Under the Lens: The Sports Medicine Research and Testing Laboratory

What is your company doing that is absolutely unique?

We are one of only two labs in the U.S. and thirty-seven labs worldwide that are accredited to perform testing on athletes for performance enhancing drugs. We are the lab that performs testing for professional athletic associations such as the NFL, NBA and MLB, as well as amateur athletic associations such as the NCAA and USADA.

What is most interesting about your company's internal culture?

As to our internal culture, we have mission and vision statements as well as value statements that we ask all employees to adhere to. The difference with us is that we strongly promote a team environment and we want all employees to work together to achieve the company's goals. Since we are small (25 employees to date) we rely on cross-training all employees so that as many people as possible can help wherever it is needed. An example is that even though I am one of the lab's directors I still help with washing laboratory dishes and can receive and prep samples. An administrative assistant is trained to help with the receipt of samples. Not only is this cross-training essential in a small business, but it also helps promote the team environment. No one is too good to perform any job that needs to be done.

How long have you been in business, and why did you establish your business in Utah?

The lab was formed in 2003 as part of the University of Utah's College of Pharmacy. We went private, non-profit July 1st 2008. The lab was brought about through the sponsorship of the NFL and the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA). At the time there was only one lab in the U.S. located at UCLA and it was felt that there was a need for a second lab. The lab was formed at the University of Utah because of the strong experience present at the Center for Human Toxicology.

How is your company affecting change?

Through the testing that is performed at our laboratory we are part of the effort to keep sports "clean" and keep the playing field level. The other aspect to our testing that frequently gets lost in the talk about performance enhancing drugs is that it is harmful to the athlete. So not only are we trying to keep sports clean, we are also trying to prevent athletes from doing harm to themselves.

What are the aspects of UTC that are most valuable to you?

As a small business organizations like the UTC provides us with vital knowledge and insights necessary to keep the business going. We also receive discounts on supplies that are offered to members which helps to keep our costs down. The UTC provides an environment where we can connect with other business owners in the community, and the seminars provide insight into the economic environment and how best to respond.

Global Administrator | 12/15/2009 2:31:29 PM | 0 Comments