Everyday Heroes: Suzanne

Suzanne Dezern

Laboratory Supervisor, Sparrow Eaton Hospital, Charlotte, MI

“Medical laboratory sciences allows me to improve patients’ quality of life, but behind the scenes”

What is your favorite part of your job?  

I love being a continuous learner.  After being in the field for 20 years, I still learn something new on a regular basis.

Why did you decide to go into Medical Laboratory Science?  

Honestly, I was looking for a way to be in the medical field where I didn’t have to be face to face with patients.  Something that would allow me to improve patients’ quality of life, but behind the scenes.

Any comments on workflow experiences/personal challenges during COVID-19? 

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way everyone does their job.  Most of our work comes from outpatient blood draws, and we are seeing less than half of our normal volume.  This means that during a pandemic, we are sending people home early and working with fewer staff than normal.  Having to consider layoffs to stay viable was not something I expected amid a health crisis.

Feel free to add anything else you want to say as the stage is all yours!  

Although we don’t often hear about the Medical Laboratory Scientist or the laboratory in general, we are a very important part of daily medicine. I tell my caregivers to remember that they are important, and their role in medicine is important.  If we weren’t here, most patients would not get the treatment they need when they need it.