Today's Healthcare Heroes | Jacqui Eberl-Smith, Lab
August 3, 2022
What is your position/department?
I am a Lead Medical Technologist at the Lab inside Watertown Regional Medical Center.
I am a Lead Medical Technologist at the Lab inside Watertown Regional Medical Center.
What does a typical day look like in your position?
I usually start my day by getting the billing and other reports done for my Lab Director. I go through emails and investigate any problems that may have happened the previous day. Once that is done, I work on the schedules for the lab techs and phlebotomists, perform proficiency testing and competencies for anyone that performs lab testing, and work on the lab bench on first and second shift. I am also the point person for Point of Care and Coagulation. There is a lot to get done on any given day with not enough time to get it all done.
How long have you been at Watertown Regional Medical Center? Have you always been in the same position?
Recently, I started year 14 at WRMC. I started as a Medical Technologist on second shift. Since then, I've been the Urinalysis and Serology lead and dabbled as the Microbiology and Molecular lead until we hired another Medical Technologist. About 5 years ago, I took the MT II position when Cindy Borck was the Manager. Once our current manager, Dahl, started as the Lab Director, I took the Lead MT position.
What was your inspiration for getting into healthcare?
When I was in 9th grade my brother turned me onto Medical Technology. From there I took a medical terminology/practical course for 2 years while in high school. It was very similar to the high school kids that came through the hospital pre-covid. Back in 1984, my class was the first group of high school kids that got to go through different departments here at Watertown Regional Medical Center. I enjoyed it a lot.
What’s new in your department? Are there any new technologies being utilized?
We have our new Coagulation analyzer, Sysmex CS-2500 sitting on a counter waiting for me to write the procedures for it. We have hired 2 new techs and 1 new phlebotomist in July. So, we are really looking forward to getting to know our fellow co-workers.
Why do you believe patients can Count on Watertown Regional Medical Center for safe and quality care?
I have gotten the opportunity to sit in on some meetings that had other department heads at. It is really interesting to hear what/how they are doing. I am so lab oriented and only ever think about the lab. And to hear others perspective really helps you see the overall picture. I can tell how passionate everyone is and that they really care about providing a great place for patients care. After seeing that, how can you not believe that all patients will have safe and quality care when coming to WRMC?
What do you enjoy most about working at Watertown Regional Medical Center?
I really still enjoy being a Medical Technologist and learning new things. It's also nice to have co-workers who are great to work with. One of the best parts, though, is I get to walk to work.
What are some of your interests outside of work? What is your favorite local gem in the Watertown area?
I love spending time with my parents, they live 200 miles away in the Northwoods of Wisconsin. Spending time with family and friends, reading, making soap and gardening are my outlets. Below are a few of my favorite places to eat, depending on what you're hungry for:
- Wings: Uptown Bar (I love their grilled wings)
- Burger: Bismarck's
- Malt/Ice Cream (Zwieg's Grill or Mullin's)
- Anything else: Main Street Café
I also need to do a quick shoutout for Just Soap by AmJax. It's made in Watertown by myself and my cousin – it's the best soap ever ;)