Celebrating our medical laboratory professionals

From April 12 to 18, the MUHC proudly celebrates National Medical Laboratory Week, recognizing the vital contributions of our medical laboratory professionals. These dedicated teams work behind the scenes every day to ensure accurate diagnoses and quality patient care. 

Spotlight on one team member 

This year, we are highlighting one exceptional member of our Pathology team. Heidi Furtenbacher is a macroscopy / grossing coordinator with 18 years of experience in Pathology and Cytogenetics at the MUHC. In the grossing lab, staff examine, describe, and sample tissue specimens to prepare them for microscopic analysis.  Heidi ensures the smooth workflow of the grossing lab by coordinating activity, maintaining equipment and supplies, and collaborating closely with colleagues and physicians to provide excellent patient care. 

“She loves Pathology, loves people, and loves to learn,” says Lab Manager Melissa Trickey. 

Heidi’s dedication reflects the excellence of all medical laboratory professionals at the MUHC. 

“To me, the MUHC is a part of my family. Working closely together every day, our colleagues become more than coworkers. I care deeply for everyone in the MUHC community, both patients and staff. Even though I don’t see patients directly, I handle their specimens in Pathology and always remember there is a person behind each one. As both an employee and a patient at the MUHC, I treat every specimen with the same care I would want for myself. One of my proudest memories was being part of the Cytogenetics team during the move to the Glen site — a unique experience that showed the incredible teamwork behind everything we do.”  

Our teams across the Optilab network 

As a vital component of the Optilab-MUHC network, our medical laboratory staff operate across multiple sites and specialties to support daily patient care. Our extensive network includes specialized teams across the following disciplines: 

• Pathology and Cytology: Glen, MGH, Neuro, Jewish General, St. Mary’s, Lakeshore, Rouyn-Noranda, Amos 
• Microbiology: Glen, Jewish General, Abitibi 
• Central Lab, Procurement, and Blood Bank: Glen, Neuro, Jewish General, MGH, Lasalle, St. Mary’s, Lakeshore, Lachine, Abitibi 
• Genetics and Molecular Diagnostics: Glen, Jewish General 
• Abitibi and Témiscamingue Laboratories: Val d’Or, Senneterre, Amos, La Sarre, Rouyn-Noranda, Témiscaming-Kipawa, Ville-Marie  

Thank you 

To all our medical laboratory professionals: your work is critical, meticulous, and life-saving. From analyzing tissue samples to blood tests and complex diagnostics, your expertise ensures the best possible care for every patient.