The MLPAO is excited to welcome Andrea Tjahja, BSc, MLT, ART, BEd, as our new Vice President, Professional Practice.
With more than 30 years of experience and leadership in the field, Andrea is the perfect fit to provide oversight of programs, certifications, processes, and continuing education.
As the Education, Safety and Transport Manager at the Hamilton Regional Laboratory Medicine Program, Andrea has particular expertise in clarifying procedures and fostering inter-professional relationships. To steering our MLA/T Certification Exam, she brings experience with streamlining Quality Management Systems and working closely with accreditation bodies.
Andrea has worked as a part-time faculty member at Mohawk college with the bridging program for Internationally Educated MLTs and MLA/T Clinical Internships. She has also coordinated and scheduled MLT and MLA/T clinical internships for learners including onboarding and ensuring students meet all organizational and regulatory requirements. This will be an exceptional toolset in developing course content and working with stakeholders.
A strong advocate for continuing education, she has organized large-scale events for the HRLMP staff to share knowledge, as well as bringing an in-depth understanding of professional development and career laddering. Her own education and professional development pursuits include a Bachelor of Science from Western University, MLT Cytogenetics, ART Cytogenetics, MLT Molecular Genetics, a Modern Management Certificate from the Canadian Healthcare Association, a Bachelor of Adult Education from Brock University, a Leadership in Biosafety Certificate, and an Occupational Health and Safety Management Certificate.
This formal education is supported by Andrea’s wealth of hands-on experience in the lab. She has been the connection point between safety specialists, leaders, and worker reps to ensure health and safety, provided leadership to MLTs and MLA/T staff as the acting supervisor of a laboratory, worked closely with regulatory bodies, coordinated training, and connected across professional groups to facilitate interprofessional practice and collaboration.
We could not be more delighted that this powerhouse of a person is bringing all her incredible laboratory experience and leadership in the field to our team this fall. Welcome Andrea!