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FALL ISSUE
2022 NEWSLETTER
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Congratulations to Dr. Vandita Johari!
BWIMS Impact Awardee
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The BWIMS (Baystate Women in Medical Science) Impact Award honors women faculty and medical staff members who have demonstrated excellence in clinical care, education, research, or institutional service.
Dr. Vandita Johari was was honored among three other recipients on a virtual celebration held last September 20, 2022.
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Retirement Announcement: Dr. Mary Zakhary
-From the desk of Ashraf Khan, MD, FRCPath,
Professor and Chair, Department of Pathology, BH
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After a long and illustrious career as an Associate Pathologist, our colleague Mary Zakhary, MD has decided to retire effective January 1, 2023. I have accepted her resignation with mixed emotions to support her decision to retire.
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Supervisor, Surgical Pathology
As of October 3, Heather Sliech was promoted into the position of Supervisor in Surgical Pathology. This was a natural progression for Heather who has garnered the respect of her fellow teammates, residents and pathologists over the past 3 1/2 years at Baystate. Heather's skills both on and off the bench, as well as her professionalism and commitment to patient care make her well-suited for this role. Heather additionally brings with her a desire to focus on team building and process improvement as well as a passion for teaching and mentoring others.
Congratulations Heather!
-From the desk of Alison Carrano, Manager, Anatomic Pathology
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Supervisor, Second Shift,
BRL Courier Team
I am pleased to announce that Mike Thans has joined our BRL Courier team!
He is stepping into the 2nd shift Supervisor position. Mike brings over 15 plus years supervisory experience. Mike worked for Callaway Golf for 13 years and spent the last 7 years with Amazon where he was part of the Transportation Operations Management team. Mike is detailed and has strong work ethic.
He is quickly adapting to the workflow for Baystate and will make a good addition to our team!
Please join me in welcoming and supporting Mike in his new role.
-From the desk of Eric Duquette, BRL Transportation Manager
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Lead Medical Laboratory Scientist, Evening Shift, Core Laboratory
It is with great pleasure that we announce the appointment of Amy Doble, MLS (ASCP), to the position of Lead Medical Laboratory Scientist for the Evening Shift in the Core Laboratory.
Amy started at BMC in October,1998 as a Lab Assistant in LCRI. She worked there until 2003 then left BMC to explore other career options. She came back to LCRI in August, 2010. She began her STCC's MLT program in September 2012 while working night shift as a Prep Tech in Chemistry. She graduated from STCC in 2014 with a degree of Associate in Science in Medical Laboratory Technology and began her career as a Medical Laboratory Technician on the night shift. In February, 2017, she moved to the evening shift and in March, 2019, she was promoted to the career ladder as an MLT III. In January, 2020, she began the online MLT to MLS program at UMASS Dartmouth. She completed the program in December, 2021 with a degree of BS in Medical Laboratory Science. She got certified as a Medical Laboratory Scientist in April, 2022.
Please join me in welcoming and supporting Amy in her new role.
-From the desk of Arvel Paz, Manager, Chemistry and POCT
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Lead Laboratory Assistant,
Referral Laboratory Services
We are pleased to announce that David Cilley has been promoted to the position of Lead Laboratory Assistant for Referral Laboratory Services. During his fourteen year tenure with Baystate, and nine years within the Serology/Microbiology department as a Prep Tech, David has shown the utmost care and professionalism towards his work and peers. David regularly draws from his extensive knowledge base to regularly solve problems as well as provide high quality service to each and every patient. He raises the standard for patient care and has become a role model for his fellow employees.
David provided invaluable assistance during the Covid-19 pandemic and has emerged as a natural leader and a dependable presence during those tumultuous times. His impeccable work ethic, cheery demeanor and collaborative spirit have helped to forge strong interdepartmental relationships with the BRL pathologists and phlebotomists. David is a natural fit for his new position, and we are excited to watch him succeed in his new role.
Please join me in welcoming and supporting David in his new role.
-From the desk of Darlene Cloutier, Senior Director BH Laboratory Services
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Theresa Fontaine, Notary Public Executive Assistant to
Darlene Cloutier and Jennifer Hayford
Theresa Fontaine, Executive Assistant comes to us with 23+ years of service within Baystate Health System.
The youngest of 12 siblings, mother of 3, and soon to be a first-time grandmother.
Her favorite movie is Tombstone.
Her creative outlets are painting (as she is an established artist), gardening, and the beach.
