Laboratory Operations Leader

Prabhakar Ashwin

Healthcare Operations Leader

**** ******** **, *******, ** 75078 214-***-**** *******@*****.***

Leadership Profile

Self-motivated, data driven, High-powered, enthusiastic, and seasoned professional, equipped with

immeasurable success in laboratory operations including pre-analytical and post analytical processes. Well-

versed in planning, creating, and developing strategies and set plan while maintaining compliance with

regulatory agencies Committed to achieving the highest standards of excellence in the laboratory industry

focused on cost containment, effective service, and quality health care. Proven effectiveness to multitask in

a globally competitive and fast-paced environment.

Skills:

·

Project Management

Multi-Site operations

Contracts and Budgets

Quality Management

Team building and coaching.

CAP Inspector

Anatomic Pathology Operations

Accreditation Readiness

Business development

MediaLab

PolicyStat

Tableau

Change Management

Power BI

·

Certifications:

Accredited Program Manager Certification™ (APGM™)

Scrum Master Certified (SMC)

Six Sigma Black Belt (CSSBB)

MLS (ASCP)CM

Leadership Experience (8 Yrs)

DIRECTOR OF LAB OPERATION HCA- MEDICAL CITY LAS COLINAS, IRVING, TX 2022- PRESENT

Responsibilities:

Manages setup and maintenance of all laboratory related project documentation files.

Updates and maintains all regulatory documents for auditing purposes.

Understands, respects and adheres to guidelines set forth in Lab Billing Compliance Plan. Attends Annual Billing Compliance Training and Annual Ethics Training

Demonstrate working knowledge and understanding of safety principles

Initiates and documents patient teaching, including family and /or significant others. Demonstrate knowledge and skills necessary to provide care and assess data appropriate to the age of the patient served

Contract negotiations and equipment benchmarking of new and existing products.

Responsible for the planning and coordination of Laboratory department’s daily activities, the operational efficiency and effectiveness as well as major impact on all other hospital areas

Provide direction to the staff and supervisors of the Laboratory Services. Reviews performance of the department staff and approves staff evaluations. Responsible for appropriate disciplinary action of staff members as needed

Ensure that delivery of service is produced in a timely, accurate and cost-effective manner.

LIMS Maintenance and updates.

Ensure standards for test and treatment quality, equipment and personnel performance are maintained and that cost-effective technology is used to maximize quality

Ensures fixed assets are preserved. Initiates recommendations on purchases of new equipment and improvements to facility property.

REGIONAL LAB DIRECTOR HCA- INTEGRATED REGIONAL LABORATORIES, FLORIDA 2017- 2022

Responsibilities: Laboratory Administration of 3 large centralized high throughput laboratories serving over 40 hospitals & over 100 outreach facilities in the state of Florida; reported to the System AVP of operations. Total annual volume exceeding 1.3 M billable tests. Responsible and accountable to the department, medical director and leadership group for the operation, planning and administering the departmental budget. Worked as a program manager for multiple projects involving workflow assessment, clinical research, system validations and standardization, LIMS set up and transcription service.

Accomplishments:

Implemented and maintained effective processes while monitoring and improving physician satisfaction.

Examine/analyzed production processes and recommended improvements based on Lean Six Sigma principles and methodology in an effort to eliminate waste and improve quality, while reducing production time and cost.

Performed root-cause analysis of external errors reported by physicians and technical professionals, documented and prepared results for review by the Division Quality.

Conducted process mapping: drew workflow diagram and became expert of organizational process, defined quality mission, inputs, value-adding activities, outputs and outcomes using Microsoft VISIO and Smartsheet tools.

Improved TAT and productivity from 45% to 84% in a short span of time.

Implemented lean practices and utilizing problem solving techniques to identify the root causes and develop solutions. This also included tracking over 80 error point identification to set quality metrics.

Participated in multidisciplinary leadership teams set to improve organizational processes.

Worked with major GPO’s (Group Purchasing Organizations like Cardinal Health and Thermo Fisher) and negotiated better contracts to benefit organization leading to savings of over $100K.

Implemented new reference testing workflows to complement 3rd party billing with projected savings of over 30K every quarter.

