Clinical Chemistry Director

Department/Unit:
Clinical Chemistry

Work Shift:
Day (United States of America)

Salary Range:
$130,842.00 - $209,347.00

The Clinical Chemistry Director possesses the character, competence, training and ability to direct the technical and scientific operation of the clinical chemistry laboratory along with providing oversight and direction for assigned sections of the laboratory that may include chemistry receiving, general chemistry, special chemistry, OR lab and forensic toxicology lab, with division of responsibilities determined by the Clinical laboratory Service Director and other Clinical Chemistry directors if applicable. The director ensures proper supervision or performance of test procedures, adherence to the department's quality control standards and accurate reporting of findings and tests for all assigned sections. Other key aspects include method development, quality management, interpretive consultation, administrative management, and educational activities for staff and students.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Strategic and Operational Planning
  • Oversee the development of clinical chemistry strategic plan consistent with that of the organization.
  • Participate in interdisciplinary teams to assess overall systems integration issues.
  • Assist the System Administrative Director and Supervisor(s) in developing and continually assessing an annual operating budget and long-term capital expenditure plan.
• Planning and Program Development
  • Develop a knowledge base in current emerging scientific disciplines and technologies. Expand the knowledge base into other disciplines as new implications impact the specialty.
  • Provide direct leadership in the development of laboratory policies and procedures that support and ensure compliance with all applicable service, hospital and center policies and procedures.
  • Encourages the participation of personnel in shaping the laboratory's vision and values.
  • Oversee the implementation of control systems to ensure quality results.
  • Ensure compliance with all applicable federal and state regulatory requirements and accreditation standards.
  • Participate in the preparation and follow-up for on-site inspections/surveys by accrediting and regulatory agencies.
  • Have knowledge of feedback systems for laboratory performance. Act on concerns to improve/change laboratory service.
  • Use aggregate laboratory data to evaluate possibilities for improving laboratory practice.
  • Successfully negotiate contract terms for instrumentation used throughout the laboratory.
  • Responsible for determining space and resource requirements. Communicates these needs to the System Administrative Director with the help of the Supervisor(s) and follows through to meet these standards.
  • Ensure that processes for identifying and correcting sentinel events are in place.
  • Direct the clinical chemistry proficiency testing program to ensure the following: (1) The laboratory is enrolled in a PT program for the testing performed, (2) Testing of proficiency samples is performed the same as for patient specimens, (3) Results are returned within the timeframes established by the program, (4) Result reports are reviewed to evaluate laboratory performance, (5) The approved corrective action plan is followed when results are found to be unacceptable or unsatisfactory.
  • Establish verification and documentation procedures to determine the accuracy, precision, and other pertinent performance characteristics of testing methods.
  • Ensure that all necessary remedial actions are taken and documented whenever significant deviations from the laboratory's established performance specifications are identified, and that patient test results are reported only when the system is functioning properly. Authorize culture workup when beyond the scope of the SOP.
  • Determine when a test can and should be automated or eliminated or a new technology implemented. Prepare and present the business plan to ensure implementation of cost-effective changes.
  • Ensure all information on the patient report is accurate and the report/test result contains pertinent information needed for the interpretation of the result.
  • Provide onsite, telephone, or electronic consultation for overall laboratory operations. Coordinate the interaction of medical staff and clinical chemistry technical staff.
  • Oversee development and/or maintain current job descriptions, which specify the responsibilities and duties of each person engaged in the performance of pre-analytic, analytic and post-analytic testing.
  • Identify which examinations/procedures each individual is authorized to perform, whether supervision is required, and whether consultant or director review is required prior to reporting patient test results.
  • Constructively communicate with staff and laboratory supervisor(s) to set a climate for positive motivation and effectively resolve staff conflicts and performance issues.
  • Administer the clinical chemistry quality assurance program, and participate in the Laboratory Service Quality Improvement Team.
  • Evaluate customer satisfaction with laboratory services and use data to make decisions for laboratory process improvement activities.
• ...
  Educational Leadership
  • Develops leaders at every level who help fulfill the laboratory's mission, vision, and values.
  • Advance understanding and consensus through a wide variety of presentation skills.
  • Serves as a mentor in technical and administrative procedures for the supervisor(s).
  • Actively participate in the educational programs for the laboratory, service, and organization by providing in- services and/or lectures for team members, students, and residents.
  • Encourage team members development at all levels.
  • Maintain qualifications in clinical chemistry. Actively pursue current trends in new technology through attendance and participation at national and local professional meetings, networking with peers, and other forms of continuing education.
• Hospital-wide Leadership
  • Readily available to provide consultation and interpretation of chemistry data for health care providers. Counsel and advise physicians/providers regarding test ordering patterns.
  • Assists clinicians in the interpretation of abnormal results. Offers explanations for variances and assists in the selection of appropriate follow-up testing to confirm abnormal results when needed.
  • Serve as a member of various hospital committees, including but not limited to the clinical laboratory utilization committee.
  • Serves as a resource in the resolution of healthcare system-wide issues.
  • Maintain a productive working relationship with other affiliate hospitals, laboratory departments, laboratory and center administrations, other areas/departments of the Medical Center and the medical community to accomplish goals.
• Patient Safety
  • Plan, design and/or adapt information management system(s) in conjunction with LIS/IS, optimizing the system(s) to meet internal and external needs, including the following: confidentiality, privacy, security, accessibility, and resolution of complaints.
  • Immediately address and assess any issues and/or complaints regarding patient safety. In conjunction with the System Administrative Director, Quality Manager, and Supervisor(s), complete a thorough investigation which results in a corrective action plan to address the concern.
  • Collect and analyze data relating to microbiology and molecular patient results. Notify hospital and laboratory leadership if any non-conformances are identified.
  • Ensure that all testing is done according to hospital policies and procedures, including proper patient identification

