Paola Pagan
Paola Pagan is the Associate Vice President of UHealth Laboratories at the University of Miami Health System, where she leads a team of over 400 laboratory professionals dedicated to delivering high-quality diagnostic testing and results. With more than two decades of progressive leadership experience in laboratory operations, Paola has held key roles including Assistant Vice President, Executive Director, and Director of Laboratory Services within the organization. Her strategic oversight ensures that operational excellence and clinical quality remain at the forefront of UHealth’s laboratory services.
Paola is deeply passionate about mentoring and empowering teams to reach their full potential in collaborative, high-performance environments. Her leadership style blends technical expertise with a people-first approach, fostering innovation and continuous improvement across all facets of laboratory operations. As a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, she applies performance improvement methodologies to streamline processes, reduce variability, and enhance patient care outcomes.
A proud graduate of the University of Miami School of Business, Paola holds an MBA in Healthcare Administration. Her commitment to diagnostic excellence and patient-centered care continues to drive her efforts in aligning laboratory operations with broader health system goals. Through every stage of her career, she has remained focused on advancing the role of laboratory medicine as a vital component of modern healthcare delivery.
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt
• Six Sigma- Yellow Belt
• University of Miami- School of Business
• CAP Inspector
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to maintaining humility and fostering creativity. Staying grounded allows me to continuously learn and grow, while a creative mindset helps me approach challenges with fresh perspective and innovative solutions.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is simple but powerful: Just be you. Staying true to who I am has helped me build genuine relationships, stay grounded, and bring authenticity to everything I do.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the industry is to find a mentor early on—someone who inspires you and can help guide your growth. Don’t be afraid to use your voice; speak up, ask questions, and share your ideas. Your perspective matters, and confidence comes from practice and showing up as your authentic self.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Integrity and loyalty are the values I hold most important in both my professional and personal life. I believe in doing the right thing, even when no one is watching, and staying true to my commitments. Trust is built through consistency and honesty, and I strive to bring that same level of dedication and respect to every relationship and responsibility I take on.