Michigan State University CLS/MT Program

Unique career opportunities teach valuable lessons.

Research work in Sweden. Extensive CE lecturing here and abroad. Multi disciplinary management. Television spokesperson. Cindy Johns has experienced all of these unique career opportunities throughout her professional life. Her achievements paint a colorful picture of a smart, versatile technologist whose dedication to her trade and enthusiasm to try new things have taught valuable lessons, not only to members of her industry but also to the public at large.

After graduating from Michigan State University with a medical technology degree and receiving a master's in healthcare administration from Central Michigan University, Cynthia S. Johns, MSA, MT(ASCP)SH, began working for Dr. Douglas Triplett, a pathologist from Indiana University, who is internationally recognized in the field of coagulation. During her employment with this clinical authority, she was sent to Sweden to work with the manufacturer of a new chromogenic substrate, which later became the current standard for coagulation testing. There, she learned how these reagents functioned - powerful knowledge that enhanced her capabilities in the coagulation testing arena.

According to George A. Fritsma, MS, MT(ASCP), Diagnostic Service Manager for Esoterix Coagulation in Aurora, Colo., Cindy is extremely well-known in the lab industry and highly regarded by colleagues for her speaking engagements and contributions to clinical textbooks. She's recognized nationwide, as well as in parts of Mexico and the Bahamas, for enlightening continuous education lectures and workshops on topics ranging from coagulation and hematology to flow cytometry and management. Moreover, she has contributed chapters to several hematology and coagulation textbooks, and continues to do so.

Following years spent in more traditional laboratory positions, Cindy decided to broaden her horizons by entering the world of multi disciplinary management. When the lab at Lakeland Regional Medical Center in Lakeland, FL - where she managed coagulation, hematology, and flow cytometry sections - became decentralized, she applied for a position heading the oncology unit. Because of her impressive track record, administration didn't hesitate to offer her the job. Besides the nursing staff , she managed admitting, pharmacy, dieticians, social services, and housekeeping on this ward. She also oversaw the main hematology lab, which had moved to this unit.

Cindy admits to MLO that while her heart lies in the lab, this challenging opportunity taught her things she never could have learned working within its four walls. "I got a bird's-eye view of how laboratory services fit into the overall picture. I also saw firsthand what nurses go through on a daily basis, and why they get frustrated with their jobs. On the flip side, nurses got a similar education about medical technologists' valuable contributions to patient care."

Last May, another unique opportunity knocked on Cindy's door, thanks to her long-standing affiliation with the American Society of Clinical Pathologists (ASCP). When ASCP was chosen for a profile segment on Pat Summerall's TV series, "Champions of Industry," Cindy was asked to be the voice for lab professionals. This show spotlights companies and professional organizations believed to be models of excellence within a particular industry.

Cindy flew to Los Angeles to tape the show in an actual lab setting at the University of California. Her portion of the interview focused on what lab personnel do and the value of hiring educated, credentialed laboratorians. The show aired on the Fox News Network and MSNBC. "Cindy's TV debut made quite an impression on friends and colleagues and helped the public grasp the true value of qualified individuals running their tests," George contends. "Eventually, ASCP plans to use the program to promote the value of professional laboratory associations and their members."

Cindy now spends her days working as a lab manager for Esoterix Coagulation. While she's returned to a more conventional lab management position, her desire to continue bettering patient care hasn't faltered. For the past 2 years, she has worked feverishly to develop a new laboratory information system (LIS) that has since replaced an outdated database with numerous limitations. "As a result of her hard work," says George, "this new system currently is interfaced with all of our lab equipment and enables us to send out and retrieve reports in an automated fashion."

On a more personal note, George asserts that Cindy is "truly a rare breed. For a manager in charge of such a hectic department, she maintains an excellent rapport with the staff, largely because of her excellent communication skills. I've never known her not to make herself available to her employees."

Cindy is a member of the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Advisory Committee (CLIAC) and on the subcommittee for waived testing. She also was chair of the Florida Coalition of Professional Laboratory Organizations, which provides input for state licensure issues. Additionally, she has been the chair of the Associate Member Section of ASCP and currently is a governor on the Board of Governors for ASCP's Board of Registry.