Susan Koen

Experienced Medical Technologist with over 30 years in pathology and diagnostic laboratory services, specialising in Histology, ISO 15189 quality management, SANAS audit compliance, and laboratory operations. Proven track record as Head of Department, Senior Technologist, and Internal Auditor across leading South African pathology groups including Ampath and Lancet. Proficient in Skylims LIS, Leica and Sakura Tissue-Tek instrumentation, and Meditech QC systems.

Committed to accuracy, quality assurance, client-focused service delivery, and continuous improvement in diagnostic environments. Bilingual in English and Afrikaans. Based in Benoni — familiar with the Glynnwood branch environment.

Internal Auditor / Proficiency Co-ordinator at Ampath Laboratories (2020-01 – Present)

• Coordinated and performed internal audits for laboratory facilities, both on-site and remotely, in line with ISO 15189 and SANAS requirements.
• Prepared, maintained, and controlled audit documentation, findings registers, and corrective/preventive action records.
• Coordinated proficiency testing programmes and ensured timely submission and review of results.
• Supported continuous improvement initiatives and quality management system reviews.

Senior Medical Technologist at Vermaak & Partners Pathologists (2013-02 – 2019-12)

Reason for leaving: Career advancement opportunity

• Performed general processing and analysis of laboratory specimens including Histology.
• Conducted routine laboratory testing in accordance with established methodologies and SANAS requirements.
• Applied and monitored internal quality control measures to ensure accuracy and reliability of test results.
• Verified laboratory results prior to authorisation and reporting.
• Maintained accurate laboratory records and documentation in compliance with regulatory requirements.

Technologist in Charge / Head of Department at Ampath — Glynnwood Branch (2003-03 – 2012-12)

Reason for leaving: Retrenched due to staff reduction

• Managed daily operations of the laboratory department, including personnel supervision, workflow, and shift scheduling.
• Controlled departmental budget and expenditure.
• Managed all technical functions, quality control procedures, and instrument maintenance programmes.
• Implemented and monitored SANAS accreditation requirements; coordinated audit readiness.
• Authored, implemented, and reviewed standard operating procedures (SOPs) and work instructions.
• Performed validation and verification of laboratory equipment, procedures, and new test methods.
• Conducted staff recruitment, onboarding, competency assessments, and performance reviews.
• Managed client and staff complaints and liaised with external service engineers and stakeholders.

Medical Technologist at Ampath — Glynnwood Branch (1997-03 – 2003-03)

Reason for leaving: Promoted to Head of Department

• Performed laboratory analyses including Histology processing.
• Operated and maintained laboratory instrumentation.
• Applied internal quality control procedures and recorded results accurately.
• Promoted to Technologist in Charge / Head of Department in 2003.

Junior Medical Technologist at Lancet Laboratories (1994-01 – 1997-02)

Reason for leaving: Received offer from Ampath

• Performed general laboratory analyses and sample preparation under supervision.
• Followed laboratory procedures, quality control protocols, and safety requirements.
• Maintained accurate laboratory records and assisted senior technologists.

National Diploma in Medical Technology – Technikon Witwatersrand (1991)

Matric (Standard Grade) – Hoërskool Noord-Oosrand (1988)