control measures and strict adherence to laboratory guidelines.
- Mentored junior staff members in laboratory techniques, fostering a supportive learning environment for professional growth.
- Maximized lab performance through continuous process improvement initiatives, reducing waste while maintaining high-quality standards.
- Participated in external proficiency testing programs to ensure ongoing compliance with regulatory requirements and industry best practices.
- Assisted in the accreditation process by preparing documentation, participating in audits, and addressing corrective actions when needed.
- Fostered strong working relationships with vendors, negotiating contracts and coordinating maintenance schedules for laboratory equipment.
- Tested specimens and blood products in accordance with MLSCN standard operating procedures.
Medical Laboratory Scientist
Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital
Anambra State, Nigeria.
02.2019 - 12.2020
- Participated in continuing education opportunities to stay current with standard laboratory trends and best practices.
- Utilized advanced software programs for data analysis and interpretation, supporting informed decision-making processes.
- Supported efficient lab workflows by organizing workspace and prioritizing tasks effectively under pressure.
- Performed various analytical procedures on body fluids, including blood, semen, urine and tissues based on requests.
- Cleaned, Operated, calibrated, maintained equipment used in the laboratory.
- Reduced error rates in diagnostic testing by conducting rigorous quality control measures.
- Analyze blood samples for cell counting, morphology using microscopic techniques, blood grouping and blood Hemoglobin phenotyping
- Tissue processing, Microtomy, staining of tissues and mounting of slide.
- Maintained a safe working environment by enforcing strict adherence to safety guidelines and regular inspection of laboratory facilities.
Medical Laboratory Scientist Intern
Chukwuemeka Odimegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital
Awka, Nigeria.
01.2018 - 02.2019
- Conduct basic and complex range of chemistry, microbiology, immunological and haematological laboratory analysis
- Assisted the Chief Technologist in Haematology and Immunology practical classes for undergraduate medical students
- Assisted in troubleshooting technical issues with laboratory equipment, minimizing downtime and disruptions to productivity levels.
- Managed laboratory inventory and equipment maintenance for uninterrupted workflow.
- Assist the Chief Scientist in preparation of quarterly reports.
- Provided support during clinical trials by analyzing data and reporting results to research teams.
- Contributed to a collaborative work environment through effective communication with colleagues and supervisors.
- Utilized advanced software programs for data analysis and interpretation, supporting informed decision-making processes.
Phlebotomist
Pater Noster Hospital and Maternity Awka.
Anambra State, Nigeria.
01.2014 - 07.2017
- Enhanced patient experience through compassionate care and communication during blood draw procedures.
- Addressed questions and concerns to educate patients on collection process and procedures.
- Excelled in high-pressure situations, maintaining composure and professionalism during peak hours and emergency scenarios.
- Demonstrated adaptability by effectively performing blood draws on diverse patient populations, including pediatric, geriatric, and challenging cases.
- Collaborated with medical professionals to ensure accurate test orders and appropriate sample collection methods were used.
- Actively engaged with patients to educate them on proper post-draw care, reducing potential complications and ensuring their comfort throughout the process.
- Completed proper sanitation and cleaning of equipment and work areas between patients.
- Improved patient comfort by efficiently drawing blood samples using various techniques such as venipuncture and capillary puncture.
- Packaged and shipped specimens to central lab daily.
- Used personal protective equipment correctly to protect coworkers and patients.
- Reduced patient wait times by implementing effective appointment scheduling system.
Education
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE (WITH HONORS): MEDICAL LABORATORY SCIENCES -
Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi campus
Anambra state, Nigeria10.2016
Skills
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Critical thinking
- Technical troubleshooting
- Multitasking Abilities
- Interpersonal Skills
- Time Management
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Research
- Leadership
- Equipment operation and maintenance
Accomplishments
- Collaborated with team of 3 in the development of parts guide of API6500 cart.
Certification
- MLS (ASCPI )CM 15026 Current (License)
- Medical Laboratory Sciences Council of Nigeria (RA (MLS) 25879) Current(License)
- University Mandatory Information and Technology training(UMITT) 2016
Affiliations
- Member| American society for clinical pathology(ASCP)
- Member| medical laboratory science of Nigeria (MLSCN)
- Member| Association of medical laboratory scientists of Nigeria (AMLSN)
Published Articles
Evaluation of the levels of Bladder tumour antigen in HIV Seropositive Subjects co-infected with Mycobacterium Tuberculosis in Nnewi, Nigeria. Sky Journal of Medicine and medical science 5, (1) : 001-007. Akpuogwu U. A., Manafa P. O. , Chukwuma G. O., Chukwuma O. M., Ibe N. C., Nwene E. K., Akulue J. C., Anake J. C., Onyenekwe C. C. (2017).
Volunteer Programmes And Community Outreach
- Team leader for medical outreach, free HIV I and II, HBsAg, random glucose screening and measurement of Body mass index at Igwe- orizu palace, Nnewi, August, 2017.
- Volunteer Medical Laboratory Scientist, Health Initiative For Rural Dwellers(HRD), Kura L.G.A Kano. (Sept. 2018).
- Participated actively as a member of Blood Drive Initiative (BDI) in 'Save a life" program, February, 2019.
- Participated actively in a youth enlightenment program on voluntary, non-remunerated blood donation in Nnewi, Anambra state, June,2019.
Research Project Dissertation
DISSERTATION: Akpuogwu Uchechukwu (2016). Evaluation of the levels of Bladder tumour antigen in HIV Seropositive Subjects co-infected with Mycobacterium Tuberculosis in Nigeria. (BMLS Thesis submitted to the Nnamdi Azikiwe university, Nnewi, Nigeria)
References
REFERENCES AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Volunteer (5 North Volunteer)
St Marks Hospital
05.2026 - Current
Medical Laboratory Scientist Specialist (NYQ)
ARUP Laboratories
04.2024 - Current
MEDICAL LABORATORY SCIENTISTS III
ARUP
01.2023 - 04.2024
CLINICAL LABORATORY SCIENTIST(Lab Manager)
Biocheck Diagnostic Centre
01.2021 - 12.2022
Medical Laboratory Scientist
Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital
02.2019 - 12.2020
Medical Laboratory Scientist Intern
Chukwuemeka Odimegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital
01.2018 - 02.2019
Phlebotomist
Pater Noster Hospital and Maternity Awka.
01.2014 - 07.2017
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE (WITH HONORS): MEDICAL LABORATORY SCIENCES -
Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi campus