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Becky Stankowski, MS, PA(ASCP)CM
*Wisconsin Diagnostic Laboratories
*AAPA Fellow Member since 2010
*AAPA Spring Meeting Chair since 2016
Becky Stankowski has chaired the AAPA Spring Meeting since 2016, developing it into the successful meeting that it is today. (Watch for a recap of the Salt Lake City meeting to appear in the next journal.) In addition to her time spent volunteering with the AAPA, Becky was recently recognized as the 2021 Employee of the Year by Wisconsin Diagnostic Laboratories (WDL)!
Take a look at what Becky’s colleagues had to say about her and why she is deserving of this honor:
Becky’s leaders describe her as someone who always finds a way through any challenge. Even when there isn’t a clear path forward, she will figure one out! Not only is she extremely resourceful in the face of adversity, Becky truly sees the value of those around her. She recognizes their individual strengths and is quick to offer praise and encouragement to build up her teammates. She always makes herself available to help them work through problems, not merely giving the answer, but by empowering them to identify their own solutions.
Becky first joined WDL as a Support Services Technician in 1999 and was later promoted to Phlebotomist. In 2000, she was promoted to Pathology Assistant (equivalent to today’s Laboratory Technical Assistant title). She became interested in Anatomic Pathology, earned her Master’s degree, and become a Pathologists’ Assistant in 2010. Becky’s professional journey gives her firsthand experience and a deep understanding of what each position entails, enabling her to be an excellent mentor as well as offer vital insight into the dynamics of patient care.
Leading up to the transition of our LIS from Cerner to Beaker, Becky wrote and edited hundreds of pages of workflows and procedures that helped her team prepare for the changes ahead. She also trained for countless hours to gain expertise as AP’s go-to Super User. In addition to being an invaluable resource for her teammates on the new system, she took on the important role of verifying the department’s equipment was operational and ready for go-live.
Outside of work, Becky is a member of the 501st Legion, where she participates in special events as characters from Star Wars. While the mission of the 501st Legion is to promote interest in Star Wars through use of costumes, the organization is “proud to put its resources to good use through fundraising, charity work, and volunteering,” such as the Make-A-Wish Foundation and many others.
Congratulations again to Becky on this remarkable achievement! Her team and our entire organization are incredibly grateful for all she brings to the laboratory every day.
A few of Becky’s many other contributions in 2021 include:
- Task Force Daedalus: led the way on developing AP’s career ladder (Histotech training program) as a strong advocate for the advancement of LTAs
- Continuing Education for residents: helped lead the Boot Camp for training first year residents in the gross room and participated in grossing dyad meetings
- American Association of Pathologists’ Assistants: Chair of the annual Spring Meeting
Are you a PA promoting the profession? Do you present at conferences to spread the word about PAs? Offer job shadowing opportunities? Educate students on what it takes to become a pathologists’ assistant? Did you recently receive an honor recognizing your work as a PA? We want to share your story! Send us a summary describing how you promote the PA profession and one or two high-resolution photos, and you may be our next featured member! Alternatively, if you know a colleague who goes above and beyond to spread awareness of PAs and their role in the lab, submit a nomination for your fellow member to be featured next!
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