McMinnville, Ore. April 1, 2012. The laboratory at Willamette Valley Medical Center has been named runner-up “Laboratory of the Year” by Medical Laboratory Observer, the peer-reviewed management resource for laboratory professionals.
“We are thrilled with this recognition,” says Karl Kamper, director of laboratory services. “With thousands of labs in the United States, it’s an honor to be first runner up in this recognition.”
The laboratory, which employs a staff of 34 and performs approximately 250,000 tests each year, was cited for
outstanding customer service, faster turnaround times for critical tests, and community involvement with local student programs.
“Teamwork has been the key to these successes,” writes the magazine, and Kamper agrees. “We have a remarkable team of professionals who work together to meet our high standards and accomplish aggressive goals,” says Kamper. Medical Laboratory Observer writes, “Willamette Valley Medical Center incorporates lab assistants, technologists, and leadership into teams to make decisions regarding workflow and other procedural issues.”
In addition, the magazine highlighted the educational partnerships the laboratory has with local university medical technology and phlebotomy programs to provide training, both in the classroom and in the lab during student practicums.
“The close-knit team… works for the community too. One example that Kamper is proud to refer to is work that the staff does to support active members of the military from the area. The lab also contributes to the local food bank and supports the local cancer foundation, which helps families affected by cancer meet expenses.”
WVRC Lab Staff
Click here to view the website version of the article.
A web-based, digital edition of the magazine is also available. Click here to view this. Page 10 is WVMC’s story.