The Director of Core Chemistry and Point of Care is responsible for overall quality, regulatory compliance, and operations in these areas. The Director of Core Chemistry and Point of Care works collaboratively with the Chemistry section supervisor and Point of Care supervisor to hire and manage an experienced technical staff, and provides continuing education and policy revisions to maintain best practice. The Director is responsible for development of new methods and procedures, and ongoing performance of clinical tests in accordance with all CLIA and CAP regulations. The Director also provides clinical and technical consultation to the laboratory staff and medical staff pertaining to interpretation of chemistry tests within the seciton. This individual will also perform CLIA Laboratory Director responsibilities for one or more clinical laboratories at Main Campus and/or Network of Care, as assigned by Division Chief and hospital executive leadership, and in accordance with CMS guidelines and federal law. The Laboratory Director is accountable for overall operation and administration of the laboratory, with focus on quality, regulatory compliance, and technical operations.

1. Operations
   • Responsible for the overall operation of the clinical chemistry laboratory and point of care services in collaboration with the Laboratory Director and operations management team. Works with the clinical lab manager and section supervisor to hire and manage an experienced technical staff.
2. Test Method Implementation, Verification and Performance
   • Selects, validates, and implements new methods and procedures in core chemistry and point of care. Ensures verification procedures are adequate to determine the accuracy, precision, and other performance characteristics of the method. Ensures that testing systems developed in the laboratory perform with high quality for all aspects of test performance, including pre-analytic, analytic, and post-analytic phases of testing. Ensures that personnel are performing methods as required to provide accurate and reliable results. Participates in new instrumentation acquisition decisions. Reviews all chemistry and point of care policies and procedures.
3. Quality Assurance and Improvement
   • Responsible for the implementation and oversight of proficiency testing, quality control and quality improvement programs. Identifies failures in quality as they occur. Ensures necessary remedial actions are taken and documented whenever significant deviations from the laboratory`s established performance standards are identified. Works with section supervisor to ensure that all testing personnel receive the appropriate training for the type and complexity of testing provided and demonstrate competency to perform all testing operations reliably. Establishes operations standards for cost control, waste reduction, and safety.
4. Accreditation and Regulatory Compliance
   • Responsible for ensuring that lab meets or exceeds all accreditation requirements including CLIA, CAP, and Joint Commission. Ensures appropriate enrollment in proficiency testing activities required by regulations and accrediting organizations. Ensures regulatory compliance with federal standards and state laws. Responsible for CLIA licensure of assigned laboratories.
5. Clinical and Technical Consultation
   • Responsible for the professional interpretation of clinical chemistry testing, as needed. Provides consultation to laboratory staff and medical staff pertaining to clinical chemistry testing. Provides consultation regarding appropriate test utilization. Consults with testing personnel and department customers to resolve technical and clinical problems, acting as resource for laboratory staff and medical staff. Establishes lines of communication with customers to ensure timely response to new clinical service trends affecting program planning. Assures that test reports contain all necessary information for accurate interpretation. Serves on hospital or system committees as a liaison for the laboratory. Serves as a resource for clinicians by assisting in test selection and test interpretation relevant to scope of leadership. Works collaboratively with Director of Special Chemistry to support high-complexity test interpretation, as needed.
6. System Integration
   • Interacts closely with physicians and other clinical providers to evaluate novel technologies and provide technical expertise on existing platforms. Ensures appropriate use of chemistry testing and advocates for best practice in specimen collection to optimize diagnostic yield. Works closely with laboratory information system analysts and hospital IT leadership to optimize laboratory informatics, including specimen barcoding and tracking, test ordering, auto-verify functions, test reporting, test utilization, and data analytics.
7. Strategic Planning
   • Works collaboratively with the Division Chief, CLIA Laboratory Directors, and management team to develop strategic goals pertaining to operations, quality improvement, and growth opportunities in clinical chemistry and point of care. Advises leadership of developing trends and clinical service needs. Identifies growth and outreach opportunities through at least annual evaluation of send-out testing volumes. Works with laboratory management to develop operations and capital budgets to ensure appropriate business investments and fiscal responsibility. Seeks to optimize operational efficiency through use of automation and information technology tool
8. Professional Development
   • Continues personal and professional development to enhance job-related competency, including participation in national meetings, committees, and other opportunities for continuing education. Develops regional or national recognition for expertise in clinical chemistry through leadership and/or scholarly contributions. Manages time and resources effectively. Collaborates with researchers to develop and implement projects pertaining to clinical chemistry testing. Identifies area of expertise resulting in publications, lectures, and other scholarly activity.
9. Education
   • Provides in-service training and other educational programs for trainees, laboratory staff and medical staff, including lectures and direct supervision for rotators in the Clinical Chemistry section, as well as participation in multidisciplinary team meetings, departmental conferences, grand rounds, or similar activities.
10. Performs miscellaneous job related duties as requested.

Mission

To advance hope, healing and the best healthcare for children and their families

Vision

Phoenix Children's will be the leading pediatric health system in the Southwest, nationally recognized for exceptional care, innovative research and advanced medical education.

We realize this vision by:

• Offering the most comprehensive care across ages, communities and specialties
• Investing in innovative research, including emerging treatments, tools and technologies
• Advancing education and training to shape the next generation of clinical leaders
• Advocating for the health and well-being of children and families

Values

• We place children and families at the center of all we do
• We deliver exceptional care, every day and in every way
• We collaborate with colleagues, partners and communities to amplify our impact
• We set the standards of pediatric healthcare today, and innovate for the future
• We are accountable for making the highest quality care accessible and affordable