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Technical Supervisor and Pathologists' Assistant at Fox Chase Cancer Center and Annual Conference Chair of the AAPA, USA

Biggest challenge in pathology? Exposure. Many labs need more resources, staffing, space, etc. Our lab has been working on these challenges lately and it has been a process to make sure administration understands why pathology is so critical in the patient experience. But once the understanding is there, we can move forward and work together on a joined front.

Book recommendation? “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks”. I went to PA school in Baltimore and was fascinated by this book. It's a reminder that there is a patient and a family behind every cell and every specimen.

Intro to pathology? I was always interested in forensics and eventually landed on becoming a Forensic Medical Examiner. I began the process of preparing for medical school and studying for the MCAT, and found myself shadowing a Pathologists' Assistant at a local hospital. After two days of experiencing this career, I went home, canceled the MCAT and began applying to PA schools. Haven't looked back since. I absolutely appreciate being a part of the patient journey without the emotional toll of interacting with patients face to face. At our hospital, surgeons come up daily to orient and open specimens with us and I love being a part of that process.