QuidelOrtho Science BYTES Podcast

Our 54th episode of QuidelOrtho Science Bytes features Jonathan Siegrist, PhD, Executive Vice President of Research & Development and Chief Technology Officer, exploring the breakthroughs shaping diagnostics in 2025. From high-sensitivity troponin testing for faster cardiac care to non-invasive assays improving gastrointestinal health, rapid combo tests for respiratory surges and advances in molecular diagnostics, informatics and AI – these innovations are transforming workflows, guiding timely decisions and redefining patient care across the continuum. Dr. Siegrist shares how cutting-edge research and next-generation platforms are driving smarter diagnostics – delivering fast, reliable insights that empower clinicians and improve outcomes worldwide.   About Our Speaker:  Jonathan Siegrist, PhD Executive Vice President of Research & Development & Chief Technology Officer at QuidelOrtho Jonathan is responsible for the company’s global R&D strategy, driving innovation and advancing next-generation diagnostic solutions. He brings over 15 years of leadership experience in the biotechnology and diagnostics industries, with a focus on molecular diagnostics, microfluidic platforms and biomedical engineering. Before joining QuidelOrtho, Jonathan served as Chief Technology Officer and head of assay research and development at Cepheid. Throughout his career, he has been recognized for his ability to lead complex, multidisciplinary teams while fostering a culture of creativity and innovation. Jonathan holds a PhD and Master of Science in biomedical engineering from the University of California, Irvine, and a Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering from the University of California, Los Angeles.

Our 53rd episode of QuidelOrtho Science Bytes features Dr. Qian Ding, MD, PhD, exploring why early detection of diabetes is a clinical and economic imperative. From identifying silent disease progression to leveraging smarter lab platforms, early testing empowers clinicians to intervene sooner, personalize care and help prevent costly complications. Dr. Ding shares how diagnostics and emerging biomarkers are helping reshape diabetes care – delivering fast, reliable insights that support proactive treatment and healthier outcomes.   About Our Speaker:  Dr. Qian Ding, MD, PhD Dr. Ding brings extensive experience in hospital laboratory and in vitro diagnostics with a strong command of healthcare information systems and data analytics. With a comprehensive background in microbiology, immunology, molecular genetics and healthcare business intelligence, Dr. Ding is also an accomplished researcher with an established record of publications in reputable peer-reviewed scientific journals. She's also recognized as a leader at the intersection of science, technology and healthcare.

Our 52nd episode of QuidelOrtho Science Bytes features George Wierschem, Senior Global Product Manager – informatics, discussing how informatics is transforming clinical labs. From streamlining workflows to strengthening cybersecurity, informatics helps labs turn data into decisions – faster, smarter and more securely. George shares how modern platforms improve lab efficiency, ensure data integrity and support better patient outcomes through centralized access, automation and accountability.   About Our Speaker:  George Wierschem Senior Global Product Manager for informatics at QuidelOrtho   George is a trained medical technologist with more than 30 years of laboratory experience. Over the first half of his career, George worked in a number of community-based hospitals progressing from bench technologist into leadership positions. In 2010, George entered the in vitro diagnostics industry, where he's been able to leverage his strong laboratory experience in consulting, product development and product management roles. Currently, George is helping to support legacy QuidelOrtho informatics platforms while also developing several innovative next-generation solutions. George holds an MBA with a healthcare administration specialization and is certified in Lean Six Sigma and change management. 

This episode features Dr. Terry O’Neil, President and Medical Director of Urgent Care Pros, discussing why testing is essential when symptoms overlap during respiratory season. With conditions like strep, flu, RSV and COVID-19 often appearing similar at the outset, timely diagnostics provide clarity for both treatment and prevention. Dr. O’Neil shares how rapid testing empowers urgent care providers to give patients clear answers, start appropriate treatment quickly, and reduce the risk of spreading illness to vulnerable family members and communities.     About Our Speaker:  Dr. O’Neil is a board-certified ER doctor and the president and medical director of Urgent Care Pros, a group of walk-in clinics providing fast and easy access to quality care. He has over 20 years of emergency room experience and a deep commitment to caring for patients. A graduate of Columbia University, Dr. O’Neil recognized the need for fast, efficient and specialized care in both urgent care and occupational health settings, which led him to establish Urgent Care Pros in January 2020. His approach reflects the mission of Urgent Care Pros, that is to provide unparalleled customer service and specialized health support in an affordable manner, ensuring patients receive the care they need when they need it most. Beyond his clinical work, Dr. O’Neil enjoys traveling, skiing and staying active through fitness, bringing the same energy and commitment to his personal life as he does to caring for his patients.

Our 50th episode of QuidelOrtho Science Bytes features Dr. Jonathan Temte, a leading public health expert, discussing how schools, families, and healthcare providers can stay ahead of respiratory illnesses this school year. As students return to classrooms, familiar viruses like flu, RSV, and COVID-19 often resurge. Dr. Temte explains why symptoms alone can’t reliably distinguish between these illnesses and how rapid diagnostics are essential for early detection, accurate treatment, and preventing further spread.    About Our Speaker:  Dr. Temte joined the Department of Family Medicine and Community Health faculty at the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1993. He is a professor of family medicine and community health and the Associate Dean for Public Health and Community Engagement for the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health. Dr. Temte received his BA from Luther College, an MS in Biological Oceanography from Oregon State University, and his PhD in Zoology and Minor in Epidemiology from the University of Wisconsin. He pursued his medical training at the University of Wisconsin Medical School, where he received his MD. Dr. Temte also served as the Director of the Wisconsin Research and Education Network from 2000 to 2005. He chaired the American Academy of Family Physicians Commission on Science in 2008, the AAFP, and he currently chairs the Wisconsin Council on Immunization Practices. He also served as AAFP liaison to the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices from 2004 to 2008, where he was appointed a voting member from 2008 to 2015 and served as chair from 2012 to 2015. Dr. Temte has also been active on pandemic influenza and bioterrorism working groups for the state of Wisconsin. In addition to his outstanding credentials, Dr. Temte's research interests include respiratory viruses, influenza, COVID-19, schools, and immunization policy.