Mahzuza Salwa
Milsons Point,NSW
Summary
Experienced Medical Laboratory Scientist with 7 years of experience across Clinical Chemistry, Haematology, Transfusion Science, and External Quality Assessment (EQA). Expertise in quality systems, data analysis, program delivery, staff training, and continuous improvement. Co-author of peer-reviewed scientific publications with demonstrated strengths in stakeholder engagement, technical problem-solving, and delivering high-quality laboratory and quality assurance outcomes.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
Scientist- Haematology
RCPAQAP
St Leonards
2023.03 - Current
- Coordinate the end-to-end delivery of External Quality Assessment (EQA) programs, including planning, sample preparation, data analysis, reporting, and customer support.
- Apply quality management principles, including CAPA, root cause analysis, and risk-based thinking, to support compliance and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Ensure program compliance with accreditation and regulatory requirements, including ISO 17043 and ISO 9001 standards.
- Analyse EQA data to identify performance trends, investigate issues, and provide insights that support quality improvement across participating laboratories.
- Contribute to process improvement initiatives that enhance program quality, operational efficiency, and customer experience.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to resolve technical issues and ensure successful program delivery.
- Provide technical support to laboratory customers, addressing enquiries and building strong stakeholder relationships.
- Prepare technical reports, summaries, presentations, and educational content to communicate program outcomes and key findings.
- Support quality and workplace health and safety initiatives through participation in risk management, incident reporting, and continuous improvement activities.
Scientific Officer - Clinical Chemistry
Laverty Pathology
North Ryde
2021.09 - 2023.03
- Key Operator for Siemens Atellica Solution platforms, providing technical oversight of high-throughput chemistry and immunoassay testing.
- Performed maintenance, troubleshooting, and optimization of automated chemistry and immunoassay analyzers to ensure reliable laboratory operations.
- Monitored and evaluated Internal Quality Control (IQC) and External Quality Assurance (EQA) data, including statistical analysis of performance and investigation of non-conformances.
- Conducted technical and clinical validation of assays and participated in the evaluation and implementation of new testing methodologies.
- Trained, supervised, and supported junior scientists and new staff, contributing to competency development and knowledge transfer.
- Collaborated with pathologists to support diagnostic service delivery and resolve technical and clinical queries.
- Contributed to continuous improvement initiatives to enhance testing quality, operational efficiency, and regulatory compliance.
Scientific Officer - Multi Disciplinary
Laverty Pathology
Port Macquarie Base Hospital
2020.01 - 2021.08
- Performed diagnostic testing and reporting across Haematology, Clinical Chemistry, Transfusion Science, and Microbiology within a multidisciplinary hospital laboratory.
- Investigated, validated, and communicated critical laboratory results to clinicians, supporting timely patient management.
- Supported emergency services during trauma and Massive Transfusion Protocol activations, ensuring rapid provision of testing and blood products.
- Performed blood film morphology reviews, Kleihauer testing, antibody screening, crossmatching, phenotyping, and transfusion reaction investigations.
- Contributed to internal quality control, external quality assurance programs, and accreditation requirements.
- Operated and maintained a range of automated laboratory analysers while ensuring compliance with quality and regulatory standards.
- Collaborated with medical, nursing, and laboratory staff to deliver high-quality diagnostic services and patient care.
Education
Bachelor of Medical Science - Pathology
Charles Sturt University
Wagga Wagga, NSW2019-11
Diploma of Science - Life Sciences
UTS Insearch
Sydney, NSW2017-02
Skills
- Coordinating the development and delivery of External Quality Assessment (EQA) programs
- Member of the Quality Representative Team, RCPAQAP
- Co-author of multiple peer-reviewed scientific publications
- Completed: NATA's The Art of Internal Auditing course
- Active presenter at scientific meetings and professional forums
- Attended scientific conferences, workshops, and professional development events
- Trained and mentored laboratory scientists and new staff
References
Available on request.
Timeline
Scientist- Haematology
RCPAQAP
2023.03 - Current
Scientific Officer - Clinical Chemistry
Laverty Pathology
2021.09 - 2023.03
Scientific Officer - Multi Disciplinary
Laverty Pathology
2020.01 - 2021.08
Diploma of Science - Life Sciences
UTS Insearch
Bachelor of Medical Science - Pathology
Charles Sturt University