Nominee: Lisa Blake

Nominator: Brett Irving

Lisa has consistently gone above and beyond the call of duty as a supervisor; often coming in early or staying late to ensure patient care is done right. During COVID she was the essential piece that allowed the Microbiology department to excel at COVID testing.

How long have you been working in Pathology?
I started as a student phlebotomist in 1995, so about 29 years.

What do you enjoy about working here?
I like being part of a solution.

What made you decide to become a lab professional?
It might sound silly, but a show from the 70s called Quincy, M.E. inspired me. It was the first time I saw a medical examiner and lab work depicted on TV. 

What are some of your hobbies outside of work?
I enjoy spending time with my cats and dogs and working in the garden.

What is your dream vacation?
I would like to go see the Grand Canyon and travel around the Southwest.

What is your favorite movie?
I loved the original Clash of the Titans. Greek mythology has always interested me.

If money was not a factor, what other profession would you choose?
I would run an animal rescue.

Nominee: Matthew Krasowski

Nominator: Anonymous

Dr. Krasowski has been so great to work with since I have started here. I appreciate the trust he has in the work that I do with only knowing me for such a short amount of time. He is great to talk through processes with and is very responsive to any question I have.

How long have you been working in Pathology?
15 years here, but I have worked at UI Health Care for about 25 years if I include my other work and my residency.

What do you enjoy about working here?
The real appeal was working at a state medical education center. I specifically wanted to work with medical students. Iowa City is also an easy place to live in compared to living in Chicago.

What made you decide to become a lab professional?
I was originally planning on going into anesthesia, but I realized it was the wrong fit for me. Then I was told more about the clinical side of work and decided to pursue that path.

What are some of your hobbies outside of work?
I like to read a lot. I also enjoy roller blading, going to the state park, and spending time with my kids.

What is your dream vacation?
I’d like to go to Alaska. I love that kind of scenery, especially the mountains.

What is your favorite movie?
Dr. Strangelove

If money was not a factor, what other profession would you choose?
I would love to be a writer for The Onion.

Nominee: Heather West

Nominator: Carrie Guenther

Heather is reliable, independent, and incredibly helpful. She's not only a knowledgeable resource for UIDL processes and workflow, but as the only full-time accessioner in the UIDL, she is also always up to date on specific client interactions and cases. I joined as the UIDL clerk in January, and she has been with me every step of the way. She's fast, witty, and would drop everything to help anyone. She treats every interaction with kindness, respect, and energy, and approaches every challenge with a level head and positive attitude. She really is an ideal employee, and the UIDL would not be what it is today without her.

How long have you been working in Pathology?
Almost eight years.

What do you enjoy about working here?
When I first started, it was nice to go around to all the labs and work. Now that I am a Lab Tech II, it’s nice to work with the outside clinics and see all the specimens that come in.

What made you decide to become a lab professional?
I didn’t start out aiming to go into Pathology, but circumstance made it so this was a better career path and best for my family. I do like doing the behind-the-scenes work.

What are some of your hobbies outside of work?
I watch a lot of Hawkeye sports, especially Hawkeye football. I also like gardening. We have a lot of flowers at my house.

What is your dream vacation?
It would be cool to go someplace tropical and warm. Someplace like the Bahamas.

What is your favorite movie?
I really like The Green Mile.

If money was not a factor, what other profession would you choose?
I would be a lunch lady. I did it for about seven years and loved it. The schedule was great and you get all summer off.