Everyday Hero: Cindy

Cindy Parrish, MT, (ASCP), SC, SH, DLM

Administrative Director Laboratory Services – Laboratory @ SCL St Mary’s

“The best part of my job is knowing that everything I do or that my staff does makes a difference for a patient- even if the patient doesn’t know it”

What is your favorite part of your job?

The best part of my job is knowing that everything I do or that my staff does makes a difference for a patient- even if the patient doesn’t know it. I had the opportunity to leave the field of Laboratory Medicine, but there was nothing else I could find that I love as much as what I do.

What is the best advice you’ve ever received?

The best advice I received was when my father told me that no matter what I do make sure it was something that I loved and that it created a sense of accomplishment for me. I have been true to that throughout my career.

What advice would you have for a student entering into this job?

The field of clinical laboratory science is a fantastic field for a career. While you are not always front and center with the work you do, it makes a difference to a patient, to your family member needing your skills. I started in the laboratory science business as a phlebotomist and have worked my way through the ranks to MLT, MT, Specialist in various areas and to laboratory management. This is a rewarding field of work, there are opportunities for advancement as long as you are willing to continuously apply yourself to learning. While the COVID crisis of 2020 has been exhausting to all persons in healthcare, it brought clinical laboratory science and its value as a healthcare team member to the forefront across our nation. It will most likely inspire a number of folks to consider this field as an opportunity to make a difference as they choose a career.