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DEPARTMENTS
CAREER LADDER PROMOTIONS
-from Career Ladder Oversight Committee and respective Lab Managers
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Jessica Deslauriers
Molecular Technologist II
Molecular Pathology Lab
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Mary Ann Junio
Preparatory Technician III
BWH Lab
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Hannah McCluskey Anatomic Pathology Technician III
Histology Lab
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Sherelle Maner Edmond
Phlebotomist III
Inpatient Phlebotomy
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Evan Gallant
Biopsy Technician II
Histology Lab
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Lisa Kneeland
Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) II
BWH Lab
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Tara McCauley
Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) III
BWH Lab
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Mary Crockett
Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) III
BNH Lab
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Darlene Katalina
Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) III
BNH Lab
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Breanne Ryan
Phlebotomist III
Blood Donor Service
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Amy Hryniewicz
Medical Laboratory Technician III
BFMC Lab
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Lisa Shaw
Phlebotomist III
Blood Donor Service
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Elisabeth Polchlopek
Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) III
Microbiology Lab
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Hannah Grocott
Anatomic Pathology Technician II
Histology
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Teresa Villamaino
Phlebotomist III
Blood Donor Service
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Jessi Morales-Figueroa
Client Services Representative II
BRL Client Service
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BRL COURIER SERVICES
-Eric Duquette, BRL Transportation Manager
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Meet some of the team members of our BRL Courier Services - from left to right - Richie Allain, Gloria Diaz, and Ennel Amofah.
I would like to thank and acknowledge the contributions and significant role our BRL Courier Services team members play in the continuum of care of each and every Baystate Health patients - be it in the timely movement of the specimens from doctors' offices, draw stations, or from lab to lab, to the delivery of the much needed prescription drugs. In addition, the couriers handle the pickup and delivery of mail for the entire health system.
All of our BRL couriers are trained in proper specimen identification, specimen handling, and transport requirements, so we can rest assure that the integrity of the samples are kept in the optimal storage and transport condition prior to testing. The same care is given in transporting the prescription medications - we currently have over 3,500 pharmacy deliveries to patient homes per month. These include Specialty Pharmacy, 140 High Street Pharmacy and the Brightwood Pharmacy. We also transport the outpatient and inpatient pharmacies to the Community Hospital.
To learn more about the important work and scope our BRL couriers perform day to day, and to see more of the team members, please click on the link below. Please be sure to acknowledge and thank our BRL courier services team members the next time you see them.
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WORCESTER SATELLITE LABORATORY (WSL)
-Danielle Noack, Supervisor, BRL Satellite Labs
Worcester Satellite Lab is located inside the Family Health Center of Worcester. Family health center is a unique place, established in 1972 Family Health Center of Worcester is a Federally Qualified Health Center. Their mission is to “improve the health and well-being of all residents in the Greater Worcester area, especially culturally diverse populations, by providing affordable, high quality, integrated, comprehensive, respectful primary health care and social services, regardless of patients’ ability to pay”.
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PSC
Naomi Chatel's Film Won the New York Lift-Off Film Festival's Audience Choice Award Last August 17th, 2022
-Cheryl Stambovsky, Manager, BRL Specimen Acquisition
I would like to share one of our very own BRL Lead Phlebotomist's - Naomi Chatel - most recent artistic feat outside of Baystate Health.
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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR COLLEAGUES | |
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Name: Judy Maylott
Title/department: Lead Medical Laboratory Scientist, 2nd shift, Transfusion Medicine
Number of years working in BRL: 34 years
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Name: Mario Rivera
Title/department: BRL Courier
Number of years in BRL: 10 months
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Name: Terry-Lee McCarthy
Title/department: Medical Laboratory Technician, BWH
Number of years in BRL: 4 months
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COMPLIANCE HOTLINE REMINDER
-Karen Murley-Kells, BRL Compliance Coordinator
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STCC PHLEBOTOMY AND MLT STUDENTS
-Paula Palmer, CT(ASCP)QLS,
Environmental Health & Safety Professional
Laboratory Education Coordinator
Chair Laboratory Safety Committee
We have Phlebotomy students from STCC starting in October. There will be three rotations which will end the first week of December. The students will be sent to various PSC locations for their training. Thank you to the Outpatient Phlebotomy team for sharing your expertise with these students. They will be forever grateful.
We also had 2 STCC MLT student tours of our labs. There was a total of 11 students that came through our facilities. We will have 4 of these students doing their clinical training with us. The staff that interacted with the students impressed them with what we have to offer here at Baystate. They shared there passion and dedication to their work.
Thank you for making the tour successful.
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LAB LECTURE SERIES
-Paula Palmer, CT(ASCP)QLS
and
Alison Carrano, PA(ASCP), Manager, Anatomic and Molecular Pathology
The Laboratory Workforce Development Team is attempting to start a lab lecture series centered on answering staff questions or providing more in-depth information on topics of interest. Please hang the attached flier up in your respective areas and share information about this initiative at staff meetings/huddles. Participation at all levels is key to its success, so please consider sharing an idea or volunteering to present. We look forward to hearing everyone's ideas!
