by Scott McIntyre on Tuesday, August 10, 2010
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Denise Smith
Denise Smith, MLT (ASCP)
Medical Laboratory Technician
Lucas County Health Center, Chariton
Why did you choose this as your career? I was working in a long-term care environment and wanted a change. I loved working with the residents, but wanted something more. I learned of an opening at Lucas County Health Center and was hired as a phlebotomist. It didn’t take me long to realize I wanted to be the person doing the testing and working with the technology. I had to get additional schooling, but now I love my job.
What are the challenges and rewards you experience in your work? There are so many wonderful aspects of my work. Some people present particular challenges in simply drawing the blood. The most challenging part of the job is taking call and working a regular shift, the long hours. It is very rewarding. The best thing about my job is everything. I like everything about my job. I don’t see patients all that often any longer, but I recently was called to assist with a draw for a tiny, elderly woman who was difficult to draw. When patients ask for you specifically…that is my favorite part. I learn something every day.
What are your plans for the future? I would like to return to school and get a bachelor’s degree in laboratory science or general biology. I’m not sure yet how I would use that education, but I love learning and knowing more about the science behind my work.
How has the hospital supported your career? It all started with my supervisor asking if I would be interested in pursuing an MLT education. Our hospital had a forgivable education loan program for hard-to-fill positions and MLT was in the hard-to-fill category. I was able to take full advantage of LCHC’s generosity. The Health Center worked with me and supported my pursuit of education while I continued my full-time career at LCHC. Additionally, they offered tuition reimbursement assistance and a short-term loan program all related to educational needs.
About Denise Smith:
Education: Associate of Science Degree in Medical Laboratory Technology from Southwestern Community College in Sylva, North Carolina
Years with hospital: 10 years in October
by Chris English on Friday, July 9, 2010
- David M. “Mike” Miller, Lucas County Health Center Trustee
This week, IHA mourns the loss of David M. “Mike” Miller, a long-time Trustee of Lucas County Health Center, Chariton, IA. On Wednesday, July 7 Miller was involved in a tragic car accident that ended his life and 35 years of dedication as both an LCHC Trustee and steadfast advocate for building and maintaining health care excellence.
The accident occurred Wednesday morning when a 15 year old driver headed southbound on Highway 65 attempted to pass another vehicle. Upon spotting Miller approaching from the other direction, the driver lost control attempting to return to his own lane resulting in a head-on collision.
As a member of the Iowa Hospital Association, Miller went above and beyond and was regarded by many as a kind and trustworthy individual. A modest and gentle leader among his peers, Miller was awarded for his dedication in 2007 when he received the IHA Excellence in Governance Award for his commitment to improving the health care industry at both the state and federal level. Throughout the majority of his tenure as an LCHC board member, he held various executive positions including multiple terms as its chairman. Miller served five years on the national American Hospital Association Regional Policy Board and was an active member of the IHA Council on Education & Member Services and the Council on Health Information.
In the wake of Miller’s tragic and untimely passing, LCHC workers as well as IHA members and staff have all expressed shock in hearing of the tragic news as well as sadness in light of remembering all that Miller had done over his long and successful career.
Miller receiving the IHA Excellence in Governance Award in 2007
“Mike was an avid learner and an educator,” said Roger Struve, chairman of the LCHC Board of Trustees.
“He sought to stay abreast of current events and to educate himself continuously about the health services industry. Mike used his knowledge to teach his fellow Trustees. He had a keen intellect and was able to assess the social and political environment to help us plan for the future of health care in Lucas County. Mike was truly visionary in his work on the LCHC Board of Trustees.”
This week, the people and patients within the Lucas County Health Center community and all Iowans for that matter have lost a tremendous leader and a friend. However, while David “Mike” Miller’s life and service to his community may be over, the impact of his work will resonate for a long time to come.
