Nezar Elsheikh, PhD, MS, H(ASCP)MB, CHT(ACHI)

Experience

• 

  BioReliance

  Jul 2007 - Oct 2010

  Associate Scientist III - Molecular Biology
• 

  King Fahad Medical City

  Nov 2010 - Jun 2022

  Senior Specialist/Post-Doctoral: Histocompatibility & Immunogenetics

  King Fahd Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, 01/2019 – 06/2022Post-Doctoral | Senior SpecialistPromoted to Senior Specialist, Post-Doctoral. Focused on critical HLA and immunogenetics testing to support bone marrow transplantation and disease association studies. Safeguarded quality of laboratory operations through rigorous quality control measures and proficiency testing. Optimized patient care and treatment planning through HLA typing and engraftment monitoring expertise. Contributed to clinical research on autoimmune diseases and played an integral role in training junior staff and residents. Led multiple projects, aligning laboratory practices with international accreditation standards. Participated in clinical meetings to discuss complex cases.Results:Led quality control measures that significantly reduced testing errors and enhanced lab performance.Drove improvements in histocompatibility testing, directly impacting transplant success rates.Oversaw training programs for junior staff, contributing to their advancement and skill development.King Fahd Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia 11/2010 – 06/2012Senior Medical Laboratory SpecialistPioneered the implementation of advanced immunogenetic assays and methodologies. Updated laboratory techniques and quality programs, complying with local and international standards. Played a crucial role conducting research on autoimmune diseases and genetic susceptibilities, particularly in Type 1 diabetes and celiac disease. Led development and validation of new testing protocols and supervised Junior Staff in various lab processes, from nucleic acid extraction to PCR assays. Results:Led the development and implementation of cutting-edge immunogenetic testing, enhancing diagnostic accuracy and supporting patient care.Led our team to achieve CAP accreditation for our laboratory. Show less

• 

  UCLA IMMUNOGENETICS CENTER

  Jul 2022 - Aug 2024

  Clinical Fellow

  Served as a director trainee in an ACHI-accredited program, receiving comprehensive training in histocompatibility and immunogenetics testing. Participate in management of day-to-day laboratory operations, under mentorship of qualified Directors. Pre-review HLA typing, engraftment, antibody testing, and crossmatching reports. Participate in case presentations, drafting clinical consultations, and technical call services. Played an active role in protocol execution, quality pre-reviews, and drafting post-transplantation recommendations. Developed leadership skills by collaborating with senior staff and contributing to case presentations and educational activities. Ensured compliance with CLIA, CAP, UNOS, and ASHI standards, optimized lab procedures, and enhanced accuracy of diagnostic testing.Results: Played a key role in improving Histocompatibility testing quality and TAT.Facilitate patient’s optimization and reduce wait times for transplant.Actively contributed to compliance audits, ensuring high-level adherence to regulatory standards. Show less

• 

  David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA

  Jul 2024 - now

  Health Sciences Clinical Instructor

  Serve as a Health Sciences Clinical Instructor in the Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, division of IMMUNOGENETICS, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. Provide technical oversight for immunogenetics and histocompatibility testing. Ensure compliance with regulations while reviewing and signing out test results. Involved in updating the clinical pathways, test development, validation, and implementation. Contribute to training fellows, sharing responsibility for on-call duties. Monitor compliance with institution’s Quality Control Plan and facilitate operational excellence in clinical service delivery.Results:Review and sign out HLA typing, engraftment, antibody testing, and crossmatching reports.Present, discuss cases, and provide recommendations in clinical meetings Share responsibilities in clinical consultations and on-call services.Improving testing efficiency and TAT.Enhanced training programs for fellows, resulting in improved lab competency.Successfully ensured full compliance with regulatory standards, elevating laboratory performance. Show less