Kacy Peterson, MBA, MLS |
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My professional journey as a Medical Laboratory Scientist started when I was a sophomore in college and was lucky to have been introduced to Medical Laboratory Science as a possible career choice. I knew I was interested in a profession in health care but unclear as to what that specifically looked like. Medical Laboratory Science stood out to me as a great fit because of the technical aspects as well as the ability to make a positive impact in patient care while working “behind the scenes”. When I reflect on my career beginning, I had no idea of the professional career opportunities that would be available to me in Medical Laboratory Science!
in 2008 when I began working as a Laboratory Generalist at a 545-bed hospital I worked the off-shift and rotated through all the main areas of testing including Microbiology and Transfusion services. This beginning to my career gave me a great foundation in Laboratory Medicine. In 2011, I accepted a position of off-shift supervisor and started my journey in leadership. After 2 years I was given the opportunity to advance to the position of Laboratory Operations Manager. The Operations Manager position expanded my knowledge in numerous areas but especially in the financial aspect of healthcare leadership. At this same time, I decided to pursue and obtain a Master’s in Business Administration degree with emphasis on Healthcare Leadership.
In September 2018, I accepted my current position as Director of Laboratory Services. Our laboratory supports not only our 545-bed hospital but also serves as a Regional Reference Laboratory for our health system and our outreach program’s clients in a 4-state region. My current role can be summarized as assuring that laboratory services are provided in a safe, efficient and cost-effective manner working in collaboration with patient, hospital staff and physicians to ensure satisfaction and the highest quality laboratory services. Some of my responsibilities are: developing and monitoring the budget, hiring and leading staff, ensuring the department meets all regulatory and accreditation requirements, develop and implement services and facilitate staff and resources to reinforce the vision of our health system. Our laboratory currently offers testing services that include: Core Lab (Chemistry, Hematology), Microbiology, Transfusion Services, Histology, Phlebotomy, Point-of-Care, Bone Marrow Transplant, Flow Cytometry, Molecular and HLA.
I feel very blessed to work in the Medical Laboratory Science field which has afforded me so many opportunities for growth. Laboratory Medicine is a fast paced and exciting environment in which an individual that applies themselves can find opportunity in not only leadership but other opportunities for growth such as technical specialization. I look forward to how my journey continues to develop in this career field ripe with opportunity.
in 2008 when I began working as a Laboratory Generalist at a 545-bed hospital I worked the off-shift and rotated through all the main areas of testing including Microbiology and Transfusion services. This beginning to my career gave me a great foundation in Laboratory Medicine. In 2011, I accepted a position of off-shift supervisor and started my journey in leadership. After 2 years I was given the opportunity to advance to the position of Laboratory Operations Manager. The Operations Manager position expanded my knowledge in numerous areas but especially in the financial aspect of healthcare leadership. At this same time, I decided to pursue and obtain a Master’s in Business Administration degree with emphasis on Healthcare Leadership.
In September 2018, I accepted my current position as Director of Laboratory Services. Our laboratory supports not only our 545-bed hospital but also serves as a Regional Reference Laboratory for our health system and our outreach program’s clients in a 4-state region. My current role can be summarized as assuring that laboratory services are provided in a safe, efficient and cost-effective manner working in collaboration with patient, hospital staff and physicians to ensure satisfaction and the highest quality laboratory services. Some of my responsibilities are: developing and monitoring the budget, hiring and leading staff, ensuring the department meets all regulatory and accreditation requirements, develop and implement services and facilitate staff and resources to reinforce the vision of our health system. Our laboratory currently offers testing services that include: Core Lab (Chemistry, Hematology), Microbiology, Transfusion Services, Histology, Phlebotomy, Point-of-Care, Bone Marrow Transplant, Flow Cytometry, Molecular and HLA.
I feel very blessed to work in the Medical Laboratory Science field which has afforded me so many opportunities for growth. Laboratory Medicine is a fast paced and exciting environment in which an individual that applies themselves can find opportunity in not only leadership but other opportunities for growth such as technical specialization. I look forward to how my journey continues to develop in this career field ripe with opportunity.
