My name is Maria Sanz Rodriguez, and I am a marketing manager at Radiometer. My career path is not the traditional one you might imagine. I started my career as a chemistry scientist, working in academic research. Along the way, I developed new skills and perspectives that eventually led me to a career in marketing and sales within the diagnostics industry.
At the beginning of my career, I never expected to work in a global diagnostic technology company. Today, I’ve discovered that careers in healthcare and life sciences can take many forms—and that growth often happens when you’re willing to step beyond the lab.
From lab coats to marketing
As a scientist, I was always interested in the clinical aspects of chemistry. That curiosity led me to specialize in laboratory medicine. In Spain, a science‑based education allows you to choose one of four laboratory specialties. I chose clinical laboratory biochemistry.
After completing my specialization, I began working at a hospital, where I had my first exposure to diagnostic analyzers and the real‑world impact of laboratory medicine. When I finished my hospital training, Radiometer approached me about joining the Iberian team. That moment set the direction for the next stage of my career.
Years later, I am a marketing manager at Radiometer, a global diagnostics organization that develops solutions used by healthcare professionals worldwide. I love my role because it allows me to focus on growth and development—not only for the business, but for people and myself.
Specializing in laboratory medicine opened unexpected doors
Did I plan on moving from chemistry research into marketing? Definitely not. But I learned that scientific training builds skills that extend far beyond the lab: critical thinking, problem‑solving, curiosity, and discipline. Those same skills now help me connect clinical needs with business strategy in diagnostic technology.
Through Radiometer and Danaher, I’ve found opportunities for personal growth, exposure to high‑quality products, and a strong sense of community within a global team. I work closely with colleagues from many countries, and I feel proud knowing that the products we bring to market truly make a difference in patient care.
The power of seizing opportunities
Over time, I realized that a role at Radiometer is never just a one‑time proposition. You are encouraged to think long‑term about your development. You receive a development plan, work closely with your manager, and actively shape your own career direction.
Because Radiometer is part of Danaher, you also become part of a broader global community. That network extends both inside and outside the business, creating opportunities to learn from people with different experiences, backgrounds, and perspectives.
Learning to support others as a leader
Improvement is what motivates me. And not only business improvement—people development matters just as much to me.
I regularly ask myself questions like:
- How can I better support my team?
- Where can I share knowledge or remove obstacles?
- Who might benefit from an extra one‑to‑one conversation right now?
For me, leadership is about being present, curious, and willing to help others grow. That mindset has shaped how I approach my work and my relationships across the organization.
Anyone can change their career path, but my journey was possible because I learned to recognize opportunities and act on them. Learning how to see and seize opportunities is a skill—and it is one that anyone can develop over time.
You cannot wait for the perfect role to simply appear. It’s important to raise your hand, speak up when you’re ready for a new challenge, and keep learning. From time to time, I ask myself a simple question: What do I want my future career to look like?
Continuous improvement: applying business principles in life
At Radiometer and across Danaher, we talk a lot about continuous improvement. The Danaher Business System (DBS) is the foundation for how we work, think, and improve every day.
When I was first introduced to DBS, I thought it was only about metrics and numbers. Over time, I came to understand the deeper value behind it—why we think strategically, why we invest in problem‑solving tools, and why learning new processes matters so much.
DBS has helped me grow professionally, but it has also changed how I approach challenges in everyday life.
Believe it or not, I even apply continuous improvement principles at home with my kids. When their grades were slipping, we held a “meeting.” We used visual management and simple problem‑solving tools to identify the issues and create a step‑by‑step plan to improve. It worked—and it showed me how broadly applicable these tools can be.
Continuous improvement isn’t just a business philosophy. It’s a way of thinking that helps you grow, ask better questions, and move forward with intention—whether at work or in life.
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Frequently asked questions about careers in diagnostics and healthcare
Yes, scientists can build successful careers in diagnostics beyond the lab by applying their technical knowledge in marketing, sales, product management, and leadership roles.
Skills such as communication, business curiosity, customer focus, and a commitment to continuous learning help scientists transition into healthcare marketing or sales roles.
No, careers in diagnostic technology are not limited to technical specialists and include opportunities in commercial, marketing, people leadership and global business roles.
Continuous improvement in healthcare organizations is a mindset and set of tools focused on improving processes, outcomes, and people development over time.
The Danaher Business System supports career growth by encouraging problem‑solving, leadership development, and continuous improvement across functions and career stages.
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