3 Questions with Cassie Hartgrave, MPH, MLS(ASCP)CM

Cassie Hartgrave, MPH, MLS(ASCP)^CM, Chair-Elect of ASCP’s Council of Laboratory Management & Administration and serves as Special Advisor to the ASCP Iowa Chapter. As Manager of Quality Assurance and Compliance in the Pathology Department at the University of Iowa Health Care, Ms. Hartgrave focuses on maintaining high standards and identifying opportunities to improve processes. She contributes to continuous advancements in quality and helps ensure patients always receive the highest level of care through her involvement in performance improvement initiatives. 

Here, Ms. Hartgrave reflects on her path into medical laboratory science, leadership lessons from a mentor, and her favorite lab test to perform. 

Can you share a specific experience or moment that solidified your decision to choose a career in the laboratory? 

During my first semester of college, I realized I wanted to change my major. I had initially started in pre-pharmacy but found myself wanting a stronger focus on biology. While reviewing the course catalog, I came across the Medical Laboratory Science program and immediately felt it was exactly what I had been looking for. The coursework aligned with my interests, so I scheduled a meeting with the program director to learn more about the field and potential career paths. After that conversation, I was confident this was the right choice for me—and I have never looked back. 

How have mentors or role models influenced your career choice?

My very first laboratory director was a significant mentor in shaping my career. She was an exceptional leader who showed me the importance of compassion in the workplace. She taught me that our team members are not just employees, but people with responsibilities, challenges, and lives outside of work. By leading with empathy and understanding, she created a supportive environment where individuals felt valued and respected. Her example has strongly influenced my own approach to leadership, reminding me to balance accountability with compassion and to always consider the human side of our work. 

What is your favorite test to perform and why?

My favorite test to perform is antibody identification in the Blood Bank. I enjoy it because it feels like solving a complex puzzle—analyzing patterns and clues to determine the specific antibodies present. What makes it especially rewarding is that the process doesn’t end with the identification; it also involves finding compatible blood for the patient, directly impacting their safety and care.

*This interview has been edited for clarity and length.