Behind every diagnosis, treatment plan, and medical decision is the work of a skilled laboratory team. At Whitehorse General Hospital, a dedicated team of approximately 40 lab professionals work to ensure tests are performed with accuracy and efficiency. From chemistry and hematology to transfusion medicine, microbiology, and molecular testing for RSV, flu, and COVID-19, their expertise supports patient care across the Yukon.
Leading the lab’s information systems and quality assurance across Whitehorse General Hospital, Dawson City Community Hospital, and Watson Lake Community Hospital is Sheri-Lynn Heighington. With years of experience in medical laboratories across Canada, Sheri-Lynn helps ensure that lab services in the Yukon remain on par with larger centres—while also adapting to the unique needs of the North.
“A diagnosis isn’t the result of one test – it’s a collaboration,” she says, highlighting how multiple tests, expert analysis, and communication with medical staff all come together to support patient care.
Let’s learn more about her role with Yukon Hospitals.
Could you introduce yourself and tell us about your role?
I’m the Laboratory Information Manager for Yukon Hospitals, overseeing lab operations at Whitehorse General Hospital, Dawson City Community Hospital, and Watson Lake Community Hospital.
My role ensures that laboratory testing across all three facilities meets laboratory quality standards, providing accurate and timely results that support patient care throughout the Yukon.
Could you tell us about the team here in Whitehorse?
There's approximately 40 people in our lab team. Half of them are medical laboratory technologists and half of them are medical laboratory assistants. The medical laboratory service is available 24/7/365, so it’s a department in continuous motion.
Together we run a host of tests for chemistry, hematology, and urinalysis. We conduct a small assortment of microbiology tests and molecular testing for RSV, flu and COVID testing. And we are very proud of our robust transfusion medicine program.
People are sometimes surprised that we can do all that in the Yukon!
Beyond that, we do send some lab samples to BC, where we work with laboratories in Vancouver, who complete some of the specialized tests not offered in the Yukon.
What do you think makes for a good day at work?
A good day at work is when we have a full complement of staff, patients are well cared for, and we meet all of our turnaround times!
We have a good team atmosphere!
How does the equipment here compare with what you might see in larger centres in Canada?
I think we're on par with larger centres in Canada. I've worked in labs on Vancouver Island, in Lethbridge, Alberta, and in Newfoundland, where I'm originally from, and the technology here is on par with any of the facilities I've worked in.
As is the case with all equipment and technology, it needs to be routinely upgraded and refreshed. As such, we're continually upgrading to ensure we can provide the best patient care possible I would say we're a leader in Canada’s North for our technology and our abilities.
What advice might you have for someone who's considering a career in Yukon health care?
As a medical laboratory technologist, you play a direct role in patient care. Eighty-five percent of diagnoses are based on lab tests. So, you're supporting the health care system that way.
And a diagnosis isn’t the result of one test – it’s a collaboration.
When you work in a place like Whitehorse you get to work in all fields. You don't just work in one specialized area. Here, you maintain your competency and can further your career through continuing education. As technology changes and scientific investigations evolve, so does our work! It's an environment where you are always learning.
When I started here in 2017, I had 15 years of experience but I had only worked at the bench level. And here there’s been more opportunity for professional development.
I would say this is an excellent place for professional development and continuous learning!