Since 2015, Gwenn Schwerdel has excelled as the lead certifying scientist and education coordinator for Truetox Laboratories, LLC, a toxicology laboratory that provides high-complexity testing services for substance use disorder and pain management clients. Today, she oversees all analysis and certification and tracks continuing education credits. Over the course of her tenure, she helped to design an education program for the laboratory and writes a quarterly newsletter on toxicology trends and issues, professional events, and new information about street drugs. When Ms. Schwerdel first joined Truetox, they were processing 15 samples a day. As a result of the company’s growth, they are currently processing roughly 1,000 samples a day.
Ms. Schwerdel spent the first 15 years of her career in public relations and marketing for the financial advisory services industry. At age 40, she decided it was time for a career change and returned to school, earning a Bachelor of Science in clinical laboratory science at Stony Brook University and certification from the American Society for Clinical Pathology. She began her health care journey as a clinical laboratory scientist at Enzo Clinical Labs from 2012 to 2015. Furthermore, Ms. Schwerdel continues to give back to her alma mater as a donor and the founder of the clinical laboratory science equipment fund at Stony Brook University, which has recognized her among its Outstanding Alumni.
Alongside her primary responsibilities, Ms. Schwerdel is a longtime member of the New York chapter of the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science. Initially serving as a student board member for the New York chapter, she went on to spend four years as a professional board member, six years as treasurer, and currently serves as the constituent society president. As she looks toward the future, she hopes to remain active with the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science, advocating for the industry and helping and mentoring others in the field. The society has notably presented Ms. Schwerdel with the Sara Marie Cicarelli Member of the Year award.
