Lois E. Rockson

About Lois E. Rockson

Biggest challenge in pathology? Recruitment to the discipline and to our profession is one of the biggest challenges facing the pathology field. In cytology, in particular, there is a shortage of practitioners which over time may impact patient care. Educators like me especially are always looking for innovative ways to share information about the amazing career opportunities in pathology and to recruit individuals to our field.

Book recommendation? “The Emperor of All Maladies” by Siddhartha Mukherjee. It is a well written narrative on cancer's impact on humanity. Mukherjee weaves poignant personal accounts of cancer’s impact with scientific findings and advancements in cancer detection and treatment.

Inspiring leader? Nelson Mandela. Because of him, I continuously strive to find ways to be an advocate for social justice and to connect it to my work. For example, my research examines cancer screening disparities among immigrant groups from the Caribbean and Central America, and connects to my work as a cancer diagnostician. 

I encourage my students to think about concepts such as the social determinants of health and find ways to become advocates for health equity in whatever ways they can, e.g. research, volunteering or other means. It adds an additional level of fulfillment to my work in pathology.