Laboratory professionals are at the heart of healthcare—working behind the scenes to deliver the accurate, timely results that guide critical patient decisions every day. To help celebrate Lab Week globally, we are proud to recognize and celebrate the dedication, expertise, and impact of lab professionals everywhere.
- Canadian National Medical Laboratory Week – April 12-18
- American Lab Week – April 19-25
- IFCC Global Medlab Week- April 20-26
Did you know that many of the people who help develop, support, and deliver SEKISUI Diagnostics solutions began their careers in the lab? Across our organization, former lab professionals bring firsthand experience from hospitals, clinics, and diagnostic laboratory settings into their roles in industry. Their unique perspectives help shape the products we offer and the partnerships we build with customers.
In honor of Lab Week, we are excited to share insights and stories from several SEKISUI Diagnostics employees who started as lab professionals and transitioned into industry roles. Their journeys highlight the versatility of a laboratory background—and the many ways lab expertise continues to make a difference beyond the bench.
Meet a few of our specialists with lab experience
- Diane Schetroma (MT (AMT, ASCLS)) – Inside Sales Representative, Clinical Chemistry
- Jennifer Praught (BA. MLT) – Sr. Supervisor, Technical Services
- Katie MacLeod (BSc. MLT) – Associate Technical Services Specialist
- Sarah Connor (BSc. MLS) – Technical Services Specialist
- Tanya Bauer (MLS (ASCP))– Inside Sales Representative, Clinical Chemistry
How did you become a lab professional?
Sarah Connor – I went right from graduating college in New Mexico in 2014 with a degree in Medical Laboratory Sciences to working in a Blood Bank in Cambridge Massachusetts. I worked in blood banking my entire lab career (2014-2020).
Katie MacLeod – After taking a break in completing my Bachelor of Science, I was looking for a role that was involved in healthcare that had good job security. I stumbled upon Medical Laboratory Science in my search and decided to pursue it as I loved lab work during my time working on my undergrad. I applied to Medical Laboratory Sciences program at The Michener Institute for Applied Health Sciences in Toronto in January 2012. I started at Michener in fall 2012 and graduated in June 2015. I completed my Michener on the job training at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Charlottetown, PE and was hired as a full-time Medical Laboratory Technologist in the Chemistry lab after my graduation.
What was your favorite part of working in a lab?
Diane Schetroma – I enjoyed working in blood bank identifying antibodies. Working in multiple departments of the lab to assist in a diagnosis is a lot like putting a puzzle together. That is one reason I enjoy the technical aspect of working in the lab.
Jennifer Praught – My favorite part of working in the lab was patient interaction. We would go to the units to collect blood from the patients in the morning at the beginning of shift. We got to know the patients by interacting with them and by seeing their recovery so they can return home to their families.
When did you make the transition from being a lab professional to working in industry? What motivated you to make this change?
Tanya Bauer – I started working SEKISUI Diagnostics in Jan 2014. While it was a major change, I decided it was time to make a move out of the lab as it was time for me to grow and develop other skills using my lab background as an asset. I enjoy talking with people and felt that my knowledge as a Med Tech would help with the Clin Chem sales role.
Sarah Connor – I transitioned to SEKISUI Diagnostics in February of 2020, two weeks before the global pandemic. It was a challenge given the conditions at the time. But I was very happy to not be working in a hospital during COVID. It was time for a change!
How has your experience as a lab professional helped you in your current role?
Jennifer Praught – On occasion we get calls from French customers. I grew up in New Brunswick and took French Immersion in school. That was several years ago, however, recently I was able work with a customer that did not speak English. I was able to communicate enough with the customer to get them the information they needed to successfully run the LDH test.
Katie MacLeod – One of the tasks in my current role involves analyzing linearity data submitted by customers to ensure that their UIBC reagent is performing as expected. This helps the customer provide proof of proper use to their regulatory body which is required for their continued accreditation.
Celebrating the Lifelong Impact of Lab Professionals
This Lab Week, we extend our sincere thanks to laboratory professionals everywhere for the vital role you play in patient care and the healthcare system as a whole. Your expertise, precision, and commitment make a difference every single day.
We are also proud to recognize the former lab professionals at SEKISUI Diagnostics who continue to champion the lab community through their work in industry. By bringing real-world lab experience into roles across Technical Services, Sales, and Customer Support, they help ensure our products are designed with laboratorians in mind.
Whether working at the bench or supporting labs beyond it, lab professionals leave a lasting impact—and during Lab Week and beyond, we celebrate you.
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