An inspiring exploration of women's transformative role in science and medicine, highlighting career advancement opportunities, the importance of mentorship, and the unique perspectives women bring to healthcare innovation and leadership.
Her Story
About Mildred E
Mildred Carrer is a healthcare sales executive and medical technologist whose career spans nearly three decades across laboratory science, diagnostics, and healthcare leadership. Originally planning to pursue medicine, she spent three years in pre-medical studies before discovering her passion for medical technology and laboratory science. Fascinated by microbiology and hematology, she became captivated by the ability to study disease at a microscopic level and contribute directly to patient diagnosis and treatment. After graduating Magna Cum Laude from the Universidad de Puerto Rico Medical Sciences Campus with a degree in Medical Technology, she spent six years working in hospital laboratories as a medical technologist and assistant supervisor, where she developed a strong clinical foundation and a deep appreciation for the science behind healthcare.
In 2002, Mildred transitioned into healthcare sales after being inspired by the medical representatives who visited her laboratory. She recognized an opportunity to combine her scientific expertise with education, communication, and business development — creating what she describes as the perfect marriage between science and sales. Since then, she has built a distinguished career in pharmaceuticals, in-vitro diagnostics, and healthcare solutions throughout Puerto Rico, the Caribbean, and the United States. Her professional journey has included leadership roles with Quest Diagnostics, Cardinal Health, Abbott, and QuidelOrtho, where she currently serves as Indirect Channel & Caribbean Sales Manager. She also earned a Master of Science in Medical Technology with concentrations in Immunology and Administration, graduating Magna Cum Laude. Her graduate research focused on identifying bacterial pathogens in patients at Puerto Rico’s largest medical center, leading to her recognition as a co-author on a scientific publication.
Throughout her career, Mildred has remained deeply committed to service, public health, and advancing access to quality healthcare. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she worked on the front lines supporting vaccination and diagnostic testing efforts in collaboration with government and public health agencies. She has also volunteered in humanitarian and disaster relief initiatives, including recovery efforts following Hurricane Maria through Team Rubicon. An ASCP-certified medical technologist and active member of the Medical Technologies College of Puerto Rico, Mildred believes her greatest accomplishment is being able to help society while supporting innovation in healthcare. Guided by discipline, compassion, and a passion for science, she continues to inspire others through her leadership, dedication to patient care, and commitment to empowering women to use their voices and pursue meaningful careers. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, reading, cycling, and spending time with her family.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Mildred E
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to discipline. You need to be focused on what you want, focus on what you need to do, be disciplined, and move forward. Sometimes the biggest challenge is ourselves - we put in our minds that something is impossible or difficult, but that's something that needs to be clear and put aside. You have to stay focused and not let things distract you.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
It's important to live and have experiences, but try to always hear your parents and focus on what you want. Make a plan - at this age I want this, at that age I want that, and so forth. Set clear goals and follow your dreams. Be disciplined and be clear with what you want. You have friends and it's important to have fun and everything, but set goals, clear goals, and follow up on them. There are so many things that can distract young people today and cause them to choose wrongly. Today there are so many opportunities if you just put work into it, are disciplined, show up every day, and have an interest in doing well.
03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
For me, the biggest challenge sometimes is ourselves. Sometimes we put in our minds that something is impossible or difficult. That's something that needs to be clear and put aside. You need to be focused on what you want, focus on what you need to do, be disciplined, and move forward. Today there are so many things that can distract young people and cause them to choose wrongly. Things are different than 29 or 30 years ago - it's more easy in some ways, but it's important that everybody internally be focused.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
For me, family is most important. I'm really spiritual and believe in God, and that's something that we need to have every day, in every single minute. For me, faith has to be present every day, both personally and professionally.
Her Content Hub
Articles by Mildred E
Women in Science and Medicine: Creating Opportunities for the Next Generation
Women's Leadership and Innovation in Healthcare: Building on Progress and Creating Opportunity
By Mildred Carrer, MS, MT(ASCP)
The story of women in science and medicine is one of perseverance, resilience, and progress. While women have always made meaningful contributions to healthcare and scientific advancement, previous generations often faced barriers that were shaped by societal expectations and more pronounced gender biases. Opportunities existed, but access to leadership positions, decision-making roles, and professional advancement was often more limited than it is today.
As a Medical Technologist and healthcare industry leader with more than two decades of experience across Puerto Rico and the Caribbean, I have witnessed how much the landscape has evolved. Throughout my career, I have worked alongside remarkable women who have excelled as laboratory professionals, scientists, physicians, educators, and healthcare leaders. Their achievements were not simply the result of opportunity; they were the result of determination, expertise, and a commitment to excellence.
Today, we are experiencing a unique moment in healthcare and science. Advances in diagnostics, biotechnology, digital health, artificial intelligence, and precision medicine are transforming how we understand and care for patients. These innovations are creating new career paths and expanding the ways professionals can contribute to healthcare beyond traditional roles.
For women entering the field, this presents unprecedented possibilities. A scientific background can now lead not only to careers in the laboratory or research environment, but also to leadership positions in healthcare organizations, biotechnology companies, public health initiatives, education, and global healthcare strategy. The boundaries that once defined career paths are becoming increasingly flexible.
However, progress should not lead to complacency. Representation remains important, particularly in executive leadership, scientific innovation, and decision-making positions. Young women pursuing careers in science and medicine benefit from seeing leaders who demonstrate that success is achievable through knowledge, preparation, and perseverance.
Mentorship plays a critical role in this process. Many of us have benefited from individuals who encouraged our professional growth, shared their experiences, and challenged us to think beyond our immediate responsibilities. We have a responsibility to provide the same guidance to those who will follow us.
The future of healthcare will require more than scientific expertise alone. It will demand leadership, adaptability, collaboration, and a willingness to embrace innovation. Women are uniquely positioned to contribute to these transformations, bringing diverse perspectives that strengthen organizations, improve problem-solving, and ultimately enhance patient care.
As we look ahead, the goal is not simply to increase the number of women in science and medicine. The goal is to create environments where talent can thrive, where leadership opportunities are accessible, and where future generations can focus more on their potential than on overcoming barriers.
The progress achieved by women in science and medicine is the result of those who came before us and challenged the limitations of their time. Our responsibility now is to continue building on that foundation, ensuring that the next generation inherits a profession defined not by obstacles, but by opportunity.
The future of science and medicine will be shaped by those willing to innovate, lead, and inspire. Women are helping define that future every day, and the opportunities ahead have never been greater.
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