Qualifications

• Doctorate Degree physician, currently certified by the American Board of Pathology in Clinical Pathology - required

or

• Medical of Osteopathic Degree physician, currently certified by the American Board of Pathology in Clinical Pathology - required

or

• Doctorate Degree from an accredited institution with a relevant major in one of the biological sciences. - required
• 2+ years of post-doctoral training - required
• Experience directing an acceptable clinical laboratory - required
• An overall understanding of all aspects of clinical chemistry including clinical toxicology and therapeutic substances.
• Ability to work with other Director(s) in managing a high volume, computerized Clinical Chemistry laboratory in an academic medical center.
• A strong interest in teaching, research, and development.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively both orally and in writing.
• Analyze, design, and implement complex systems that successfully incorporate personnel, instrumentation, and information management.
• Effectively implement change and lead change management process improvement programs in the department.
• Understand diverse values and work successfully in a multicultural environment.
• Valid or eligible for a New York State Department of Health Certificate of
  Qualification in several subspecialties of the laboratory - required.
• Valid or eligible for board certification by either the American Board of Clinical Chemistry or National Registry of Certified Chemists - required

Physical Demands

• Standing - Constantly
• Walking - Constantly
• Sitting - Rarely
• Lifting - Frequently
• Carrying - Frequently
• Pushing - Occasionally
• Pulling - Occasionally
• Climbing - Occasionally
• Balancing - Occasionally
• Stooping - Frequently
• Kneeling - Frequently
• Crouching - Frequently
• Crawling - Occasionally
• Reaching - Frequently
• Handling - Frequently
• Grasping - Frequently
• Feeling - Constantly
• Talking - Constantly
• Hearing - Constantly
• Repetitive Motions - Constantly
• Eye/Hand/Foot Coordination - Constantly

Working Conditions

• Extreme cold - Rarely
• Extreme heat - Rarely
• Humidity - Rarely
• Wet - Rarely
• Noise - Constantly
• Hazards - Frequently
• Temperature Change - Rarely
• Atmospheric Conditions - Rarely
• Vibration - Rarely

Thank you for your interest in Albany Med Health System!

Albany Med Health System is an equal opportunity employer.

This role may require access to information considered sensitive to Albany Med Health System, its patients, affiliates, and partners, including but not limited to HIPAA Protected Health Information and other information regulated by Federal and New York State statutes. Workforce members are expected to ensure that:

Access to information is based on a "need to know" and is the minimum necessary to properly perform assigned duties. Use or disclosure shall not exceed the minimum amount of information needed to accomplish an intended purpose. Reasonable efforts, consistent with Albany Med Health System policies and standards, shall be made to ensure that information is adequately protected from unauthorized access and modification.