Vitus Nnaemeka Akpunonu
Medical Laboratory Scientist
Mushin
Summary
To enhance operational efficiency by streamlining and optimizing diagnostic operations to ensure maximum efficiency, reduce turnaround times, and improve the accuracy of radiology and pathology services. To drive innovative diagnostic tools to enhance service quality, maintain a competitive edge, and improve patient outcomes. To foster a culture of excellence by cultivating a high-performance culture focused on continuous improvement, professional development, and exceptional patient care. To ensure regulatory compliance with strict adherence to all healthcare regulations, accreditation standards, and industry best practices to ensure the lab's compliance and accreditation. To oversee financial management, budgeting, and cost control measures to ensure the lab's profitability while maintaining high standards of service delivery. To implement strategies to improve patient and client satisfaction, ensuring that the lab provides timely, accurate, and bespoke diagnostic services. To expand service offerings by Identifying and capitalizing on opportunities around the business and introducing new diagnostic tests and services to meet the evolving needs of the healthcare market. To strengthen partnerships and collaborations with healthcare providers, hospitals, and other stakeholders to drive business growth and enhance service delivery. To develop and execute strategic plans to support the lab's growth objectives, including market expansion, operational scaling, and workforce development. To ensure a safe, inclusive, work environment that attracts and retains top talent, promotes teamwork, and fosters innovation.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Regional Operations Manager (R.O.M)
Echolab Radiology and Pathology Services
05.2023 - Current
- As the ROM, I championed cost reduction initiatives across 6 laboratories in 3 Nigerian states, resulting in significant cost optimization, and efficiency in Profit & Loss (P&L) metrics.
- Enhanced operational workflows and processes across all laboratories, ensuring consistency and high-performance in-service delivery.
- Established and strengthened the sales-operations relationship, leading to a marked increase in client satisfaction and retention.
- Active sourcing and domiciliary of new pathology tests to position our lab as the lab of labs.
- Continuous training of the front desk and medical representative team to understand high-end test libraries.
- Support the CEO and the sales team with data insight to make informed market decisions.
- Reshaping the pivotal role of the customer service team and how information are collected from unhappy customers for process improvement.
- Redesigning patient journeys within the facilities to ensure test completeness and positive patient feedback.
- Radical transformation of pathology and radiology workflow that has left us with 97.5% Test Turn Around Time from 80% in May 2023.
- Continuous facilitation and resolution of client complaint that has not been solved by the branch Managers.
- Weekly participation and contribution to Echolab-Nigeria management review meetings and weekly Integrated Diagnostic Holdings Meeting (IDH) with the Cairo team to discuss business strategies and targets for each coming week.
- Developing and delivering new business to the sales team.
Central Laboratory Manager
Clina-Lancet Laboratory
07.2022 - 05.2023
- Support the human resources team in recruiting, managing, and developing competence amongst the laboratory staff to achieve high-performance standards.
- I implemented a comprehensive total quality management system process, addressing non-conformances with swift, root-cause analysis and corrective actions.
- With my team, I managed the laboratory’s documentation to achieve ISO 15189 and SANAS accreditation standards. I also supported the internal audit processes and maintaining accreditation status.
- I ensured efficient operation and maintenance of laboratory equipment, including validation and calibration, to guarantee the accuracy and reliability of reports.
- Conducted meticulous stock management and reporting, providing insights for cost control and procurement efficiency.
- I ensured the performance and reporting of monthly quality indicators drivers to improve services.
- I facilitated staff training and professional development, ensuring compliance with professional standards and competency requirements.
Deputy Laboratory Manager
Clina-Lancet Laboratory
10.2021 - 10.2022
- Assisted in supervising and training laboratory staff, ensuring operational objectives and performance targets were consistently met.
- Maintained and enforced SOPs in alignment with Quality Management Systems (QMS).
- Played a key role in preparing the laboratory for internal and external audits, achieving zero non-conformance reports.
- I worked closely with QA teams to review and improve QMS forms and logs.
- Led training initiatives for microbiology staff, enhancing expertise across the department.
Head of Department, Microbiology
Clina-Lancet Laboratory
10.2020 - 10.2021
- Operational oversight of microbiology departmental objectives
- I ensured the implementation of SOPs and QMS in microbiology discipline, aligning with regulatory and accreditation requirements.
- Managed and led andrology (semen) training programs for microbiology staff, sharing expertise and building departmental capabilities.
- As the HOD Microbiology department, I coordinated routine quality control activities, including EQA processing and inter-laboratory comparisons, maintaining high standards in laboratory results.
Medical Laboratory Scientist
Clina-Lancet Laboratories
01.2016 - 01.2020
- Conducted routine and complex diagnostic tests, ensuring accuracy and efficiency in laboratory results.
