Please tell us about yourself, and describe your past volunteer work.
I am a Pathologists’ Assistant with Hampton Roads Pathology, at Chesapeake Regional Medical Center in Chesapeake, Virginia. A native of Connecticut, I graduated from Quinnipiac University in 2007. As a student and now committed medical laboratory professional, I have been a member of both the AAPA and ASCP for over 15 years. Having served on the Grossing Guidelines Committee since its inception as the Art Director and Illustration Liaison, I have been given many opportunities to collaborate with the diverse PA community. I recently was given the opportunity to author multiple articles in The Pathologist magazine about the role of pathologists’ assistants, as well as the Grossing Guidelines. Additionally, I have served many roles with the ASCP as a Career Ambassador, then rising through the ranks from Local to Regional Representative, then Member and ultimately Chair of the Council for Laboratory Professionals (CLP). I am currently serving as a Member-at-Large on the Commission on Membership which oversees the CLP. I am committed to the entire medical laboratory team; however, I understand the unique role PAs play, and the hope to foster growth and development among our profession and the mission to nurture the evolving role we can play in the healthcare continuum.
Why are you interested in serving on the AAPA BOT?
I have been nominated for an upcoming vacancy, and I would be honored to further serve our pathologists’ assistant (PA) community in this capacity. Having served on the Grossing Guidelines since its inception, interacting with the diverse AAPA community over the years, the organization has proven to be true to their vision, mission statement, and core values – and, to that, I would love to partner and support its initiatives.
What do you think should be the most important priority for AAPA?
I think the organization needs to have more of a social media presence among its members. As someone who spends much time scrolling through the content and conversation of non-AAPA PA-related social media feeds, I feel there have been many times where an-AAPA voice would have been welcomed and helpful. The next generation of PAs crave that presence, and we need to support that in a way that is appropriate and thoughtful. Social media is the current face and voice of all things, and I think AAPA needs to step up their game.
What is your understanding of the mission and vision of this organization?
The core values (quality patient care, education, advocacy, collaboration) have been truly demonstrated throughout the Grossing Guidelines effort. The vision for this educational tool has been carried out and continues to be a conduit for many professional relationships, as well as having garnered respect for our community, something we have long sought. Additionally, continuing to provide world-class PA specific curriculum for CE is imperative. Collaboration is the key to the future for all things pathology, with PAs being no exception.
Is there a particular area that you feel could be improved within AAPA?
Transparency, modernization, and collaboration. As medical professionals, we are smart and savvy. I believe our members would like to have access to the discussions and developing initiatives of our BOT and Committees in a way that demonstrates transparency among our members and senior level leadership. Additionally, as modern medicine evolves, so too should our appearance. I would like to see the organization experience a modernization, or a freshening. Additionally, I would like to see our meetings/education include content as it relates to the future of pathology and how we as a profession can adapt and continue to be useful as medicine evolves. Collaborating with organizations to further our efforts will be imperative in the years to come, and I fully support leveraging the relationships we have developed and will continue to develop.
What is the biggest challenge your lab faces today?
The laboratory is notoriously under-recognized and under-appreciated. Whether it be financial, professional, or academic, pathology is often overlooked in many regards. As PAs, we need to continue to be beacons in our industry, striving to be the best we can be, proving to the medical community our worth, value, and commitment to the patient care continuum. I believe the AAPA is achieving this, and I hope to further commit my efforts into making this a reality.
