What first drew you to the field of pathology?
My path into pathology was anything but conventional. When I started at college, my plan was to become a biochemist in the cosmetic industry, combining my love of science, innovation, and creativity to develop products for women. But fate had other plans.
After struggling through an organic chemistry midterm, I wandered into a campus career fair, feeling discouraged. There, a professor from the clinical laboratory science program noticed my frustration and introduced me to a different direction. She explained the field and the diverse opportunities within it, which piqued my interest enough to attend an informational session and tour the student laboratory.
That tour changed everything. Watching students in lab coats streaking petri dishes, identifying organisms, and contributing directly to patient diagnosis and care sparked an excitement I hadn’t felt before. I knew then that clinical laboratory science was where I belonged. I completed the prerequisites and was accepted into the program in fall 2005.
What roles or experiences shaped your professional direction during your early career?
My first role in the field was as a Blood Banking Medical Technologist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC). Working at such a renowned institution exposed me to complex cases that required advanced techniques and critical thinking to ensure the safe provision of blood products. The experience allowed me to grow both technically and professionally.
Supported by experienced colleagues and strong leadership, I gained confidence and was promoted to Blood Bank Education Lead Technologist. In this position, I had the opportunity to teach and mentor clinical lab students and doctoral fellows during their rotations, which deepened my passion for education and leadership.
While working full-time, I pursued graduate studies in healthcare administration, where I gained valuable knowledge in management, healthcare policy, and organizational leadership. Courses such as law and health highlighted the importance of patient safety, compliance, and the serious consequences of lapses in protocol.
One of the most influential aspects of my early career was the mentorship I received from my Blood Bank Manager, Barbara Reilly. Her guidance helped me connect theory with practice, particularly in management, quality assurance, and operational decision-making. Through her mentorship, I developed a clear understanding of how laboratory leadership plays a critical role within the broader healthcare system.
How do you balance the administrative demands of your role with the patient-centered mission of the hospital?
As a Quality Manager, I approach every administrative responsibility through the lens of patient impact. While my role does not involve direct patient contact, I believe that every quality initiative, policy review, and compliance measure ultimately supports safer, more effective care.
To balance administrative demands with our patient-centered mission, I use strategic prioritization. Many quality tasks – such as investigations, audits, and data analysis – may not be urgent, but they are essential. I set structured timelines, use automated reminders, and collaborate closely with colleagues to ensure deadlines are met without compromising accuracy or responsiveness.
I also rely on established quality management systems to continuously monitor regulatory standards, documentation, and performance metrics. These tools provide the consistency and transparency needed to drive accountability and support data-informed decision-making at every level.
By aligning administrative functions with clinical outcomes, I help ensure that operational excellence is not separate from our mission – it is integral to achieving it.
How do you approach mentoring or developing emerging leaders within your department?
Mentorship is essential to developing future leaders. From day one, I discuss career aspirations with new employees and introduce them to the broader responsibilities of leadership, including my own. When I see individuals with strong critical thinking skills or keen attention to detail, I acknowledge those strengths and encourage them to build on them.
I also advocate for ongoing professional development, whether through advanced degrees, certifications, or participation in industry conferences. These opportunities keep staff informed about advancements in the field, expand professional networks, and provide fresh perspectives.
Because the quality section of the laboratory spans all disciplines, I emphasize that quality is a shared responsibility. My guiding principle is: “quality is not Tiffany’s job – it’s everyone’s job.” I encourage all staff, new and experienced alike, to identify inconsistencies and contribute ideas for improvement, fostering a culture of accountability and continuous growth.
My open-door policy ensures staff feel comfortable seeking guidance and engaging in career development conversations. When procedures or policies change, I take the time to explain the rationale, reinforcing transparency and trust. I also empower the team by educating them on regulatory standards so they not only follow them but understand their significance.
Through these efforts, I strive to create a learning environment where emerging leaders feel supported, challenged, and inspired to grow.
Can you share a moment in your career that you're particularly proud of?
Education is one of my core values and has provided the foundation for my career. After seven years as a Blood Bank Technologist, I was promoted to Blood Bank Educational Lead Medical Laboratory Technologist at MSKCC – an honor that remains one of my proudest achievements.
In this role, I spearheaded the blood banking portion of the medical laboratory science student rotations and trained doctoral fellows in both theory and technical aspects of transfusion medicine. I also oversaw the onboarding of new employees when not working with students or fellows.
This position is especially meaningful to me because of the impact I was able to make as a mentor. My first two students in this role are now part of the transfusion medicine management team at MSKCC today. To inspire others and watch them grow into successful leaders is a privilege I will always cherish.
What qualities do you think are most important in leading a successful quality or compliance program in pathology?
Creating a culture where quality is everyone’s priority helps minimize nonconformities and fosters continuous improvement. When all staff recognize that patient safety is a direct reflection of quality in practice, compliance becomes a seamless part of daily work.
Although laboratories are inherently focused on improvement, introducing change can be challenging due to varying levels of readiness and competing priorities. Encouraging staff to share ideas and engage in open dialogue builds a culture of collaboration that drives meaningful progress. Empowered and engaged employees are essential to a resilient, high-performing healthcare system, and their contributions strengthen outcomes while supporting staff retention.
Technology also plays a vital role in sustaining standards and meeting regulatory requirements. Using software systems for document control, training, and competency management ensures that no essential tasks are overlooked. These systems also provide transparency, giving management teams real-time access to compliance and performance data.
What excites you most about the future of pathology?
The power of technology – particularly AI – will increasingly enhance laboratory testing, diagnosis, and prognosis. As laboratorians, we are trained through theory and didactic practice to deliver testing with the highest quality. AI can strengthen this work by supporting execution and processing, ultimately contributing to exceptional patient care.
Pairing innovation with the next generation of laboratory professionals will drive improvements in quality, efficiency, and safety. This combination ensures more precise results, streamlined workflows, and safer processes for both patients and the professionals carrying out essential tasks.
Any advice for the next generation of laboratory medicine professionals?
Stay curious and approach every task with purpose. In this field, how and what you accomplish each day shapes the reputation and legacy you leave behind.
Always ask, “Why?” True expertise in laboratory medicine comes not just from completing tasks, but from understanding the reasons behind them. Knowing the rationale allows for deeper learning, better adaptability, and stronger decisions.
Professional growth also extends beyond the workplace. Volunteering with professional organizations helps shape the future of our field, from advocacy at scientific and government levels to strengthening professional standards. It also broadens your perspective, builds your network, and gives you the chance to contribute to meaningful progress in pathology and laboratory medicine.
Be present, stay engaged, and never stop learning. The future of our profession depends on passionate individuals who are not only skilled, but also committed to making a lasting impact.
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