What do you do?

I am a doctor specialising in laboratory medicine, specifically tissue diagnostics. Working in cellular pathology entails macroscopic dissection, microscopic diagnosis and diagnostic reporting of specimens of many kinds - from fluids and aspirate in cytology to large resection specimens in histopathology. Non-forensic autopsies and performing fine-needle aspirations also form part of my routine responsibilities.

What pulled you towards your field?

I have always been fascinated by the academic rigour of laboratory and translational medicine and the valuable information these fields provide for our clinical colleagues.

Diagnostic medicine provides a challenging but rewarding learning curve, and the field continues to expand. I learn something new every dav. and I love it.

What's been a highlight of your career so far?

I was fortunate to be afforded the opportunity to present some of my work in Austin, Texas as part of a case presentation competition. I did not win (the competition was inspiring, to say the least), but being one of four finalists was an honour in itself.

What is the most fulfilling part of your job?

The diverse nature of work in anatomical pathology offers numerous opportunities for professional fulfilment: diagnostic challenges, patient care contributions, continuous learning, teaching and mentorship, research involvement, interdisciplinary collaboration and public health impact - all of these factors are gratifying in themselves, and the whole is definitely more than the sum of its parts.

Looking back, what advice would you give to current students?

"Es ist noch kein Meister vom Himmel gefallen," which means "No master has ever (just) fallen from the sky." The work you do now will pay dividends in the future - no knowledge is wasted.

What are some of the challenges you have faced in your career?

Working in a constantly demanding, high-pressure environment in a community with stringent standards makes work-life balance something of a tight-rope walk. The importance of pursuits outside of work cannot be overstated. I like to play the violin and piano, and I find myself so fortunate to have access to both the mountain and the sea at a moment's notice.

How did COVID-19 influence your job?

Although not patient-facing (I was in the academic laboratories in Bloemfontein during 2020), I worked virtually every day of the pandemic.

Anatomical pathology experienced a down-tick in the number of specimens received, as non-emergency surgery was not being performed, and most out-patient clinics were closed. I was then an aspirant registrar, doing my community service, so there were plenty of ways to use the time. We have since seen a significant increase in specimen numbers, likely reflecting catch-up tissue investigation and surgery.

How do you see your industry evolving in the near future?

The rise of molecular pathology, the ever-growing role of artificial intelligence in knowledge work, and the shrinking need to be chained to a desk are all exciting developments which make this era an interesting time to be involved in pathology.