EPIC Beaker LIMS implementation to accommodate large scale complex testing laboratory.

Work with Application Managers/Directors/etc. and the entire Project Team, to collect, analyze and document business operations and workflow.

SME for Beaker Clinical Pathology module upholding meaningful use.

Work with integrated Epic teams and end users on project design and implementation. Workflow analysis and improvement for LIMS implementation and troubleshooting.

Made recommendations, review and test changes, enhancements, and each new release as assigned.

Handled multiple complex process improvement, new set up and billing algorithm related projects at the capacity of a project manager and product owner.

Developed RFP formats and SOPs for various new product acquisitions and implementation projects.

Worked with IT&S to implement new EPIC enhancement initiatives to leverage on existing process leading to improved productivity and quality. Implemented alternate downtime processes.

Responsible for preparing annual operating and capital budgets.

Successfully managed over $ 1.5 M in capital and $ 2 M in operational budget annually with significant cost reduction and revenue generating initiatives.

Implemented cost savings measures of over $ 200,000 annually by negotiating contract amendments.

Responsible for state wide multisite laboratory operations serving over 40 hospital pathology and over 100 outreach facilities.

Designed comprehensive process improvement initiative to reduce redundant practices and increase productivity. Implemented multiple process improvement initiatives to include restructuring workflow to improve quality and client satisfaction.

Developed (Daily focus point) to create strategy for ongoing accreditation readiness.

Owed and managed multiple projects at a time & delivered high quality process and project management from initiation to closure; responsible for planning, executing and evaluating projects in accordance with set timelines and budgets. Launch & manage project work streams, establish clear objectives, clear timelines and clear success metrics.

Successfully developed and implemented departmental policies & procedures.

Worked closely with the Chief Medical Officer to design, interpret & implement laboratory quality indicators to set new national level quality metrics based on data assessed.

Maintained excellent staff engagement scores by inspiring and motivating team members, while providing them just culture environment to reach their maximum potential and grow professionally and personally.

Successful CAP and EPA surveys with no deficiencies.

DIRECTOR OF LABORATORY SERVICES HCA-CITRUS MEMORIAL HOSPITAL, INVERNESS, FL 2016- 2017

Responsibilities: Planning, organizing and directing the overall operation of the Laboratory Department. Ensure that services are of the best quality, are cost contained and are carried out in an expeditious manner. Recognize results or problems that require referral to the Pathologist, assuring competency of all personnel, formulating the budget for the department, maintaining performance improvement activities within the department, maintaining efficient and effective departmental operations in compliance with all state, federal, and local regulatory laws, standards and protocols

Accomplishments:

Developed and implemented policies and procedures, consistent with centralization activities and support the provision of an efficient Clinical Laboratory services.

Performed assessment and recommended necessary changes to staffing budget to senior leadership while maintaining adequate staffing to support operations. All this while adhering to proper resource allocation and coordination guidelines of the organization.

Conducted reference testing invoice audits and procured over $ 35,000 in reimbursement.

Maintained lab material management system and efficiently controlled departmental supply expense.

Selected qualified applicants for employment. Coordinated continuing education and competency assessment for all Clinical Laboratory personnel. Performs or coordinates general lab orientation for all few employees, including, safety, infection control, clerical/computer, phlebotomy, and billing compliance

Continually assessed and improves the performance of the Clinical Laboratory at the site level and within the market operation.

Served as a resource for staff & managed performance appraisals, set goals and monitored progress.

Excellent ability of time management and appropriate delegation of responsibility.

Addressed department efficiencies from both a facility and a market perspective.

Balanced consolidation opportunities with facility specific service needs while remaining focused on the effectiveness of the entire operation. Motivated and educated staff to challenge traditional operational methods, i.e., scheduling, processes, etc.,

Maintained and cultivated effective communication with executive leadership, staff, pathologists and other healthcare providers.

Successful Joint Commission survey with 0 deficiencies.

