Shima Kitchens

Results-driven healthcare IT and database management professional with experience leading complex data and application environments, optimizing workflows, and partnering with cross-functional teams to support reliable, high-quality clinical operations. Skilled in database management, system analysis, troubleshooting, and translating business and clinical needs into effective technology solutions. Experienced in managing competing priorities, coordinating projects, and supporting system implementations and enhancements.

Seeking to leverage strong technical, analytical, and leadership skills to improve laboratory system performance, workflows, and patient care.

Supervisor, Esoteric Test Database - Quest Diagnostics

(2017-06)

• Manage a team of professionals to design and develop database systems.
• Provide guidance to database team on database structures and features.
• Create standard procedures to enhance scalability and performance of existing database architecture.
• Troubleshoot complex database issues in accurate and timely manner.
• Maintain database disaster recovery procedures to ensure continuous availability and speedy recovery.
• Supervise installation, migration and upgrade of databases.
• Ensure that database is developed according to business requirements.
• Prepare reports on database scalability and capacity planning as needed.
• Identify and resolve database issues related to performance and capacity.
• Oversee day-to-day activities of database team.
• Develop best practices for performance and operational efficiency.
• Ensure database management and maintenance tasks are performed effectively.
• Conduct training programs for staff on database development and maintenance procedures.
• Perform regular audits to ensure data integrity and quality.
• Provide regular updates to management on database project status.
• Stay updated with new database technologies and analyze such technologies to bring into scope of existing infrastructure.
• Maintains database results by setting and enforcing standards and controls.
• Prepares for database expansion by studying plans and requirements; advising senior technical management; coordinating design and programming.
• Keeps senior technical management informed by preparing reports on system performance and problems.
• Upgrades hardware and software by assessing transaction processing and database production options.
• Maintains database performance by troubleshooting problems.
• Accomplishes platform upgrades and improvements by supervising system programming.
• Secures database by developing policies, procedures, and controls.
• Updates job knowledge by participating in educational opportunities; reading professional publications; maintaining personal networks; participating in professional organizations.
• Accomplishes information systems and organization mission by completing related results as needed.

Database Analyst - Quest Diagnostics

(2013-02 - 2017-06)

• Maintain the Laboratory Information Systems database files.
• Translate and interpret specifications, insuring the accuracy and completeness of test result forms data entry and timely flow of system data through accessioning, laboratory, client services, billing, and client test code inquiry. Manage timely preparation and shipment of specimens.
• Facilitate QC review of database test builds to ensure correct resulting and reporting as specified by technical department supervisors, managers, directors and medical personnel. Deliver specimens to internal testing areas.
• Serve as a liaison between lab services, laboratory technical and IT programming personnel to coordinate changes for new and improved testing.
• Submit programming requests, where applicable, through business unit standard procedure for programming changes required for test database changes and updates including but not limited to rules, calculations, reflex components and interpretations.
• Document and file all test database changes and new tests and obtain approval and signoff according to department policies and procedures.
• Comply with all policies, standards and procedures for processing, scheduling, communicating and implementing database test changes and new tests.
• Complete test maps for distribution to customers to accompany test change communications.
• Assist technical department supervisors, managers, directors and medical personnel when problems or concerns with test builds and changes that occur.
• Coordinate and complete projects for technical personnel and customers as directed.
• Comply with the policies, guidelines, directives, and standards established by Quest Diagnostics management for use of the LIS databases.
• Work with hospital account managers for client specific requests.
• Manage and update OFMS for new tests and test changes.
• Help guide sales reps. with client specific requests and forms.

Lab Associate II - Quest Diagnostics

(2009-11 - 2013-02)

• Performed paperwork, technical and non-technical procedures required to process and submit specimens; assigning specific computer-generated identification numbers, checking for accuracy, and recording all items processed.
• Prepared workstations, such as CK ISO, P.E., OVA1, and Hemoglobinopathy.
• Checked pending list and priority samples.
• Used stock clerk and staples and ordered all supplies, which were needed in the department.
• Trained new employees.
• Solved issues within the department.
• Answered phone calls from client services.
• Communicated and assisted the supervisor with issues with scheduling or work volumes.

Specimen Preparation Assistant - Quest Diagnostics

(2008-06 - 2009-11)

• Prepared specimens for testing via centrifugation, separation, and distribution for the testing personnel.
• Visually reviewed all specimens for proper identification, compliance, and specimen integrity.
• Managed timely preparation and shipment of specimens.
• Maintained work area cleanliness and organization.
• Delivered specimens to internal testing areas.
• Organized and expedited the flow of work orders and specimens within the laboratory.
• Operated and maintained departmental equipment, including computers, centrifuges, barcode scanners, analytical balances, and printers.
• Communicated in a courteous and professional manner with co-workers, clients, and client services.

Associate Degree - Accounting - BIHE University (2002-10 - 2004-10)