Title: Technical Specialist and Clinical Laboratory Scientist
Company: Veterans Affairs Health Care System
Location: Durham, North Carolina, United States
Katrina D. Calderwood, Technical Specialist and Clinical Laboratory Scientist at Veterans Affairs Health Care System, has been recognized by Marquis Who’s Who Top Healthcare Professionals for dedication, achievements and leadership in Microbiology and Molecular Science.
Ms. Calderwood is recognized for her established career in clinical laboratory science, marked by more than three decades of expertise in microbiology, molecular science, quality control and quality assurance. Since 2016, she has served as a technical specialist and clinical laboratory scientist at the Veterans Affairs (VA) Health Care System. In this capacity, Ms. Calderwood is responsible for writing procedures, validating new equipment and tests, and training clinical laboratory science students, pathology residents and infectious disease fellows. She also monitors turnaround times, test positivity rates and monthly testing metrics to ensure the highest standards of laboratory performance.
The VA Health Care System is recognized as the most extensive integrated health care system in the United States, providing comprehensive medical services to veterans. Areas of service include primary and specialty care, rehabilitation services and long-term care. Notably, the Veterans Health Administration, part of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, serves more than nine million enrolled veterans annually.
In addition to her contributions to the VA Health Care System, Ms. Calderwood spent more than 30 years as a medical technologist in the microbiology laboratory at Duke University in Durham, North Carolina. Her tenure on campus began after she relocated to North Carolina following her college graduation. During her tenure there, Ms. Calderwood developed a strong foundation in microbiology and molecular methods. Her commitment to advancing laboratory practices has been evident in her leadership in introducing new instruments and assays, milestones she regards as significant achievements. Additionally, Ms. Calderwood considers teaching and mentoring emerging professionals among her most meaningful contributions to the field.
Ms. Calderwood’s academic background included completing coursework at Indiana University from 1989 to 1992, followed by an undergraduate degree in medical technology from Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis, conferred in 1993. Her formal education provided the essential knowledge base that has supported her success in both technical and supervisory roles throughout her career.
A recognized expert in her discipline, Ms. Calderwood is a member of the American Society for Clinical Pathology, reflecting her ongoing commitment to professional development and industry standards.
Ms. Calderwood’s early success was recognized with inclusion in Who’s Who Among American High School Students. Her constant drive and ambition are evident in her accomplishments today.
Looking back on her life’s work, Ms. Calderwood attributes much of her success to her hands-on experience with chemicals and the fundamentals of laboratory work. When instruments or machines fail, she relies on traditional methods, a skill that many younger professionals entering the field have never learned. When working with the younger generation, Ms. Calderwood steps in to provide mentorship, demonstrating that workflow does not stop when technology fails.
Additionally, Ms. Calderwood notes that microbiology was once entirely manual. Over the course of her tenured career, one of the most substantial developments she has witnessed has been the rise of molecular-based PCR testing, which can provide answers within an hour, compared to the 24 hours to a week it once took to identify an organism. Modern technology has dramatically accelerated processes, benefiting patients everywhere.
Grateful for her many years in the industry, Ms. Calderwood is continually inspired by several mentors, most notably her husband, a clinical laboratory scientist whom she met during her last year of college while completing clinical rotations. Additionally, she appreciates her medical director at Duke University, who is renowned worldwide and played a vital role in her career for over 25 years.
Contact Ms. Calderwood: