Tucson, AZ, May 6, 2008 – Sunquest Information Systems, Inc., a market leader in laboratory information systems, today announced that Russell W. Duke, Ph.D. has joined the company as an Executive Consultant, a role that will enable him to contribute towards developing and driving the company’s Lean Lab and Outreach strategies. Dr. Duke is a distinguished industry executive and leader with 30 years experience in successful outreach business operations and growth.  Duke most recently served as the CEO of TriCore Reference Laboratories, a leading medical laboratory provider of healthcare information based in Albuquerque New Mexico, serving New Mexico and three surrounding states plus Nevada.

On May 12, 2008 in Miami, Florida, prior to the Executive War College Conference, Sunquest is sponsoring a special industry event where Dr. Duke and Sunquest’s executive and technology team will discuss growth, efficiency, and outreach strategies for laboratories in a presentation titled, “Beyond the Data: Cultural Changes in LEAN Team Results.”  To register for this event, RSVP by email to: SunquestEvents@sunquestinfo.com.

“The new Sunquest is actively redefining the role and extending the influence of hospital laboratories with regards to improving patient safety, providing outreach services to the community, and creating the infrastructure and clinical components of evidence-based medicine and improved test utilization,” said Russell W. Duke, Ph.D.  “I’m looking forward to working with Sunquest to help develop strategies and solutions based on the most advanced technologies, and also employing LEAN analysis principles to maximize workflow efficiency.”

“Sunquest has known and worked closely with Russ Duke for many years and regard him as one of the industry’s true leaders in improving the efficiency and effectiveness of laboratory operations at both hospitals and commercial outreach laboratories,” said Richard Atkin, president and CEO of Sunquest Information Systems, Inc.  “We are especially excited to have him join our team in the role of an executive consultant, where we will leverage his experience and vision in helping shape our company’s future strategies, product development, and service offerings.”

During Duke’s tenure at TriCore beginning in January 2002, the organization maintained steady revenue growth of 15% per year from $45 million in 2001 to over $100 million in its last fiscal year.  The organization encompassed 1,100 employees, nine hospital laboratory management sites, seven branch laboratories, and 20 patient service centers, with sustained income and profitability.  Dr. Duke successfully developed and introduced Quality Improvement programs of Lean Thinking and Six Sigma for TriCore.

Prior to TriCore, Duke held senior executive positions with increasing responsibility for over 30 years at organizations specializing in laboratory services including: Kronos Science Laboratory, Sonora Quest Laboratories, American Laboratory Management Company, and National Health. He participates in numerous societies and fellowships worldwide, published over 30 scientific articles in research journals, and presented at numerous industry conferences.

About Sunquest Information Systems, Inc.
Sunquest Information Systems, Inc., is a global market leader in clinical data management solutions with more than 1,200 hospitals and commercial laboratories using its products worldwide.  The company is dedicated to providing best-of-breed solutions that enable quality patient care, clinical safety, and operational efficiencies.   Its experienced sales and technical service teams deliver 24x7 assistance to customers for their procurement, implementation, and customer care needs.  The Sunquest Laboratory™ system achieved "Best in KLAS" in the Laboratory Segment for 2007, which was its fourth consecutive year, (KLAS Enterprises, LLC, www.healthcomputing.com.)