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Lilian works in quality management in the pathology laboratories of a large Sydney hospital. |
In which area or areas of science do you work?
I work as Quality Manager in the pathology laboratories of a large Sydney hospital
When and how did you first become interested in this career?
In 1998 ... I was previously employed as a senior Hospital Scientist in Charge of Laboratory. Following the amalgamation of my lab with a lab in another hospital, I was on the lookout for an alternative position.
What education and training do you have to have for your job?
This is not specifically defined but obviously a science degree, experience and understanding of diagnostic pathology and an understanding of the quality system requirements.
How long did it take you to get the necessary qualifications?
Four years for a Bachelor of Science with Honours in Biochemistry
How has your career progressed?
I came in this position with a sound knowledge of pathology services and laboratory management but a basics understanding of the quality systems. Since then, the biggest progress in my career has been in improving my understanding of various quality systems including those required for pathology labs, manufacturing labs and the pharmaceutical industry. I now have experience in quality systems integration, implementation, maintenance and auditing for diagnostic and pharmaceutical labs.
What are the tasks that you do in a typical day?
 | Broad: document and report writing, auditing, training, maintaining quality system databases, trend monitoring, problem analysis, process and procedure reviews, instigating and managing changes, attending meetings, liaising with management, dealing with regulatory bodies and client auditors, etc, etc. |
What skills do you use in your job?
Communication, analysis, evaluation, organizational and management skills.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I enjoy motivating people to adopt the quality system in a practical way and helping them design processes and operations in order to gain benefit and not just to satisfy the requirements.
What is the most exciting aspect of your job?
The satisfaction of an effective change which leads to an improvement and the quality system acknowledgment from a 'converted believer'.
What do you enjoy least about your job?
Debating the benefit of the quality system with people who have no experience with it and are unwilling to give it a go.
What are some alternative jobs that you would be qualified for?
Obviously I can go back to science positions either research or diagnostic or proceed with quality management either as regulatory auditor or quality manager in other related industry fields.
Independence, in-depth knowledge and understanding of operations and freedom to design and initiate change.
Quality management is usually a single position in the organization hence isolation and inability to discuss and ask advice of someone with similar experience.
How has your work contributed to science?
The contribution is indirect i.e. it provides assurance in science.
How has your work benefited society?
The compliance with regulations gives users the assurance that the 'answers' gained through science are correct and that manufactured products are proven to be safe and effective.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years time?
In Maldives managing and auditing the art of doing nothing!
Find out more about Lilian's work in quality management
If you wish to ask Lilian for additional information, you can email UniServe Science and we will contact Lilian for you. Make sure you include Lilian's name and occupation in the Subject line.
Find out more about quality management in the health industry
| For further information contact Kaye Placing |
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