I started medical school thinking that I would be a family physician, but soon realized that I loved pathology, because it was the bridge from basic science to patient care. We had a six-month course in pathology in the second year of medical school and the department chair hosted our twice weekly small group session. I did electives in surgical pathology, microbiology, and electron microscopy, which were fascinating and secured my decision to become a pathologist.
I am a believer in organized medicine and the importance of leadership, so have always belonged to the AMA, our specialty societies, and state and local medical associations.
Hear more in this PathPod podcast “Beyond the Scope” with Dr. Sara Jiang.
My Vision for Pathology-
I would like to see the pipeline for US medical graduates going into pathology improve. Students have little opportunity to see pathologists as role models and understand what a great career choice pathology is. We all have a role in recruitment. I also hope that the important role of pathologists and the laboratory continues to be appreciated long after the COVID 19 pandemic. I see a great future for digital pathology and telepathology in the future.
Outside of Work-
Up until the pandemic, my husband Michael and I would travel several times a year and we look forward to getting back on an airplane. We have had some great adventures traveling to Antarctica, Machu Picchu, Galapagos Islands, Iceland, the Arctic, and most recently Jordan, Petra, Cairo and sailing the Nile.
Rebecca Lynn Johnson, MD, FCAP 