This semester, I was extremely fortunate to receive an opportunity to shadow in the surgical pathology lab at the James. Before observing, I had no idea of what a “normal day” in the lab looked like. As soon as I entered the lab, I was fascinated. Pathology assistants and technicians were grossing a variety of specimens in order for the pathologist to make a diagnosis. Some of the specimens even belonged to patients still in the operating room and were looked at to give the surgeon a better idea of how to move forward in surgery. Everything was fast-paced and efficient, and I was able to learn about the grossing process and how cancer could be diagnosed by looking under the microscope. As a current student on the pre-medicine track, this shadowing opportunity gave me the chance to learn more about pathology and other careers within the specialty, including that of a pathologist assistant. I was extremely grateful for the opportunity to observe in this lab!
