Ovation Star- Meet Allison Johns, Andrology Lab Supervisor, Ovation Washington DC
Allison Johns, Andrology Lab Supervisor Allison Johns, the andrology lab supervisor for Ovation® Fertility Washington DC, is the perfect example of an employee who wears a lot of hats.
Allison Johns, Andrology Lab Supervisor
According to the Laboratory Director Dr. Sammi Sun, “Allison is more than just our andrology lab supervisor. She is our supply manager and has managed to cut costs, making DC the location with the lowest supply cost/case. Allison is also our CAP inspection coordinator and training to do entry-level embryologist work.”
This month’s Ovation Star profile is focusing on this superstar to shine a spotlight on her work and why she loves her job.
How Did You Get Into Your Line of Work?
I earned my Bachelor of Science in biology from William & Mary and started working for the Ovation DC lab right out of undergrad. In college, I was fascinated by genetics and embryology, so working in a lab just made sense.
When I interviewed for this position, I knew it was the right fit for several reasons. First, I learned the andrology lab’s immuno-analyzer machine at the time used the same reaction that I focused on for my senior capstone project. Second, I knew from my initial phone interview that I wanted to work for Dr. Sun. He’s the reason I accepted this job. He’s such a kind and genuine person, and he really cares about both his team and the patients.
What Is an Average Day of Work Like for You?
I’m doing something new every day, and that’s the fun of my job. Dr. Sun trusts me to take on different duties and tasks, so I recently started training in embryology. I’m also training our newest andrologist.
In addition to these new tasks, an average day in the andrology lab consists of preparing sperm samples for insemination procedures, performing semen analysis and freezing sperm. I also handle supply ordering and package receipt using Hybrent.
Right now, we’re also getting ready for our CAP inspection with help from Cassie. On top of that, we’ve been partnering with Tex to switch to WHO6 for semen analysis. It’s a lot of work, but it’s going to improve things for our patients as well as our andrologists and embryologists.
What’s Your Favorite Part of Working for Ovation?
Ovation is such an organized company that’s on the leading edge of assisted reproductive technology. From introducing Matcher to implementing the Artisan EMR, they’re helping our lab make changes to make life easier and better in the long run. I’m so grateful to have people like Cassie, Dana and Tex helping us with these changes because we couldn’t do it without them!
What Do You Like About Working in Fertility Care?
I feel like everyone has the same answer to this question: It’s all about helping people get pregnant in a healthy way. It’s incredible to learn that someone you helped is expecting a baby. There’s no feeling like it.
I also love that I get to keep learning new things in the field while helping others do the same. We all help each other succeed so that we can help patients become parents.
What Do You Like To Do for Fun?
My biggest passion is sewing. I enjoy making my own clothes and costumes. I’m also engaged. We’re planning to get married at the end of 2023, so I’m going to sew my own wedding dress. It’s a big project, but I’m excited about it.
When I’m not working, sewing or wedding planning, I also enjoy socializing with friends, playing games and doing karaoke.