Conley draws on lab experience for McKesson

Healthcare history.
Healthcare has been our business since McKesson was founded in 1833 —
more than 175 years of continuous service. While McKesson is
predominantly a pharmaceutical and medical/surgical supply company, we
have provided laboratory information systems (LIS) to hospitals since
the early 1980s. Now we process more than a billion results per year to
clinicians to assist them in diagnosing and monitoring care.

On the horizon.
Working in a company that touches every aspect of healthcare, I have
come to realize how important laboratory data is across the continuum of
care. Lab information comprises 70% to 80% of the medical record. With
the advent of American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, the ability to
exchange laboratory data will be paramount in the near future. Patient
care hinges on making data available to caregivers wherever they are
located, whether it be across the hall, across town, or across the
country. We offer a full range of information solutions for clinical and
anatomic pathology labs. Our main product is Horizon Lab, which is
installed in more than 200 facilities. We also offer a positive patient
identification and point-of-care solution for specimen collection as
well as outreach solutions, billing solutions, and specialized
applications for transfusion services and anatomic pathology. We have
recently submitted an application for 510(k) clearance for a
point-of-care transfusion-administration device.

LIS know-how.
I worked in the lab at the bench and managed our LIS, so when I visit
customers I understand their issues and needs. I have walked a mile in
their shoes. To make sure labs get the most out of their LIS, we provide
training as part of the implementation process. We also offer
distance-learning classes and webinars for our customers. McKesson
Vision Centers highlight all of the company's solutions. Our
Westminster, CO, location includes information about our laboratory
solutions. We will be utilizing this content in our Vision Centers in
San Francisco and Atlanta as well.

Community involvement.
Each year the McKesson Foundation contributes more than $5 million to
non-profit organizations working to improve the health of our
communities. But more importantly, McKesson is committed to inspiring
our 32,000 employees worldwide to invest in our communities and care for
our planet. Our annual Community Days initiative encourages our
employees to participate in volunteer projects throughout the world.

Personnel matters.
The lack of trained laboratory personnel is a problem all labs face. To
offset the need for personnel, we design our systems to enhance workflow
efficiencies so our customers can do more with less. Over the years,
McKesson has sponsored residents in informatics as well as other
programs that advance the science of laboratory medicine. Most recently,
we became a Gold Partner of the University of North Carolina at Chapel
Hill's new molecular diagnostic science master's degree program. In
addition, McKesson is a member of the newly formed Digital Pathology
Association, which is committed to supporting digital pathology
education initiatives, defining best practices, and influencing
standards and interfaces within the industry.