Amanda is a Senior Medical Laboratory Technologist, specializing in Genomics at Health Sciences North. She began her post-secondary education with interest in the pathology field. Amanda graduated from Laurentian University with a degree in forensics and continued her education at the Michener Institute, obtaining certification as a Medical Laboratory Technologist in genetics. She began her career in Sudbury, assisting in the opening of the molecular genetic testing laboratory where she continued, 20 years on, into her current role in the department of Genomics.
Amanda has been a member of the Genetics Scientific Committee for seven years and says, “I owe this committee more than I could ever give back.” After the loss of her brother, who had always been a source of encouragement to grow personally and professionally, Amanda came across the opportunity to be a member of an IQMH scientific committee. She says, “the IQMH group was so welcoming and friendly, which was something I really needed at the time. The committee members and IQMH staff have helped me develop my skills in cytogenetics and be a contributing member of the genetics community. I have had the privilege of working with some of the best geneticists and genetics MLTs in the business. It has been an amazing experience.”
Since being on the committee, Amanda says she has gained a different perspective of proficiency testing services, as she oversees the genomic laboratory proficiency testing at Health Sciences North. She says, “as a committee, we help organizations improve their analysis and reporting of karyotypes and Fluorescence in situ Hybridization (FISH).” Amanda notes that being able to see how other facilities conduct proficiency testing can be a valuable learning tool. She has enjoyed preparing cases, including slide images, learning about various probes, helping with a pilot FISH survey and was also involved in an article that was published in a reputable journal.
On why she is passionate about being a scientific committee member, Amanda says, “I am passionate about genetics. I want everyone to know we exist and are helping diagnose complex diseases and cancers. We are working in the background to provide clinicians with tools they need to help treat patients. As part of a scientific committee the surveys delivered to various laboratories help advance Genomics across Canada.”
IQMH Proficiency Testing is grateful for the commitment and support of the medical diagnostics community, and we appreciate our volunteers who donate their time and valuable expertise to our programs. Thank you, Amanda!