I was a fourth-year medical student, doing a rotation in medical genetics. In a few months, I would be graduating, eager to begin my residency in pathology. When I shared my specialty selection with my genetics professor, he was quite pleased by my revelation.
“Very good!” The twinkle in his eyes informed me that he was genuinely interested in my career choice. “I also thought of being a pathologist.”
Now, I was intrigued. Most physicians chose specialties with direct patient care. I had never met a physician who once considered pathology before choosing another specialty. I pressed closer.
“Why didn’t you pursue it?”
“Oh…I was ready to put in my applications to the residency programs. But before that happened, I did a formal elective in pathology, just to make sure.”
“And you didn’t like it?”
My professor shook his head. “I did like it…at least the pathology and science. I loved the intellectual challenge of solving problems no other physician could. But do you know what the problem is?”
Now I was shaking my head.
“The laboratory is the problem!”
“I don’t understand. Pathology IS the laboratory.”
“Yes.” He was nodding his head in anticipation of my question. “Pathology is the laboratory. But it is not the medicine that is the problem, it is managing hundreds of personnel. There are the phlebotomists, the accessioners, the transcribers, the clinical lab scientists, the Ph.D. consultants, and the supervisors. Pathology was more of an exercise in people management rather than practicing medicine. I didn’t like that.”
His words reverberated in my memory as I trained for the next six years in my chosen specialty. Training at three different universities, I worked with hundreds of laboratory personnel. When I entered private practice, I was on staff at four different hospitals and two reference laboratories, allowing me the opportunity to work with hundreds more. Eventually, I established my own dermatopathology practice, where I continued to work alongside laboratory personnel for many years.
Through all of these interactions, I became friends with many of my colleagues. I attended weddings, baby showers, and birthday celebrations. I learned from experts in their respective fields who unselfishly gave their time to educate me about diagnostic nuances that are not written in textbooks. I received valuable assistance and snacks at 3 AM when I was on call. Countless extra hours were unselfishly given by many to help me resolve a vexing clinical test that was ordered stat just as a work shift was ending.
Many tears, laughter, hugs, and smiles were shared.
The laboratory became my family.
Now that I have retired after more than thirty years in pathology, I find myself remembering those relationships more than the countless diagnoses I made. I certainly loved the intellectual challenges of pathology, just as my professor had. But some of my fondest memories are of the people who worked alongside me. Although I have left the laboratory, the friendships and memories remain.
Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.
1 Thessalonians 5:11 (ESV)
All of us belong to different families: biological, workplace, and spiritual. In each setting where God places us, He desires for us to learn from one another, always encouraging and comforting, and demonstrating the love of Jesus Christ to all whom we meet.
The laboratory was one such family, and I am grateful to God for His providence in guiding me to this career. What my professor considered the greatest disadvantage of pathology became one of its greatest blessings for me.
After more than thirty years in pathology, I can state with confidence and respectfully address my former professor.
The laboratory is not the problem.
The laboratory is the reward!
Amen!
Love and trust in the Lord; seek His will in your life.
#faith #trustinggod #christianity #jesuschrist #bible #seekinggodswill #truth #sanctification #godisincontrol #godhearsourprayers #salvation #providenceofGod #laboratory 1Thessalonians5:11
Discover more from The Bereans Blog
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
When I chose pathology, I thought the greatest rewards would come from solving difficult medical mysteries. More than thirty years later, I realize that some of my greatest blessings came from the people who worked alongside me.
Sometimes what others see as a burden becomes one of God’s greatest gifts.
Have you ever discovered that the people you worked with became more like family than coworkers? I’d love to hear your story.