DIRECTOR OF LABORATORY SERVICES BROOKDALE UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL, BROOKLYN, NY 2016 JUNE- 2016 DEC

Responsibilities: Overall Laboratory administration of 1000 plus bed multispecialty hospital in

Brooklyn, NY. Plans, delegates and organizes work activities. Responsible for maintaining

appropriate levels of staffing to deliver service. Responsible for ensuring quality of all technical and

clerical work. Responsible for ensuring a high level of work performance. Works cooperatively and

collaboratively with other departments to deliver the most efficient services and resolve problems as

observed. Assures compliance with regulatory agencies including but not limited to NYSDOH,TJC, CAP,

OSHA, CLIA. Meets department standard of inspection readiness at all times.

Accomplishments:

Maintained and cultivated effective communication with executive leadership, staff, pathologists and other healthcare providers.

In collaboration with the Medical Director of the Laboratory and Pathology, develops Quality Improvement plans. Monitored and reported progress on QI Plan. Analyze results, develop corrective action, implement changes and measure results.

Cultivated an environment that emphasizes high quality, error reduction and promoted a patient centered focus. Monitored and reviewed quality control, instruments maintenance and proficiency testing

Personally conducted multiple equipment validation and implementation to include iSTAT point of care equipment, Vitros 5600 chemistry analyzers and IL Coagulation analyzers.

Successfully addressed CMS and CAP deficiencies and regained necessary certification and accreditation.

Lead chemistry system integration to Soft Lab LIS

CORE LAB MANAGER/ PROJECT MANAGER BANNER HEALTH- FAIRBANKS MEMORIAL HOSPITAL, FAIRBANKS, AK 2013- 2016

Responsibilities: Responsible to manage 200 plus bed hospital clinical laboratory and maintains medical

laboratory equipment performance by establishing quality standards; project management, operations,

quality, and troubleshooting procedures; ensuring staff compliance; certifying instrument performance;

arranging equipment replacement, service, and repair. Hire and manage technical and non-technical

laboratory staff and improve employee engagement with a just culture approach.

Accomplishments:

Manage and deliver core lab set up project.

New method and equipment validation project. (End to end)

Developed and implemented departmental policies and procedures.

Implemented new cost effective diagnostic testing and successfully increased laboratory revenue.

Provided direction, supervision and leadership to laboratory staff.

Cerner millennium LIMS implementation and core lab integration

Performed multiple instrument validations and implementations in an organized and timely manner.

Work closely with the Laboratory Operations Manager to coordinate non-technical laboratory functions.

Thorough working knowledge of Cerner Millennium LIMS.

Represent Laboratory Services at meetings and on committees

Function as the Laboratory Quality Manager and Safety Officer

Preparing appropriate reports on departmental activities.

Ensure all CAP and CLIA regulatory, licensing and accreditation requirements are fulfilled.

Able to utilize employee’s talent to the best, motivate them and support them to achieve their professional goals.

Performed analytical validation on Vitros 5600 chemistry analyzer and STAGO coagulation analyzer.

Successful CAP accreditation survey for 2 consecutive terms in a row.

Technical Experience (7.5 Yrs)

MEDICAL LABORATORY SCIENTIST/ ELECTRON MICROSCOPIST NORTONS HOSPITAL, LOUISVILLE, KY 2006-2013

In charge of Electron Microscopy Laboratory. Performed EM process on over 300 specimens annually.

Performed various types of clinical analyses in Microbiology, Hematology and Coagulation.

Rotated through various laboratory departments of Phlebotomy, Chemistry, Microbiology, Hematology, Serology, and Blood Bank.

Analyzed patient specimens for chemistry analysis.

Maintained Chemistry analyzers for immunoassay on Vitros systems.

Performed urinalysis, urine pregnancy tests, gram stains, blood cultures, blood gases.

Education

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE 2006 EASTERN KENTUYCKY UNIVERSITY

·Major: Clinical Laboratory Science

MASTER OF SCIENCE 2003 BANGALORE UNIVERSITY

·Major: Microbiology

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE 2000 UNIVERSITY OF MYSORE

·Major: Microbiology, Biochemistry & Botany

POST BACHELOR CERTIFICATION 2013 IUPUI UNIVERSITY

·Major: Histotechnology

Professional Affiliation

·American Society of Clinical Pathology

·Florida DOH Clinical Laboratory Supervisor

References

. Available upon request

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