- Contributed to the smooth operation of the laboratory through diligent quality control and equipment management
- Engaged with clients, including doctors and patients, to address queries and ensure satisfaction with laboratory services.
Medical Laboratory Scientist (Full time)
Duntro Clinic
01.2014 - 01.2016
- I performed routine laboratory procedures and laboratory management.
Medical Laboratory Scientist (Part-time)
Topaz Clinic
01.2011 - 01.2015
- I performed routine laboratory procedures and laboratory management.
Medical Laboratory Scientist
Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (N.I.M.R.)
01.2010 - 01.2011
- I supported the research Laboratory at NIMR in conducting some research procedures on molecular detection of mosquitos’ resistance genes to insecticide, and Molecular diagnosis of schistosomiasis in urine.
Education
Diploma - Biomedical Technology
Durban University of Technology
Durban, South Africa01-2013
Master of Science - Medical Microbiology and Parasitology
University of Lagos
Nigeria01-2012
Associate of Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (AIMLS) - undefined
University of Lagos Teaching Hospital
01-2009
Bachelor of Science (Honors) - Microbiology
Nnamdi Azikiwe University
Anambra State01-2005
Skills
Proven ability to lead and integrate operations across various departments, ensuring cohesive and efficient workflows that drive target-driven results
Skilled at identifying and resolving technical and administrative challenges in diagnostic business environments and enhancing overall operational efficiency and service quality
Skilled in utilizing SWOT analysis to identify and leverage organizational strengths, address weaknesses, and capitalize on opportunities, guiding strategic decision-making
Continuous development and implementation of diagnostic and business policies based on ISO 15189:2022 standards to address areas with shortcomings to foster continuous improvement
Highly adaptive and resourceful, with a strong capacity to innovate and swiftly respond to new challenges in a dynamic laboratory environment
Extensive knowledge in biomedical sciences, enabling the validation and verification of new analytes and kits and driving advancements in laboratory diagnostics
Effective in leading and motivating diverse teams, promoting a collaborative and communicative culture that drives high performance and operational success
Specializes in driving process ownership spirit among team members
Experienced in managing and resolving disputes among clients, pathologists, doctors, and the organization, maintaining positive relationships and a productive working environment
Standard operating procedures
Excellent interpersonal skills
Strategic planning
Staff supervision
Workforce planning
Compliance management
Warehouse management
Transportation management
Operational efficiency
Maintenance scheduling
Report writing experience
Affiliations
- Malaria Society of Nigeria (MSN)
- Parasitology and Public Health Society of Nigeria (PPHSN)
- Association of Medical Laboratory Scientist of Nigeria (AMLSN)
- Africa Society of Laboratory Medicine (ASLM)
TECHNICA AND COMPUTER SKILL
- Computer Application Skills in Microsoft Word and Spreadsheet, 2006
- Smart Doctor Hospital Management Software, 2011
- Meditech Laboratory Information System, 2016
- Health and Safety Representative, Clina-Lancet Laboratory, Victoria Island, 2018-2023
- Certified First Aider, Clina-Lancet Laboratory, Victoria Island, 2018-2023
Training and Research Experience
- Routine Laboratory techniques in biochemical analysis, and ELISA technique, Lagos University Teaching Hospital | 2012
- Polymerase Chain Reaction Technique (PCR), Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (N.I.M.R.), Yaba, Lagos | 2010
- Student Project Research: New Castle Disease Virus using embryonated egg culture, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Anambra, Nigeria | 2005
Key Skills and Competencies
- Proven ability to lead and develop teams, driving performance and operational success.
- Expertise in optimizing laboratory operations, reducing costs, and enhancing service quality.
- Strong track record in maintaining high standards of quality and compliance with international accreditation requirements.
- Skilled in building and maintaining positive relationships with clients, ensuring high levels of satisfaction and loyalty.
- Adept at introducing new tests and technologies to improve operational efficiency and reduce costs.
- Experienced in designing and delivering training programs to enhance staff competencies and support professional growth.
PUBLICATION
- Akinwale, O.P., Akpunonu, V.N., Ajayi, M.B., Akande, D.O., Adeleke, M.A., Gyang, P.V., and Dike, A.A. (2011). Urinary Schistosomiasis Transmission in Epe, an Urban Community of Southwest Nigeria. Trop.Parasitol; (1): 99- 103.
- Ezeifeka G, Ekeoma SU, Okeke CO, Akpunonu VN (2006). Antiviral Effect of some Nigerian herbal Extracts on New Castle disease virus. Antiviral Research 70, A88-A89.
