Name: Kimberly Smith Major: Medical Laboratory Technology Year: 1992 Position: Director of Laboratory Services, UPMC Western Maryland
Q & A
Where are you from? I currently reside in Frostburg but grew up in the Barton/Lonaconing area where I
resided until 2012.
What was your major? Medical Laboratory Technology
Why did you choose your major? I wanted a career that would allow me to remain in the area and healthcare was the
most promising field at the time. I was initially interested in nursing but once
I discovered the Medical Laboratory Technology program, I knew it was the right choice.
I liked the idea of working behind the scenes in patient care.
What made you choose Allegany College of Maryland? ACM was close to home and offered an excellent selection of programs. The campus
was welcoming and I knew others who had graduated from ACM and were successfully employed
in their field.
How has your experience been at ACM? My experience at ACM was great. I had excellent instructors who cared about me and
were so helpful. Our class was small, which made it easy to get to know my classmates.
Why would you recommend Allegany College of Maryland to future students? There are many success stories that started at ACM.
Did you work while attending College? In my last year of the program, I was hired into an entry-level position in the lab
at Memorial Hospital. I was able to work around my class schedule and get a jump start
in my career.
What motivates you and why? Making a difference in healthcare. It is satisfying to work with others in the field
to improve the delivery of services and the overall health of the community.
What are some challenges you did/have encountered as a college student? Balancing the roles of student, mother, and wife.
What advice would you give future college students? My advice is to always be prepared for the next step. You can’t wait for the new
opportunity to present itself and then pursue the needed education or training. Strive
for your fullest potential. There are learning opportunities every day.
When did you graduate and what were your plans after college? I graduated in May 1992 and became certified as a Medical Laboratory Technician through
ASCP. I worked under that certification for 20 years until I graduated with a Bachelor
of Science in Clinical Laboratory Science from the University of Cincinnati in 2010.
At that time, I became certified as a Medical Laboratory Scientist and worked my
way up through various leadership positions and currently serve as the Director of
Laboratory Services for UPMC Western Maryland. In January, I enrolled in the MHA
program at LSU and I’m scheduled to finish that in August 2025.
What advice would you give to students interested in Medical Laboratory Technology? Start with obtaining your degree at ACM and get a job at a facility that offers tuition
reimbursement. Then use it to further your education and work your way up the laboratory
career ladder.
Who was your favorite ACM faculty/staff member? Stacy Rohrbaugh. She was an excellent instructor and is truly dedicated to the MLT
program. It wouldn’t be what it is today if it wasn’t for her work. This program
is essential to staffing laboratories in the tri-state area with qualified personnel.
What is your greatest achievement in your career? Becoming the leader of the laboratory where I began my career.
