2023 Barb Gonnella Award recipient: Sidney Ong

Sidney is a new Supervisor for Transfusion Medicine who has been in the field for only six years.  However, despite his relatively young career, Sidney has already been promoted three times in short succession: from technologist to Senior Technologist to Chief Tech and now to Supervisor.  This growth is a feat as he is working in NY Presbyterian Weill Cornell, a large academic institution with complex lab operations in a very fast-paced work environment.  These promotions are a testimony to him being a high performer, self-starter, hardworking, intelligent, and effective emerging leader.

Sidney is a quick learner and his in-depth knowledge of Transfusion Medicine has been an asset to his department.  He has been assigned special roles such as being a liaison to residents to improve training and education in Transfusion and Laboratory Medicine.

When he was a technologist, he took on special assignments such as new equipment validation.  With minimal instruction and supervision, he was able to independently complete the task.

Another example of Sidney’s biggest contributions to his department has been the development of a streamlined process of handling the Proficiency Testing program.  He revamped the process to ensure that rotations are effectively done amongst all technologists at all shifts; and to ensure that the data entry and submission are accurate and prompt.  He converted the process into a digital format so that the review of the evaluation reports are done in a timely manner and catalogued in an organized and paperless way.

Sidney also developed a formal departmental module to do new hire orientation to provide better structure to this activity.  The departmental orientation is now completed much faster and can be assigned to other supervisory team and office staff increasing the bandwidth of who can help support this required activity.

Sidney has partnered with another lab supervisor in redesigning their new hire training plan. With their new approach, the Blood Bank has been able to move training much faster while sustaining a robust process in achieving competency of new techs.

Sidney works well under pressure.  He stays composed and calm in stressful and extremely busy work environments.  He is an approachable leader while remaining assertive and effective.  He is adaptable and collaborative and has been a great representative for Transfusion Medicine for various interdepartmental initiatives and projects.

Sidney Ong is a rising leader – a rising star in the lab, in NY Presbyterian, and in the Transfusion Medicine profession.