NAACLS is very pleased to introduce its new Board of Directors’ President, Peter Hu, PhD, MS, MLS(ASCP)^CM, CG^CM, MB^CM. Dr. Hu has been involved with NAACLS since 2004 and has served NAACLS in many capacities. We are pleased to feature a Q&A with our new Board of Directors’ President:

Please provide a brief synopsis of your professional background:

I am currently Dean Ad Interim in the School of Health Professions (SHP) at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX.  I am also a Professor and the founding Director of the Molecular Genetic Technology and the Graduate Diagnostic Genetics Programs at MD Anderson.

I received my Bachelor’s degree from Purdue University in 1990 with a major in Psychology. I later received my Master’s degree from Lamar University majoring in Microbiology and subsequently a Doctor of Philosophy from Trident University International in Healthcare Administration and Molecular Genetics.  I hold three specialty clinical certifications in Molecular Biology, Cytogenetics and Clinical Laboratory Science through the American Society for Clinical Pathology. I joined MD Anderson Cancer Center (MDACC) in1995 and have worked in both clinical and academic environments.

I have taught over 35 courses within the SHP and have served or am currently serving as Chair or as member on 45 institutional committees. I have published over 195 abstracts, 47 papers, four book chapters and edited a textbook. For my efforts, I have received 35 recognitions and awards including the Association for Genetic Technologist Outstanding Lifetime Achievement Award in 2011, the University of Texas Systems Outstanding Teaching Faculty award in 2012 and CardinalHealth UrEssential Laboratorian of the Year Award in 2016 and was inducted into the University of Texas Kenneth I. Shine Academy of Health Science Education in 2018.

Professionally, I have served as President, Board of Directors, and other key leadership positions for various professional societies including Association of Clinical Scientists, National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences, Association for Genetic Technologists, and American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science.  In addition, I have served as a clinical laboratory science programs inspector for the past 19 years and have inspected clinical laboratory science programs throughout the country and abroad. I am internationally recognized for my prior work in Cuba, China, Qatar, and my recent efforts in Africa through MD Anderson’s Global Academic Programs. I regularly present at state, national and international conferences on topics ranging from clinical laboratory sciences and education.

Please tell us about your current professional position, title, what you do, how long you have worked in this position:

Currently, I am one of the Co-Deans interim for the School of Health Professions overseeing 12 programs and 392 students. I am also the program director for molecular genetic technology and the graduate program in diagnostic genetics. I have been the director since 2004 but only a little over a year as Dean. 

How long have you served on the NAACLS Board? What positions have you held at NAACLS?

I have been involved with NAACLS since 2004. Please see below:

Member, Diagnostic Molecular Science Task Force, 2004-05

Co-Chair, New Program Approval for Cytogenetics, 2008-09

Co-Chair, RCAP, Cytogenetics Educator, 2008-09

Member, Program Director Criteria Task Force, 2009

Member, Volunteer Mentor Task Force, 2009

Member, On-line Tutoring Task Force, 2012-Present

Site Visits, 43 programs

Board of Directors, 2012-Present

Member, By-Laws, 2012-2017

Member, Accreditation Paradigms Task Force, 2012-Present

Member, QA Review, 2012-2017

Member, Site Visit Committee, 2013-2015

Chair, Site Visit Review Committee, 2015-Present

Member, NAACLS Global Task Force, 2015-Present

Treasurer, Executive Board Committee, 2016-2017

Vice President, Executive Board Committee, 2017-2018

Chair, Lifetime Achievement Award Committee, 2018-Present

President Elect, Executive Board Committee, 2018-2019

President, Executive Board Committee, 2019-2021

What goals do you have as the Board of Directors’ President?

1. Making sure NAACLS remains as the premier accrediting body for clinical laboratory science programs
2. Improve customer service
3. Explore new programs
4. Expand NAACLS internationally
5. Continuation of moving forward with technology in accreditation

Please tell us about your family.

Incredible wife Cynthia going on 30 years. Two sons Alexander and Justin.

What do you like to do for recreation or fun?

Watching Sci Fi movies.  Gives me a glimpse of what will be coming.

How would you complete the following sentence: “The thing most people would find interesting about me is …?”

I am always thinking outside of the box.  To me, the word “impossible” means I’m possible.