About Us
Our Management
Mr Lucas Semmler
Executive Director
With a career within SA Pathology spanning 22 years, Lucas brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the role of Executive Director. Lucas graduated from the University of South Australia with a Bachelor of Applied Science in Medical Laboratory Science in 1999. He began his career as a Medical Scientist in Whyalla and has managed multi-discipline teams within the SA Pathology regional network. He has been the Directorate Manager of both Automated Laboratories and Regional Services, and the Business Lead for the EPLIS Optimisation Project.
As the Director of SA Pathology Reform Lucas led the refinement of the organisation’s business delivery model to deliver significant savings, and established a future pathway for public pathology in South Australia through the participation and leadership in the development of the 2020-2023 SA Pathology Strategic Plan.
Most recently, Lucas was the Director of Pathology Operations in which he formed part of the SA Pathology Executive Team to drive further organisational structural reform and continue to deliver on initiatives through established annual business planning cycles.
He is a Councillor for Public Pathology Australia and a National Association Testing Authorities (NATA) Technical Assessor.
Rachael McKinnon
Director of Pathology Operations
As the Director of Pathology Operations, Rachael is responsible for the strategic, technical and operational leadership of SA Pathology’s contemporary pathology service. She is responsible for driving best practice and continuous improvement throughout the organisation. Rachael has a strong leadership background and a commitment to promoting teamwork and collaboration to deliver exceptional customer service and scientific excellence.
Rachael has a strong background in microbiology, with a speciality in antimicrobials. She previously held the position of Laboratory Operations Manager, providing direction and oversight of laboratory operations across the organisation. Prior to this, Rachael was the Acting Directorate Service Manager Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, and the Bacteriology Laboratory Manager. During her time as Bacteriology Laboratory Manager, she was instrumental in the implementation of the Kiestra track at the RAH which has revolutionised ways of working in Bacteriology.
Rachael completed her studies with the University of South Australia, gaining a Bachelor of Applied Science in Medical Laboratory Science in 1993 and Masters in Bachelor of Applied Science in Medical Laboratory Science in 2002. Rachael began her 29-year career at SA Pathology as a Technical Officer in the Genetics Department of The Queen Elizabeth Hospital and has subsequently worked in SA Pathology’s Serology, Virology, Infectious Diseases and Microbiology laboratories.
Rachael is a passionate Port Supporter and, in her downtime, enjoys 4wd and caravanning.
Sharon Bain
Laboratory Operations Manager
Sharon brings a strong background in genetic testing and senior laboratory management to the Laboratory Operations Manager role. She is adept in strategic planning, project implementation and monitoring, procurement, logistics and inventory management. Sharon is recognised for excellent knowledge of quality systems management and has a solid record in change management, workflow optimisation, relationship management and the delivery of high-quality pathology services.
Most recently, Sharon was the Directorate Manager of Genetics and Molecular Pathology SA Pathology, and was instrumental in the introduction of new technology and equipment to provide state of the art genetic testing services in SA Pathology. She was part of the laboratory team who were first in Australia to receive accreditation for whole exome sequencing. SA Pathology has effectively applied whole-exome sequencing to severe paediatric cases including multiple congenital abnormalities, complex neurological and metabolic disorders, developmental delay and intellectual disability for improved patient management.
Sharon began her career in Cytogenetics following completion of a Medical Technicians Science Certificate with the South Australian Institute of Technology in 1984. She subsequently completed a Bachelor of Science with the University of Adelaide in 1994 and a Master of Commerce with the University of Adelaide in 2010. Sharon is a Fellow of the Human Genetics Society of Australasia and a member of the Australasian Society of Diagnostic Genomics and the Royal College of Pathologists.
Sharon spends her downtime enjoying walking, reading, cooking and volunteering at Fred’s Van.
Mr Paul Panigiris
Chief Scientist
Paul Panigiris graduated with a Bachelor of Applied Science in Medical Laboratory Science from Charles Sturt University and a Graduate Diploma in Management from Deakin University. He began his career in Sydney as a Junior Medical Laboratory Technician in 1977 and in 1983 moved to Adelaide where he was employed as a Technical Officer at Lyell McEwin Hospital for the IMVS.
Paul has over 30 years’ experience working in many areas of diagnostic pathology. Paul has also acted as a relieving scientist across a number of SA Pathology laboratories. Over the past 15 years, he has managed large pathology laboratories throughout the metropolitan area. Paul was the Directorate Manager of Surgical Pathology from 2008 to 2013 and is currently the Chief Scientist for SA Pathology.
He was a committee member and treasurer of the SA Branch of the Australian Institute of Medical Scientists (AIMS) for over 15 years, possessing a keen interest in continuing education for medical scientists.
Mr Craig Martin
Director Business Development and Strategy
Craig is a highly experienced business development executive, coming to SA Pathology from the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) with a focus on support and service delivery.
His role at the College was to oversee the College’s 39,000 GP members as they manage the health and wellbeing of more than two million Australians per week.
Craig has developed sound knowledge of the general practice environment and the requirements of doctors and patients. He has also worked in primary health in the community in SA and has previous senior roles in pharmaceutical companies and hospitality.