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2022 CAP MOCK INSPECTION
-Michelle DiCienzo, System Laboratory Quality Manager
We were due to be inspected by CAP in 2020, but this was delayed due to COVID and associated travel restrictions. The inspection was deferred until May of 2021. Some of you may recall what felt like a month-long interrogation, with countless requests for documents and other evidence of compliance. After recuperating from that inspection, our fear was that we might be subject to another on-site inspection in 2022, which would get us back onto our normal 2-year cycle. Luckily, our accreditation was extended to May 2024.
This “extension” put us back on our regular cycle while granting us a pass for this year; however, we are required to do a self-inspection in 2023. Since 2022 had no formal requirement, we thought it might be a good opportunity to conduct a Mock CAP Inspection. This exercise would help us to keep up with our compliance to the new and revised requirements that were published in the 2021 accreditation checklists, while providing an opportunity for participation by a diversified team, including participants from each site and multiple sections.
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PROPER WASTE MANAGEMENT
-Paula Palmer, CT(ASCP)QLS
Why is separating waste streams important?
Recently we reviewed what goes in each of our waste streams. The reasons we did this is to remind everyone of the importance of the proper management of waste. Biohazardous waste removal is very expensive. We are charged by the ton. So, decreasing the amounts of biohazardous waste by separating items into the proper container makes a big impact.
Regulated Medical Waste (RMW)
Medical waste generated from procedures including any items saturated with blood or other potentially infectious materials (OPIM), such as bandages, gauze, or PPE, are considered RMW or red bag waste.
Pathological Waste
Pathological waste such as human or animal body parts, organs, tissues, and surgical specimens (decanted of formaldehyde, formalin, or other preservatives) are packaged separately for pickup in containers marked for incineration only. We can help you and your staff safely segregate, package, and dispose of pathological waste generated from your facility.
Sharps Waste
Sharps waste such as needles, scalpels, blades, and pipettes that have been exposed to blood, body fluids, or microorganisms should be disposed of in a designated disposable sharps container.
Each of these waste streams must be handled differently. By separating these items, we not only decrease costs, we protect ourselves and our community. Each waste stream is collected, hauled, disposed of, and incinerated by a reputable waste handler - Stericyle. By working with them, we reduce the risk of people, water supplies, and the environment being exposed to any of our waste. Stericycle follows all OSHA regulation and stays current on any changes. Remember, Baystate is responsible for all waste that leaves our facilities from cradle to grave.
Everything you do to separate waste is greatly appreciated. We know it takes extra work to stay on top of this... A big THANK YOU to all.
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WELCOME
TO OUR NEW TEAM MEMBERS!!!
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| NAME | DEPARTMENT | TITLE | | Joseph Abdul Baki | Hematology | Preparatory Technician I | | Clarissa Aponte | Central Core Processing | Central Processor I | | Kayla Bartolo | Microbiology | Preparatory Technician I | | Andrew Bermudez | Microbiology | Preparatory Technician I | | Jennyeliz Camacho | Specimen Acquisition | Mobile Phlebotomy Tech | | Tracy Chouinard | Microbiology | Medical Laboratory Scientist II | | Jamoy Chung-Harris | Central Core Processing | Central Processor I | | Mark Cowles | Pathology Prep | Anatomic Pathology Diener I | | Krystal Escobar | Central Core Processing | Central Processor I | | Jasmine Foggs | Specimen Acquisition | PSC Phlebotomy Technician I | | Anthony Gentile | Microbiology | Preparatory Technician I | | Kathryn Germain | Specimen Acquisition | PSC Phlebotomy Technician I | | Shera Graciano | Specimen Acquisition | Mobile Phlebotomy Tech | | Meghan Keegan | Central Core Processing | Central Processor I | | Christine Lagacy | Pathology | Preparatory Technician I | | Joseph Lucardi | Hematology | Preparatory Technician I | | Julia Maryanski | Microbiology | Preparatory Technician I | | Grace McCarthy | Microbiology | Preparatory Technician I | | Danielle Noack | Worcester Satellite Lab | Supervisor | | Sarah Norton | Molecular | Molecular Technologist | | Kali Patridge | Hematology | Preparatory Technician I | | Mariana Reid | Molecular | Molecular Technologist | | Randal Ricci | Pathology | Pathologist Assistant | | Kelsey Roberts | Specimen Acquisition | Mobile Phlebotomy Tech | | Jasmine Thomas | Phlebotomy | Phlebotomist II | | Amy Thompson | Microbiology | Preparatory Technician I | | Julianna Torres Rivera | Specimen Acquisition | PSC Phlebotomy Technician I | | Raven Williams | Hematology | Preparatory Technician I | | |
LINKS' REPRESENTATIVES AND EDITORIAL TEAM | |
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Thank you to all the Department Representatives for submitting information for Links and the Editors for their oversight.
If you're interested in becoming a Representative for your area, have news or updates to share or an idea for an article, please contact one of the Editors.
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