“Stephen brings a steady, solutions-focused leadership style to our lab every day,” said Mass Cham, PMP, FACHE, lab director, Texas Health Rockwall. “He leads with calm clarity, even in high pressure moments, and consistently prioritizes both operational excellence and team support. His approach strengthens our workflows, supports our staff and directly enhances the quality and reliability of care we provide to our patients.”

Read more about what inspired Jaboneta’s career in healthcare and what keeps him motivated, in his own words:

What did you want to be as a kid, and how did you ultimately choose healthcare?

I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do at first. I even considered joining the Navy. Eventually, I started down the path of becoming a physical therapist, but it never felt fulfilling to me. One day, my aunt mentioned medical technology — something I had never heard of — and I figured it couldn’t hurt to explore another direction in the medical field.

At first, I worried I had chosen the wrong path again. But once I got into the lab and began my clinicals, something clicked. I remember thinking, “OK, I can do this.” That’s when I realized I had finally found the right fit.

What’s your favorite part of your job, and what is the biggest challenge?

I began my career as a generalist, running tests and working the bench, before stepping into leadership. I miss some of the hands-on technical work, but I’ve found new purpose in supporting others. I really enjoy helping the team. Now my focus is making sure operations run smoothly and everyone has what they need to succeed.

As far as the biggest challenge: balancing day-to-day problem solving. You’re answering questions, coordinating with other departments and removing barriers all day, but that’s how you keep everything moving.

Has your department found ways to improve efficiency or care?

I’ve been excited about workflow improvements tied to Beaker, Epic’s clinical laboratory application in CareConnect One, which helps streamline processes between nursing and the lab. It makes ordering and specimen tracking more efficient. Anything that reduces delays and helps us verify results faster ultimately benefits patients.

What’s your favorite work-related hack?

Consistency is key. My daily routine starts with checking emails and working through my queues first thing in the morning. Staying on top of it every day saves hours down the line.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I like to keep things simple. I’m kind of a homebody and like being at home with my family and my grandbaby. My wife has gotten me into gardening, growing vegetables and fruit trees in our backyard. It’s relaxing. We plant carrots, potatoes, roses — a little bit of everything. It’s my way to unwind.