Smita Hiras Sudke
Regional Chief Of Lab (Pune & Rest Of Maharashtra)
Pune
Summary
Ambitious and results-driven healthcare leader with extensive experience in multi-location laboratory operations, quality management, and business growth. Proven track record in optimizing processes, enhancing Turnaround Time (TAT), implementing SOPs, and leading high-performing teams across diverse laboratory networks. Currently pursuing a Post Graduate Certificate in Healthcare Management from IIM Trichy to further strengthen strategic leadership and healthcare management expertise.
Overview
4
4
Languages
16
16
Certifications
24
24
years of professional experience
Work History
Regional Chief of Lab - Maharashtra
Metropolis Healthcare Ltd
10.2022 - Current
- Coordinated management of 29 laboratories across Maharashtra, excluding Mumbai, leading a team of 35 doctors, and 250 technical staff in reference satellite hospital-connected labs and wellness centers.
- Developing a postdoctoral fellowship and associated undergraduate programs at the Metropolis Institute of Laboratory Education and Skilling (MILES) as part of the Internal Medical Advisory Board (IMAB).
- Creating and upholding quality-centric standard operating procedures (SOPs) to advance laboratory practices across Metropolis Labs globally.
- Teaming up with business development teams to connect with clients via sustained medical education programs, and planned B2B meetings.
- Collaborating on cross-functional initiatives to enhance resource optimization, material planning, and operational efficiency across national labs.
- Orchestrated regional business unit collaboration, broadening networks, and elevating productivity to surpass revenue targets of 103% and 102% over two consecutive financial years.
- Attained the Metropolis Achiever Award in 2025, recognizing exceptional laboratory operations, strategic leadership, and team mentorship.
- Oversaw the establishment of quality control protocols, improving lab accuracy and ensuring compliance.
- Designed training initiatives for lab personnel, elevating operational efficiency and safety protocols.
- Optimized laboratory processes yield faster turnaround times and enhanced service reliability.
- Reviewed and examined laboratory performance metrics, enhancing continuous improvement initiatives.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to align lab practices with regulatory requirements and industry standards.
- Facilitated strategic planning sessions, identifying growth opportunities and resource allocation for lab services.
- Implemented new laboratory information management systems to improve data accuracy and accessibility.
- Mentored junior staff in laboratory best practices, fostering professional development and teamwork.
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance.
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness, and willingness to help wherever needed.
- Assisted with day-to-day operations, working efficiently and productively with all team members.
- Passionate about learning and committed to continual improvement.
- Worked flexible hours across night, weekend, and holiday shifts.
- Managed time efficiently in order to complete all tasks within deadlines.
- Organized and detail-oriented with a strong work ethic.
- Paid attention to detail while completing assignments.
- Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions, and make decisions.
- Strengthened communication skills through regular interactions with others.
- Adaptable and proficient in learning new concepts quickly and efficiently.
- Learned and adapted quickly to new technology and software applications.
- Proved successful working within tight deadlines and a fast-paced environment.
- Developed and maintained courteous and effective working relationships.
- Demonstrated strong organizational and time management skills while managing multiple projects.
- Led the implementation of quality control protocols, enhancing lab accuracy and compliance.
- Developed training programs for lab staff, improving operational efficiency and safety standards.
- Streamlined laboratory processes, resulting in reduced turnaround times and increased service reliability.
- Monitored and analyzed laboratory performance metrics, driving continuous improvement initiatives.
Lab Director and Zonal Technical Head
Apollo Diagnostics
08.2020 - 03.2022
- Managed technical operations at all Apollo Diagnostics laboratories in Telangana, including the Global Reference Laboratory in Hyderabad, securing adherence to NABL and CAP standards.
- Oversaw and supported a team of over 100 laboratory technicians, driving operational excellence and facilitating professional growth.
- Refined turnaround time (TAT) compliance from 40% to 95% by implementing workflow redesign, and continuous performance monitoring.
- Developed and applied SOPs for new diagnostic tests, upholding superior quality, and steady laboratory protocols.
- Identified and resolved errors, discrepancies, and adverse events, implementing corrective measures to strengthen quality assurance.
- Directed collaboration with hospitals and external laboratories, broadening operational capacity, and service coverage.
- Facilitated technical assistance for sales and marketing teams, promoting client engagement, and ensuring business sustainability.
- Served as a speaker for Apollo Diagnostics at numerous CMEs and national webinars focused on maternal and newborn screening.
- Facilitated the creation and implementation of a global reference laboratory in Hyderabad, coordinating with cross-functional teams to ensure a successful launch.
Chief of Laboratory
Neuberg Diagnostics Pvt Ltd
12.2018 - 07.2020
- Oversaw laboratory and collection center operations across Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, maintaining strict compliance with NABL standards and ISO 15189:2012 requirements.
- Managed and mentored a team of 30 laboratory technicians, promoting skill development and adherence to quality protocols.
- Established and implemented SOPs for technical and managerial requirements under ISO 15189, improving process efficiency and governance.
- Led the successful preparation for NABL accreditation for COVID-19 testing, ensuring full regulatory compliance.
- Validated test results, approved laboratory protocols, and ensured alignment with GMP, company SOPs, and health and safety policies.
- Optimized resource utilization, reducing inventory consumption from 90% to 40% through streamlined processes and improved inventory control.
- Enhanced turnaround time (TAT) to 70% by optimizing workflows, and proactively monitoring report release schedules.
- Led laboratory operations to ensure compliance with national regulations and quality standards.