- Parasite Based Confirmation of Suspected Malaria cases in Lagos with Microscopy. To be submitted
- Odih EE, Oaikhenan AO, Underwood A, Hounmanou YMG, Oduyebo OO, Fadeyi A, Aboderin AO, Ogunleye VO, Argimón S, Akpunonu VN, Oshun PO, Egwuenu A, Okwor TJ, Ihekeweazu C, Aanensen DM, Dalsgaard A, Okeke IN. High Genetic Diversity of Carbapenem-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii Isolates Recovered in Nigerian Hospitals in 2016 to 2020. mSphere. 2023 Jun 22;8(3)
PROFESSIONAL TRAINING AND CONFERENCES ATTENDED
- Continuing Professional Development Course, Title: Our Environment, Our Health, Our Role –Organized by Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria, June 11th -13th 2008
- First Annual Nigeria Institute of Medical Research Scientific Conference on Health Research in Nigeria, Held at NIMR, Yaba, Lagos, December 10 th-13th, 2008
- World Biomedical Science Day, 2010, Theme: Cancer: The Monster of Our Time
- 46th Annual Scientific Conference and International Symposium, Theme: Current Trends in Medical Laboratory Science, A Tool Towards Realization of Millennium Development Goal, Organized by MLSC of Nigeria, September 13th-18th, 2011
- National Health Research Ethics Commission Training on Human Subject Protection and Ethical Review of Research Protocol, Mainland Hospital, Yaba, Lagos, June 28th -1st July 2011
- Upgrading Standard Laboratory Practice with Emphasis on W.H.O. Clinical/Research Result Documentation and Reporting, N.I.M.R., 26th-28th July 2011
- Effective malaria diagnosis by microscopy organized by Nigeria Institute of Medical Research in collaboration with World Health Organization (WHO) and National Malaria Control Programme (NMCP).3th-9th October 2011
- PharmAccess/Hygeia Community Health Plan Laboratory Training course for Medical Laboratory Technicians and Technologists held at the Lagos Travel Inn, Ikeja Lagos. 14th – 15th, November 2011
- Third Annual Nigeria Institute of Medical Research Scientific Conference on Health Research in Nigeria Held at NIMR, Yaba, Lagos.14th – 18th, November 2011
- Workshop: The Effect of Language Professionalism on Customer Satisfaction. May Clinics Limited. 23rd May,2012.
- May Clinics Limited Workshop: Excellent Customer Service Training. 13th June 2012
- Daniel and Fola Biotechnology Foundation Workshop/symposium on Hands-on Molecular Biology Training on the Fundamentals of Polymerase Chain Training (PCR) Technique. 12TH – 13TH, January, 2015.
- Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria Annual Scientific Conference: Spread of Infectious Diseases in an Increasing Population. Held at National Orthopedic Hospital, Igbobi, Lagos, 12th July, 2016.
- Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria Annual Workshop: Evolving Strategic Partnership in Diagnostic Practice. Held at National Orthopedic Hospital, Igbobi, Lagos, 13th July, 2016.
- Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria Annual Scientific Conference and Workshop: Medical Laboratory Services in Nigeria-Challenges, Threats, and Opportunities. Rayfield, Jos. 11th-14th, 2018.
- Clina-Lancet management training title: 10 Leadership Qualities and Styles, 2020
- Management retreat training titled: Four Disciplines of Execution, and Setting of Organizational WIGs., Capital Club Lagos 6 Elsie Femi Pearse Street off Adeola Odeku Street, Victoria Island, Lagos. 24th - 26th November 2022
- Echolab management review title: The Strategic Planning and Performance Goals for 2024, December 2023
- Speaker at the Medelab West Africa conference title: The role of AI in public health, 22nd-24th April 2024
Timeline
Regional Operations Manager (R.O.M)
Echolab Radiology and Pathology Services
05.2023 - Current
Central Laboratory Manager
Clina-Lancet Laboratory
07.2022 - 05.2023
Deputy Laboratory Manager
Clina-Lancet Laboratory
10.2021 - 10.2022
Head of Department, Microbiology
Clina-Lancet Laboratory
10.2020 - 10.2021
Medical Laboratory Scientist
Clina-Lancet Laboratories
01.2016 - 01.2020
Medical Laboratory Scientist (Full time)
Duntro Clinic
01.2014 - 01.2016
Medical Laboratory Scientist (Part-time)
Topaz Clinic
01.2011 - 01.2015
Medical Laboratory Scientist
Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (N.I.M.R.)
01.2010 - 01.2011
Master of Science - Medical Microbiology and Parasitology
University of Lagos
Associate of Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (AIMLS) - undefined
University of Lagos Teaching Hospital
Bachelor of Science (Honors) - Microbiology
Nnamdi Azikiwe University
Diploma - Biomedical Technology
Durban University of Technology