Methodist Healthcare System - Flow Cytometry Specialist
General Statement of Duties:
At Methodist Hospital South Texas, we operate a high-volume clinical and anatomic pathology laboratory to support our tertiary care surgical hospital. We benefit from a robust bone marrow transplant group and evaluate over 1200 bone marrow biopsies per year which are examined by the Flow Cytometry Specialists (4-5 FTE). Currently, our Flow Cytometry specialist collaborate with on-site Hematopathologists (3 FTE) to perform appropriate flow cytometric immunophenotyping and bone marrow cytology differentials.
The Flow Cytometry Specialists oversees the day-to-day operations of the Flow Cytometry department which includes: coordinating with inter-laboratory personnel, aiding in development and validation of new diagnostic procedures, protocols and techniques; performing instrument calibration and troubleshooting; monitoring quality control, quality assurance and proficiency testing programs; assisting in care, maintenance, and utilization of department equipment, supplies, and inventories.
Currently, we perform 5 flow cytometry panels including panels for lymphomas and leukemias. Sample volumes fluctuate based on the day of the week, but generally range between 10-20 samples of which 4-8 represent lymphoma/leukemia flow cytometry evaluations (which contain the most antigens, and require the most time). Additionally, the Flow Cytometry Specialists equally divide weekend coverage which consists of in-house Saturday operation (typically 7AM-12PM) and on-call (not typically required to come in) coverage on Sunday. The weekend coverage is evenly divided and impacts approximately 1 weekend per month for each employee.
The Flow Cytometry Specialists are expected to performs clinical testing and adheres to the standards required for its accreditation by the College of American Pathologists (CAP), the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO), Clinical Laboratory Improvements Act (CLIA) as well as compliance with standards of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).
Education, Experience, Training, Required Knowledge, Skill, Abilities and Other Job-Related Characteristics:
-Education: Bachelor’s degree is preferred. Master’s degree would be ideal. Associates degree is required
-Experience: 3-5 years of experience in flow cytometry preferred.
Additional Abilities:
1. (Preferred) Ability to perform bone marrow cytology differential counts (2-4 cases per day); (Required) Desire and willingness to learn to perform bone marrow differential counts.
2. Employee completes initial and ongoing training and competencies as defined by service line, facility and department/unit which are specific to the needs of the patient population served (if applicable).
Minimum License, Certificates, or Registrations Required:
1. Required:
MT (ASCP), MT (AMT), MT (AAB), CLS (NCA), MLT (ASCP), HT (ASCP), HTL (ASCP), or MT(HEW).
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Essential Job Functions:
1. Aids manager with developing new diagnostic procedures, protocols and techniques. Assists in training new employees, as well as, aiding correct implementation of new procedures. Enables the laboratory to perform optimally and is responsible for personal employee output and conduct. Ensures competency and raises concern to manager when issues or perceived under-performance arises.
2. Understands flow Cytometry and laboratory methods, demonstrates knowledge of pathological processes with correlation of disease states and test results. Independently performs specimen processing and testing to include moderate and high complexity testing (as appropriate per facility). Satisfactorily completes competency checklist for this position. May administer quality control and calibration of instrumentation where applicable.
3. Follows established compliance standards set forth by accrediting agencies: CAP, JCAHO, CLIA, AABB, FDA and CMS. Aids in development and implementation of policies and procedures for the Section. Understands and applies CQI principles; attempts to anticipate needs and support quality assurance programs, provides corrective action and documentation, when needed. Under the direction of the manager and section director, monitors and reports quality assurance data. Interprets applicable regulations to direct recordkeeping for complete and accurate documentation.
4. Assists in developing and evaluating laboratory methodologies, procedures and techniques in the area of clinical specialty. Contributes to the development and completion of departmental short and long term goals and objectives. Meets with other staff members to discuss progress and to develop future courses of action. Regularly considers departmental strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and constraints.
5. Acts as a resource to customers, both within the department and outside the department, on testing methods and procedures, and laboratory operations, safety and training. When needed, functions as laboratory liaison and contact person in the absence of other management personnel.
6. Prioritizes accuracy and timeliness of patient test results; enable data metric for operational and statistical reports for management and regulatory agencies to comply with regulations.
Additional Job Functions:
1. When needed, assists the Hematopathologists and Flow Cytometry Manager with special projects to include developing a plan, coordinating necessary resources, setting project timelines, keeping Manager informed of progress, and completing project within established time limits.
2. Applies education resources (passive and active opportunities) and puts new knowledge, understanding, or skill to practical use on the job; independently furthers learning by using newly acquired knowledge or skills to use on a consistent basis.
3. Remains an accountable, honest and cooperative professional while collaborating with multidisciplinary colleagues.
This job description is intended to describe the general nature and work responsibilities of this position. The job description and duties of this position are subject to change, modification and supplementation as deemed necessary by the System and facility. Employees are required to comply with supervisory instructions and to perform other job duties, responsibilities and assignments requested by supervisors, managers and administration.
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About Our Hospital System:
Methodist Hospital opened in 1963 as the first hospital in the internationally acclaimed South Texas Medical Center. From the beginning, we've recognized the unique needs of each of our patients. It's a process that we continue to improve on, creating ways to better serve the community when they need us the most. With 981 beds, Methodist Hospital offers a broad range of specialties including cardiology, emergency medicine, hematology and cancer care, bone marrow transplants, neurosciences, maternity care, gynecology, pediatrics, hepatobiliary care, nephrology and orthopedics.
As the flagship hospital of the Medical Center and of the Methodist Healthcare system of hospitals, we appreciate the support and recognition we receive from the community having been ranked No. 1 in the Express-News Reader's Choice Awards. We also enjoy being the most preferred hospital in San Antonio, as consistently reported by the Consumer Research Corporation. Methodist Hospital is accredited by the Joint Commission in stroke care and is designated as an accredited Chest Pain Center. For more information, please visit our website at www.sahealth.comand select Methodist Hospital under Locations. Our pathology group and clinical laboratory services cover several locations with Flow Cytometry centralized to the main campus at Methodist Hospital South Texas in the South Texas Medical Center.
Methodist Hospital Flow Cytometry and Hematopathology Services:
The hematology, flow cytometry and pathology specialists at Methodist Hospital strive to provide state-of-the-art care for our diverse set of patients. We currently benefit from a robust bone marrow transplant clinic and a large outpatient clinic foothold providing over 1200 bone marrow biopsies and 300 tissue-based lymphoma evaluations per year support by 3 fellowship-trained, board-certified Hematopathologist. Our laboratory services are constantly expanding and updating to provide maximal diagnostic, prognostic and theranostic benefit to our clinicians and patients including standardized reflex testing utilizing flow cytometry, next-generation sequencing, quantitative PCR, FISH, bright-field in situ hybridization, and immunohistochemical staining. The laboratory staff and pathologists take pride on built-in multidisciplinary collaboration which allows for open communication, regular feedback, and bilateral expectations within a transparent environment.
f you have any questions or are interested in applying to the position, please email questions and/or current CV to:
Alan Brown, MD