- Implemented process improvements that enhanced laboratory efficiency and reduced turnaround times.
- Mentored and trained staff on best practices to maintain high standards in laboratory procedures.
- Developed and executed strategic initiatives to optimize resource allocation and workflow processes.
Head of Laboratory Medicine and Blood Bank
Yashoda Hospital
03.2018 - 11.2018
- Directed laboratory operations, enhancing efficiency and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.
- Oversaw blood bank management, improving safety protocols and optimizing donor screening processes.
- Implemented advanced diagnostic techniques, resulting in improved patient outcomes and faster turnaround times.
- Led cross-functional teams in laboratory initiatives, fostering collaboration to enhance service delivery.
- Evaluated emerging technologies to determine potential benefits for the lab''s operations and research projects.
- Established strong relationships with external partners for collaboration on research initiatives.
- Participated in continuing education opportunities to remain current on industry advancements and best practices.
Chief of Lab, Sub-Zonal Head and BDM (AP and TS)
Dr. Lal Path Labs
09.2010 - 03.2018
- Directed laboratory operations, ensuring compliance with industry standards and enhancing patient safety.
- Led cross-functional teams to optimize workflow processes, improving turnaround times for test results.
- Developed and implemented strategic initiatives that increased service offerings and expanded market reach.
- Mentored and trained staff on best practices, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and collaboration.
- Managed budgeting and resource allocation, aligning departmental goals with organizational objectives for efficiency.
- Analyzed market trends to identify growth opportunities, contributing to strategic planning and business development.
- Oversaw quality assurance programs, ensuring adherence to regulatory requirements and maintaining high operational standards.
- Developed customized solutions for clients based on a deep understanding of their unique pain points, delivering exceptional value and driving repeat business.
- Generated new business with marketing initiatives and strategic plans.
- Represented company and promoted products at conferences and industry events.
- Managed a diverse portfolio of accounts, consistently exceeding revenue targets through upselling strategies and exceptional customer service.
- Reached out to potential customers via telephone, email, and in-person inquiries.
- Established relationships with key decision-makers within customer's organization to promote growth and retention.
- Collaborated closely with marketing teams to develop targeted campaigns that generated high-quality leads for the sales pipeline.
Founder and Lab Director
Renu Pathology Lab
10.2003 - 05.2009
- Developed and implemented quality control processes, enhancing lab accuracy and compliance.
- Led team training initiatives, improving staff proficiency in laboratory procedures and safety protocols.
- Designed and executed strategic operational plans, optimizing workflow efficiency in laboratory practices.
- Established collaborative partnerships with healthcare providers, facilitating timely and accurate diagnostic results.
- Delivered exceptional customer service by addressing client concerns promptly and effectively resolving issues.
Assistant Professor & Medical Officer Grade A
Government Medical College & Hospital
08.2002 - 05.2009
- Facilitated multidisciplinary collaboration in clinical environments, refining processes, and advancing patient outcomes.
- Contributed to community health initiatives, enhancing preventive care and education within underserved populations.
Education
Post Graduate Certificate - Healthcare Management Program
Indian Institute of Management, Trichy
Trichy01-2025
MBA - Hospital & Healthcare
JARO Education By Ural Federal University
Russia 04.2001 -
M.D. - Pathology
B J Medical College
Pune, India 04.2001 -
MBBS - Medicine
Bharati Vidyapeeth's Medical College
Pune, India 04.2001 -
Skills
Laboratory workflow optimization
Efficiency management
SOP formulation and deployment
Client engagement strategies
Project execution and lab growth
Quality assurance
Regulatory compliance
Team leadership
Cross-functional collaboration
Turnaround Time (TAT) improvement
Accreditation preparation
Risk management
Accomplishments
- Collaborated with team of 6 in the CFT Project "MAXIMAT" for optimising material consumption across group .Received Best CFT award to team Maximat.
Affiliations
- IMA - Indian Medical Association
- IAPM - Indian Academy of Pathology and Microbiology
- ISHBT - Indian Society of Haematology and Blood Transfusion
- CAHO - Consortium of Accredited Healthcare Organization of India
Additional Information
Received " MaXiFY Customer Award" for Team Rest of Maharashtra for demonstrating exemplary collaboration, accountability & transformational Excellence in driving success in FY 25-26.
Certification
8th Edition of JCI Accreditation Standard for Hospitals – CAHO | May 2025
Painting
Warli & Mandala art
Timeline
Regional Chief of Lab - Maharashtra
Metropolis Healthcare Ltd
10.2022 - Current
Lab Director and Zonal Technical Head
Apollo Diagnostics
08.2020 - 03.2022
Chief of Laboratory
Neuberg Diagnostics Pvt Ltd
12.2018 - 07.2020
Head of Laboratory Medicine and Blood Bank
Yashoda Hospital
03.2018 - 11.2018
Chief of Lab, Sub-Zonal Head and BDM (AP and TS)
Dr. Lal Path Labs
09.2010 - 03.2018
Founder and Lab Director
Renu Pathology Lab
10.2003 - 05.2009
Assistant Professor & Medical Officer Grade A
Government Medical College & Hospital
08.2002 - 05.2009
MBA - Hospital & Healthcare
JARO Education By Ural Federal University
04.2001 -
M.D. - Pathology
B J Medical College
04.2001 -
MBBS - Medicine
Bharati Vidyapeeth's Medical College
04.2001 -
Post Graduate Certificate - Healthcare Management Program
Indian Institute of Management, Trichy