St. Tammany Health System

Mackey Martarona

Partnering with physicians and vendors while staying up to date with new advancements enables us to equip our lab with leading technology and deliver high-quality, efficient care to our community.”

Mackey Martarona has built an impressive career in the medical field, rising swiftly through the ranks to become the Laboratory Director at St. Tammany Health System. Her journey began as a phlebotomist, where she gained hands-on experience in laboratory operations while pursuing a degree in Medical Laboratory Science. Over the years, she progressed through key roles, including laboratory assistant, medical technologist, and chemistry department supervisor. Her leadership skills and expertise led to her promotion as Assistant Director at the Lake Charles Memorial Laboratory before transitioning to her current role. Despite her relatively young age for such a senior position, her relentless work ethic and commitment to excellence have positioned her as a respected leader in laboratory management. Her career trajectory reflects both technical proficiency and a strong capacity for leadership in the healthcare sector.

Overcoming Obstacles in the Lab

“One of the biggest challenges I face in my role is staffing. Medical laboratory science is a small specialty field, so we work closely with local colleges to accept clinical students as often as possible, providing onsite internships to train and recruit future professionals.

Cultivating a healthy work environment is also key. My team and I focus heavily on ensuring employees feel heard and supported. I conduct monthly staff rounding to gather feedback from the team and ensure all suggestions are followed up on by our supervisory staff. Addressing these concerns or suggestions, no matter how minor, makes a big difference.”

Another challenge in the laboratory is supply chain disruptions. To manage this, I established open communication with our materials management team. We review orders, track backorders, and proactively address shortages in real-time. This collaboration has been crucial in maintaining the resources needed for continuous lab operations.

Communication That Saves Time

Operational efficiency depends on strong communication and collaboration. The laboratory shares processes with almost every department within the organization. To ensure we are operating as efficiently as possible, we participate in several committees where open dialogue and roundtable discussions are used to discern the best outcomes for patient care as a team.

We also work closely with our physicians to evaluate new testing methodologies and strategies for patient care. Partnering with physicians and vendors while staying up to date with new advancements enables us to equip our lab with leading technology and deliver highquality, efficient care to our community

Smart Data, Stronger Decisions, Superior Care

We routinely analyze lab data to support quality and performance improvement. Insights are shared with the executive team, lab leadership, and several health system committees. When opportunities arise, we develop and implement action plans to assist with achieving internal department and organizational goals.

To assist with these efforts, we are currently deploying an enhanced laboratory data management system to increase transparency and support performance improvement. Reliable, accessible data is essential, as the lab plays a vital role in supporting services throughout the organization. By improving data accuracy and availability, we can streamline decisionmaking, identify areas for improvement, and drive better outcomes for both patients and the broader healthcare team. This system will also enable real-time monitoring, the drive for continuous improvement, and help us stay aligned with evolving healthcare standards

Keeping It CAP-Tight

At St. Tammany Health System, the laboratory is accredited by the College of American Pathologists, participating in inspections every two years. In between, we conduct interim self-inspections, creating a continuous compliance cycle. To ensure we stay informed and up to date, the team receives newsletters and participates in quarterly calls with the accreditation agency to review any regulatory changes.

In between the STHS lab inspection years, the laboratory admin team also participates in a peer inspection for the accreditation agency. To ensure we provide an adequate and educational inspection for the peer organization, all supervisors undergo CAP inspector training. I view these peer inspections as valuable learning opportunities, enabling all parties to engage, share insights, and build connections with other professionals in our field.

Breaking New Ground in Medical Technology

Keeping our health system informed and equipped with the latest medical advancements is a key part of our laboratory’s commitment to patient care.

The St. Tammany Health System laboratory has recently gone live with the Abbott GLP track system and is currently one of five live sites in the country. This system enhances efficiency by automating several preanalytical processes, helping address staffing shortages, and allowing our Med Techs to focus on result review and physician consults. Though our team already engages in this work today, the automation track allows for deeper, more frequent clinical collaboration, ultimately elevating patient care and allowing medical scientists to perform at the top of their degree.

The GLP automation track is an advanced technology that we are proud to offer to our community for efficient laboratory processing and is one of many technology advancements that have received support from our executive team.

Big Risks, Bigger Success

My best advice is to embrace opportunities when they come your way. If a new role or challenge presents itself, take the leap. While waiting for those opportunities, prioritize continuous learning and professional growth. Stay informed about advancements in your field and find ways to apply that knowledge to enhance process improvements and quality patient care within your organization.

I make both professional and personal development a priority. Currently, I’m enrolled in the STHS leadership program and have completed several Six Sigma quality initiatives. It’s important to stay sharp in both technical expertise and leadership skills. When I took on my current role, I relocated four hours away from home—a big step, but one of the best decisions I’ve made to be a part of the St. Tammany organization. Taking risks can lead to the greatest rewards, so don’t let fear hold you back from reaching your future potential.