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Better Genomic Diagnostics for Alabama

By Christina Crowe

Device QIAGEN QIASYMPHONY SP Sample Preparation/DNA RNA PurificationGenomic diagnostics are poised to play an increased role in precision medicine at UAB and throughout the state, if Alexander “Craig” Mackinnon, M.D., Ph.D., division director, Genomic Diagnostics and Bioinformatics has anything to say about it. Last year we brought you the story of how Mackinnon joined the Department of Pathology and under the leadership of George Netto, M.D., Robert and Ruth Anderson Endowed Chair, outlined several initiatives for 2020, including the creation of a precision diagnostics laboratory. That plan was part of Netto’s vision for the department when he came to serve as chair four years ago.

This year, April 14, is Pathologists’ Assistants (PA) Day, a day of appreciation led by the American Association of Pathologists’ Assistants. Raima Memon, M.D., PGY3 Chief Resident, Anatomic Pathology, wrote the following to describe the important role of a PA in pathology, and to celebrate our department’s three hardworking PAs, Joe Begany, Audrey Alexander and Kaitlin Forsythe.

PA Day Logo 2021 Celebrating our department's PAs (left to right): Kaitlin Forsythe, Joe Begany and Audrey Alexander

What role does the PA play in the pathology “process”?

PAs are an integral part of the UAB Pathology team. They perform many tasks including, but certainly not limited to: Grossing surgical specimens, procurement research specimens, and training pathology residents.

What role do they play in our Department in particular?

Our PAs have re-shaped the surgical pathology experience. They facilitate resident education not only by teaching and supervising residents during grossing, but also by allowing time to focus on complex and educational specimens. The PAs have been integral in updating equipment (bone saw), safety measures (cut-resistant gloves) and improving specimen turnaround time (increased processing for fatty specimens and submitting additional sections).

AdamWende Adam Wende, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor, Molecular & Cellular Pathology, and a member of the Department of Pathology's Diversity Task Force. This group meets regularly and includes representatives from around the department, including faculty, staff, and trainees. Here, Dr. Wende answers some questions about his experiences with diversity.

Where were you born and raised?

Near the southside of Chicago, in Hometown and Oak Lawn, IL, but I also have influences from living 4 years in rural Galesburg, IL; 6 years in St. Louis, MO; and 7 years in Salt Lake City, UT.

XuFeng Xu Feng, Ph.D., is a Professor in the division of Molecular and Cellular Pathology, and a member of the Department of Pathology's Diversity Task Force. This group meets regularly and includes representatives from around the department, including faculty, staff, and trainees. Here, Dr. Feng answers some questions about his experiences with diversity.

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