Her Story
About Tiffany
Tiffany Telemaque, is a clinical laboratory scientist, quality leader, and passionate advocate for the medical laboratory profession. Her journey into laboratory medicine was unexpected. As an undergraduate at Stony Brook University, she originally planned to become a biochemist. After struggling in her first organic chemistry course, a professor encouraged her to explore Clinical Laboratory Science instead—a decision that changed the course of her career. Tiffany quickly found her passion, excelling in the program, earning a B- in the challenging chemistry course that almost derailed her plans, serving as class president, and receiving multiple academic honors.
Following graduation, Tiffany began her career at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, where she spent a decade developing expertise in transfusion medicine, education, and quality. She later relocated to Florida to serve as a laboratory supervisor before returning to New York, where she transitioned into laboratory management and quality leadership. Today, she serves as Quality Systems Manager at Saint Joseph's Medical Center, a role she has held for nearly four years. Throughout her career, she has remained committed to strengthening laboratory quality systems, regulatory compliance, patient safety, and operational excellence while mentoring the next generation of laboratory professionals.
Beyond her leadership in the laboratory, Tiffany has dedicated herself to advancing the profession through service, education, and advocacy. A longtime leader within the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP), she has served on numerous councils and committees, including as a Member-at-Large on the ASCP Board of Directors, while also volunteering as a Career Ambassador to introduce students to the field of medical laboratory science. Guided by the belief that "quality is everybody's job," Tiffany is committed to fostering a culture of shared accountability, mentorship, and lifelong learning. Her work continues to elevate the visibility of laboratory professionals and inspire future leaders dedicated to improving patient care through excellence in laboratory medicine.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Tiffany
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute much of my success to the incredible mentors who have guided me throughout my career. Kathleen Finnegan at Stony Brook University, Barbara Riley, my first manager, Gene Allen at Memorial Sloan Kettering, and my close friend Dana Baker have each played an important role in shaping my professional journey. Their guidance, encouragement, and leadership have had a lasting impact on my growth.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I received was that there are many paths to a successful career. I originally planned to become a biochemist, but after struggling with organic chemistry, a professor at Stony Brook University encouraged me to pursue clinical laboratory science instead. That redirection ultimately led me to a career I am passionate about.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I encourage young women to recognize the meaningful impact they can have in healthcare. Clinical laboratory science plays a vital role in patient care, and your work truly makes a difference. I also believe that throughout your career, you should embrace two important roles: be a mentor who helps others grow and be a mentee who continues to learn from those around you.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of my greatest challenges is balancing the demands of my career with being a wife and the mother of two young boys. It requires careful prioritization and a strong support system. Professionally, clinical laboratory science is a highly regulated field, particularly in New York State, which presents both challenges and opportunities to maintain the highest standards of quality, safety, and patient care.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Mentorship, service, and quality are the values that guide both my professional and personal life. I am passionate about inspiring others and raising awareness of clinical laboratory science, a field that is essential to healthcare, with approximately 70% of medical diagnoses relying on laboratory results. I firmly believe that quality is everyone's responsibility, and fostering a culture of excellence benefits both our colleagues and the patients we serve.
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