The Mohawk Valley Health System (MVHS) Laboratory has been named a runner-up for the Medical Laboratory Observer’s (MLO) 2025 Lab of the Year Awards. Chris Goldman, director of MVHS Laboratory Services, praised the achievement, stating, “This award is not given out lightly. There is heavy competition for this national award and I am proud that my staff earned this acknowledgment. This is truly a team effort as our staff has joined forces to make our laboratory stronger and better than ever.”
The award considers various criteria such as customer service, productivity, teamwork, education and training, strategic outlook, and lab inspections. MVHS Laboratory provides services to inpatients, outpatients, nursing homes, and home-bound patients. The laboratory follows MVHS’s mission with a “patient care first” approach. Goldman emphasized, “We treat them like you would want your family treated.”
To enhance its operations, MVHS Laboratory has focused on strengthening the team environment and adopting advanced technology during the transition to the Wynn Hospital. This includes becoming the first lab to implement the Tosoh G8 A1c analyzer on the Sysmex Hematology automation line and integrating the Siemens BN II on the Aptio Automation Line.
Goldman noted that the laboratory encourages staff to pursue further education and career advancement, with administration supportive of these educational endeavors. The laboratory has also implemented an international program to recruit medical technologists globally and hires lab aides with science degrees, mentoring them to continue their education.
The laboratory manager and supervisors have assisted many staff in obtaining medical technologist and technician licenses, with five employees currently in a NAACLS-accredited program and another pursuing a histotechnician program. “Our hospital prides itself on being a teaching institution, and our laboratory maintains affiliations with several medical technology and laboratory science programs,” Goldman said.
MVHS President and CEO Darlene Stromstad remarked, “This recognition underscores the dedication and innovation of our laboratory team. Their commitment to excellence, particularly in implementing cutting-edge technology, ensures our patients receive the highest quality of care. We are incredibly proud of their achievement and their ongoing efforts to advance laboratory services in our community.”
For further details regarding MVHS Laboratory Services, visit www.mvhealthsystem.org/lab.
