A Formula for Success

•    How long have you been at Integra? What does your role at Integra entail?
I have been at Integra since 2010 with a one-year leave, so 13 years in total. I am on the post-market surveillance team in Global Quality and focus on coordinating and leading Health Hazard Evaluations (HHE) and recalls.

•    Can you tell us more about your career journey here at Integra?
I have a master’s in biomedical engineering from Rutgers University. I started my career at our Collagen Manufacturing Center (CMC) as a process and product development engineer until 2014. After my daughter was born, I left for one year to focus on my family and returned to Integra in 2015 as a senior validation engineer. I then became a quality engineer at the CMC. In 2019, one of my colleagues was pursuing another opportunity and told me about a new role on the post-market surveillance team. I became interested in the role and continuing to learn and grow.

•    What would you like people to know about you on a personal level?
I am a passionate individual who cares about doing the right thing. These values have been instilled in me by my hard-working parents. Being a good example for my two children is also the biggest motivator to always give it my best at whatever I do.

•    In your own words, why is World Quality Month important?
World Quality Month is important because it brings awareness to how important quality is at every stage of a product’s lifecycle to ensure that safe and effective products are delivered to our customers and patients.

•    World Quality Month is an opportunity to promote quality initiative awareness and celebrate the wins. Can you share your perspective on these things?
I think time should be taken to celebrate wins more often in general to prevent employee burnout and bolster morale and not necessarily tied to a specific month. But it is also nice to have this month where we can focus on promoting the importance of quality and celebrating our milestones when we achieve them.

•    What is the key to achieving quality success?
The key to achieving quality success is ‘always doing the right thing, even when no one is looking’ and to also practice if you ‘see something, say something,’ ask questions, and escalate when needed.

•    What is your approach to collaboration?
My current role requires a lot of collaboration. My approach is to set clear expectations based on our processes, give everyone a voice, and take time to listen. To create robust quality documentation, it takes a well-oiled, synchronized team where everyone feels respected and heard.

•    What is a moment in your career here at Integra that stands out?
For one of the in-house managed recalls this year, a lot of mailings were required. What stands out for me is many colleagues both within the post-market team and other functions outside of this team dropped what they were doing and aided in executing communication to our customers. At that moment, I felt so much team spirit which was a morale booster during a difficult time.

•    How have you approached your own professional development? And what advice do you have for others who want to develop their skills?
I have looked for mentors from whom I can learn. For example, if I was interested in a role, I have asked that person about it to learn more. To develop my skills, I have taken advantage of webinars and courses. I advise others to research courses/webinars/seminars that can help hone their skills and to work with their manager as well on brainstorming and developmental opportunities.

•    How have you dealt with failure and setbacks throughout your career?
As humans, not one of us is perfect. How I deal with mistakes or setbacks is
1) By admitting and recognizing when I make a mistake
2) Learning from them
3) Fixing them if possible
4) Using those lessons in similar situations that may arise in the future
5) Taking them as an opportunity to grow stronger
6) Using that knowledge and strength to march forward

•    What do you think is most positive about working at Integra?
The people. I am very grateful and lucky to work with amazing colleagues in my post-market surveillance team (my current manager, my previous managers, and all my post-market colleagues past and present). I also enjoy working with wonderful colleagues across our Integra sites and with those in various corporate roles.

•    As we celebrate our 35th anniversary, what makes Integra special?
Our unique products are what makes Integra so special. Hearing patient stories on how life-changing our products are is deeply rewarding. Being a part of the noble cause to change lives in an impactful way is an incredible feeling.