Florida Veteran Health Heroes

Cathlene “Cathy” McGinnis, a certified clinical laboratory specialist, has a long family history of military service dat- ing back to the Revolutionary War. She followed in her fa- ther’s footsteps by enlisting in the United States Army in 1983 and served active duty for six years, mainly at Fort Polk, Lou- isiana. She was assigned to work in the clinical laboratory as a technician where she became proficient in the areas of microbiology and se- rology. She also assisted military morgue personnel as a diener (morgue attendant) when needed. After retiring from active duty, Ms. McGinnis continued her service as a civilian in the same laboratory she was assigned to as an enlistee. Later, she joined her hus- band during Operation Desert Storm, continuing her civil service at the Air Force Hospital and the Forensic Drug Testing Laboratory at Wiesbaden Air Base, Germa- ny. Upon her return to the United States, Ms. McGinnis continued her career at a multi-physician internal medi- cine practice where she oversaw the practice’s laborato- ry and expanded its testing menu. In 2001, Ms. McGinnis enrolled in the Medical Labora- tory Sciences program at the University of Central Flor- ida. While there, she participated in recruiting students during a career day event at UCF which educated stu- dents about the many job possibilities in the laboratory field. Her efforts resulted in an increase in enrollment for the following semester. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology (Clinical Laboratory Sci- ence) in 2003. After 17 years in her previous lab assignment, Ms. Mc- Ginnis began work in the Tissue Typing (HLA) labora- tory at Florida Hospital in Orlando, where she provides testing for the Solid Organ Transplant and the Stem Cell Transplant programs. Ms. McGinnis’ focus is to maintain a high standard of ex- cellence and quality care for the patients she serves. She is the proud mother of a son serving in the United States Army and a daughter serving in the United States Navy. In her spare time, she and Maggie, her Aussiedoodle dog, participate in the pet therapy program at Florida Hospital Orlando. Cathlene “Cathy” McGinnis, CLS (ASCP) Florida Veteran Health Heroes 8