Behind nearly every diagnosis a patient trusts is a laboratory they never see. Virginia Erwin leads one of its most vital sections.
A 2024 graduate of the University of Texas Medical Branch with a master's degree in medical laboratory science, Erwin recently earned her Lean Six Sigma Black Belt in Healthcare, an advanced credential for professionals trained to lead complex process-improvement projects. In practice, that means finding the waste, errors, and delays inside healthcare systems and redesigning them so that care runs safer and smoother.
The certification is one marker among many. Erwin serves as section head for hematology, coagulation, and urinalysis at Aspen Valley Health, overseeing the blood, clotting, and urine testing that clinicians rely on every day, and she was recognized by Marquis Who's Who Top Healthcare Professionals for her leadership in the field. Across all of it runs a single conviction: that steady, deliberate improvement matters more than getting everything right the first time.
Erwin's path to the laboratory was a gradual climb, built one degree at a time. She earned an associate degree in medical laboratory technology from Hinds Community College in 2003, returned years later for a bachelor's in medical laboratory science from the University of Cincinnati in 2016, and then completed her master's at the University of Texas Medical Branch.
Along the way, she stacked credentials that map her growing expertise, including certification as a medical laboratory scientist, two laboratory management certificates from the American Society for Clinical Pathology, a lean healthcare certification, and a project management healthcare certification.
Reaching the Black Belt meant pulling all those threads together. She credits a specific mix of skills for getting her there.
"Analytical thinking and problem-solving are essential for identifying inefficiencies and implementing process improvements," she says. "Leadership skills help me guide project teams and motivate stakeholders to embrace change. Effective communication is crucial for presenting findings, training team members, and ensuring that everyone is aligned with project objectives."
Taken together, those abilities are what let a laboratory professional positively change a system, not just complete a task.
Ask Erwin who has shaped her thinking, and she points to a physician-writer whose work reframed how she sees her own.
"A leader I look up to is Dr. Atul Gawande," she says. "I was especially inspired after reading his book, Being Mortal, which profoundly changed my perspective on healthcare and end-of-life care."
What draws her in is less the accolades than the posture behind them.
"Dr. Gawande's leadership stands out because of his commitment to patient-centered care, his drive to improve the healthcare system, and his emphasis on teamwork and collaboration," she says. "In Being Mortal, he addresses difficult conversations with empathy and encourages healthcare professionals to focus on what truly matters to patients and their families."
That example gave her a model for the kind of professional she wants to be, one who keeps the human stakes in view even while optimizing systems.
"His thoughtful approach and willingness to challenge the status quo have motivated me to be more compassionate and collaborative in my own work," she says.
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For Erwin, leadership is less about the org chart than about the direction a team moves in together.
"Leadership, to me, means the ability to inspire and guide others toward a shared vision or goal," she says. "It involves setting a positive example through integrity, empathy, and accountability, while empowering team members to develop their own strengths and contribute their unique perspectives."
In her view, the work is relational before it is administrative.
"Effective leadership is not just about directing or managing tasks; it's about fostering trust, encouraging collaboration, and creating an environment where everyone feels valued and motivated to succeed," she says.
And there is always room for improvement and growth.
"True leaders listen, adapt, and continuously strive to grow alongside their teams," she says.
Behind Erwin's steady climb is a single piece of advice she keeps returning to.
"One piece of advice that inspired me to succeed is: 'Focus on progress, not perfection,'" she says.
That mindset reframed how she approaches difficulties, viewing obstacles as information to absorb.
"This perspective encouraged me to embrace challenges as opportunities to learn and grow, rather than fearing mistakes or setbacks," she says. "It helped me stay motivated, resilient, and open to new experiences, knowing that consistent effort and a willingness to adapt are more important than always getting everything right the first time."
The NSLS gave that instinct a structure. Working through the NSLS leadership programs, Erwin earned certificates in Foundations of Leadership, Advanced Leadership, and Executive Leadership.
"Each level challenged me to deepen my understanding of effective leadership and apply new strategies to real-world situations," she says. "The training helped me enhance my communication, decision-making, and team-building skills."
The community around the programs mattered as much as the coursework.
"The NSLS community provided valuable networking opportunities, which allowed me to learn from others and gain confidence in my abilities," she says. "These experiences have equipped me with the tools and mindset needed to lead with purpose and positively influence those around me."
Erwin is not slowing down. Her long-term goals point toward the top of her profession, with education as the vehicle.
"My long-term goals include obtaining my Doctorate in Clinical Laboratory Science and leveraging that advanced expertise to become a medical director," she says. "I am committed to developing my leadership skills and deepening my knowledge to guide multidisciplinary teams in delivering high-quality, evidence-based care."
The destination is defined by impact, not title.
"As a medical director, I hope to drive meaningful improvements in laboratory operations, patient safety, and diagnostic accuracy," she says. "Additionally, I aspire to contribute to healthcare policy, mentor future laboratory professionals, and promote a culture of collaboration and continuous learning."
For now, she is breaking that vision into concrete next steps, with a laboratory quality management certificate and projects related to her Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt in Healthcare.
"I will approach the Lean Six Sigma projects by breaking them into manageable phases, collaborating closely with my mentors and project teams, and regularly tracking my progress to ensure timely completion," she says.
It is the same discipline she brings to the lab: clear timelines, steady feedback, and a refusal to wait for perfect conditions. Ultimately, the aim is making a positive difference.
"I want to make a lasting impact by helping to create a more effective, equitable, and innovative healthcare system."
When Erwin turns to advice for others, it starts by paying attention.
"One piece of advice I would give to someone looking to become a better leader is to actively listen and seek input from others," she says. "Great leaders don't just give directions. They create an environment where team members feel heard, valued, and empowered to contribute their ideas."
She sees openness as a strength rather than a liability, and humility as a way to earn trust.
"Don't be afraid to admit when you don't have all the answers," she says. "Being approachable, adaptable, and willing to learn from others will help you grow as a leader and inspire your team to do the same."
Erwin's work is a reminder that better patient care often begins far from the bedside, in the systems and science that support it. Meet Mariami Kochiashvili next, an aspiring surgeon whose Parkinson's research earned her Researcher of the Month honors.