Yaw Oduro-Poku
Medical Laboratory Scientist
Sunyani
Summary
Results-oriented Chief Medical Laboratory Scientist and Laboratory Quality Manager with over 2 decades of experience in clinical laboratory management, quality assurance, and regulatory compliance. Certified as a CDC/GHS SLMTA/LQMS Mentor and GHS-certified LQMS Internal Auditor, with expertise in ISO standards and WHO-AFRO SLIPTA assessments. Successfully mentored laboratories to achieve significant quality improvements, including elevating Sunyani Teaching Hospital and Bole District Hospital Laboratories from no-star to 2-star status on the WHO-AFRO SLIPTA scale. Skilled in conformity assessment, internal auditing, and laboratory systems strengthening, with a proven track record in supporting Ghana Health Service (GHS) initiatives. Seeking a part-time assessor role at HeFRA Ghana to leverage expertise in regulatory compliance and quality management to enhance healthcare facility standards.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
4013
4013
years of post-secondary education
4
4
Certifications
Work History
Chief Medical Laboratory Scientist / Laboratory Quality Manager
Sunyani Teaching Hospital
Sunyani
05.2023 - Current
- Oversee laboratory operations, ensuring compliance with ISO 15189:2022 and WHO-AFRO SLIPTA standards.
- Lead quality management initiatives, including the development and implementation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for laboratory processes, equipment maintenance, and quality control.
- Mentor laboratory staff and implement continuous quality improvement programs, resulting in STH Laboratory achieving 2-star status on the WHO-AFRO SLIPTA scale.
- Serve as National LQMS Mentor, providing technical guidance to laboratories across Ghana to strengthen quality management systems.
- Coordinate External Quality Assessment (EQA) programs, ensuring accurate documentation, performance reviews, and corrective actions.
- Develop and maintain laboratory documentation, including incident reports, equipment decommissioning forms, and service certification records.
GHS SLMTA/LQMS Mentor
Ghana Health Service
01.2023 - Current
- Mentored Sunyani Teaching Hospital and Bole District Hospital Laboratories, achieving a 2-star rating on the WHO-AFRO SLIPTA scale within two years.
- Conducted training and capacity-building sessions on laboratory quality management systems (LQMS) for healthcare professionals.
- Supported laboratories in developing SOPs, quality control protocols, and compliance frameworks aligned with international standards.
GHS-Certified LQMS International Auditor / Certified Internal Auditor
Ghana Health Service
01.2023 - Current
- Perform internal and international audits to assess laboratory compliance with ISO 15189 and GHS standards.
- Provide actionable recommendations to improve laboratory operations and regulatory adherence.
- Conduct conformity assessments to support trade and healthcare facility accreditation processes.
Medical Laboratory Scientist
Ghana Health Service
01.2003 - 01.2023
- Managed clinical laboratory testing, including microbiology, hematology, and biochemistry, ensuring accurate and timely results.
- Implemented quality control measures and maintained laboratory equipment to meet operational standards.
- Trained junior staff on laboratory techniques, safety protocols, and regulatory compliance.
Laboratory Technical Support Specialist
Taylor & Taylor Co. Ltd
01.2002 - 01.2003
- Provided technical support for laboratory equipment installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
- Assisted in developing protocols for equipment calibration and quality assurance.
Research Assistant
Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research
01.2000 - 01.2001
- Conducted biochemical research and supported laboratory experiments for public health studies.
- Maintained laboratory records and ensured compliance with research protocols.
Education
Commonwealth Executive master's - public administration
Kwame Nkrumah University of Science & Technology
Kumasi06.2012
BSc. - Biochemistry
Kwame Nkrumah University of Science And Technology (KNUST)
Kumasi07.2000
Skills
Certification
CDC/GHS SLMTA/LQMS Mentor, Ghana Health Service
Accomplishments
- Successfully mentored Sunyani Teaching Hospital and Bole District Hospital Laboratories to achieve 2-star status on the WHO-AFRO SLIPTA scale (2023-2025).
- Developed comprehensive SOPs for laboratory operations, including Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP), equipment decommissioning, and quality control at Sunyani Teaching Hospital.
- Designed and implemented forms for laboratory incident reporting, equipment installation, and service certification, enhancing compliance and documentation standards.
- Led training programs for laboratory staff on quality management, safety, and regulatory compliance, improving operational efficiency.
Affiliations
- Member, Ghana Health Service Laboratory Quality Management Network
- Member, Ghana Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists
- Medical Laboratory Professionals Union
Refences
1.Mr. John Tangayire Ayivase
Deputy Director, Clinical Laboratory Unit
Institutional Care Division
Ministry Of Health
+233 208799760
email ayivase@yahoo.com
2. Major Alhassan Yakubu
Training and SOP Officer, Ghana Arm Forces Critical Care and Emergency Hospital.
Tel +233 249 199 054, alhassankasul@yahoo.com
Timeline
Chief Medical Laboratory Scientist / Laboratory Quality Manager
Sunyani Teaching Hospital
05.2023 - Current
GHS SLMTA/LQMS Mentor
Ghana Health Service
01.2023 - Current
GHS-Certified LQMS International Auditor / Certified Internal Auditor
Ghana Health Service
01.2023 - Current
Medical Laboratory Scientist
Ghana Health Service
01.2003 - 01.2023
Laboratory Technical Support Specialist
Taylor & Taylor Co. Ltd
01.2002 - 01.2003
Research Assistant
Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research
01.2000 - 01.2001
Commonwealth Executive master's - public administration
Kwame Nkrumah University of Science & Technology
BSc. - Biochemistry
Kwame Nkrumah University of Science And Technology (KNUST)
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