Nominee: Tarique Abdalla, North Liberty
Nominated by: Anonymous (two nominators)
"North Liberty Hospital Supervisor, Tarique Abdalla, helped us a lot with his knowledge and high experience. We are new graduates with little experience. The assistance he provided us has helped us a lot, and he never hesitates to provide assistance.”
“He listens to our concerns, and he stands up for us within reason. I understand he is a supervisor, but things would be a lot easier for him if he did not care so much. He has two jobs and a family and is still eager to take on more responsibility. He has broad knowledge and willingness to give himself fully to build this new establishment. Thank you for all you do. We appreciated you.”
How long have you been working in Pathology?
I have been working at Iowa for 14 months, and at Mercy Medical Center, Cedar Rapids for 11 years.
What do you enjoy about working here?
I get to play an integral role to diagnosis and save lives, and the University of Iowa is a big institution. I get to work with cutting edge technologies ahead of other hospitals in the area, and I get to work with the best and brightest.
What made you decide to become a lab professional?
A lab professional holds a vital role in patient care. It is a very rewarding career and on more than one occasion I am the first to see the first signs of cancer, which makes a big different in the outcome.
What are some of your hobbies outside of work?
I love cooking. I loved it too much I opened a restaurant that did not last long, but I had fun while it lasted.
What is your dream vacation?
My dream is to go to the country of Japan. I heard it is an experience.
What is your favorite movie?
Pulp Fiction
If money was not a factor, what other profession would you choose?
I would love to be a doctor and join the free clinic in Cedar Rapids.
Nominee: Heather Lai, North Liberty
Nominated by: Anonymous
“Heather has worked tirelessly to make this new North Liberty hospital run smoothly. She has validated a large chunk of instruments in our core lab area, trained most of the staff, and is practically the sole person who reviews QC. This QC review entails working closely with our pathologist to adjust ranges, calibrate when needed, and validate new lots or reagents that providers have requested. She is our go to person when we have a hard question, a cell we are unsure of, all of the above. She is the reason we have started off so successfully in the lab at North Liberty. All props to her for taking on this big role and doing it so well.”
How long have you been working in Pathology?
I have been working at UIHC for just over a year and in lab for 19 years.
What do you enjoy about working here?
Having the opportunity to teach people and learn new things myself.
What made you decide to become a lab professional?
I like helping figure out what is wrong with patients without ever having to see them.
What are some of your hobbies outside of work?
My kids are teenagers, so basically any activity they are willing to hang out with me at is my hobby. 🙂
What is your dream vacation?
I love the beach. All the beaches. Morning coffee on the patio overlooking the beach, listening to waves, swimming, feet in the sand, body surfing, and sunshine.
What is your favorite movie?
The Miracle, Remember the Titans, Sandlot, Mean Girls, Harry Potter
If money was not a factor, what other profession would you choose?
Probably something non-profit. I like getting other people to give me their money to help other people. I wish I could be Oprah but with someone else's money.