Dr. Pauline Henry

#IamMGH - Meet Dr. Pauline Henry

#IamMGH tells the stories of our people. Meet Dr. Pauline Henry, chief and program medical director, Department of Laboratory Medicine at Michael Garron Hospital (MGH).

“I was always interested in the sciences, especially biology. As far back as elementary school, I remember my best friend and I both decided that we were going to wear lab coats and be scientists in the future. She became a furniture designer, but I continued to enjoy studying science. Eventually, I was accepted into the MD/PhD program at the University of Toronto. This dual degree program allowed me to combine my interests in basic science and medicine which finally led me to a career as a pathologist.

As a pathologist, my role in the pathology division of the Department of Laboratory Medicine is to review patient tissue specimens that have been biopsied, excised or resected in the operating room, endoscopy suite, outpatient clinic, or during a diagnostic imaging exam. I assess the tissue specimen under a microscope after the tissue has been properly sampled and processed. I then produce a pathology report that contains diagnostic and prognostic information required by the clinician to further manage and treat patients. 

As the new Department of Laboratory Medicine chief and program medical director at MGH, a position I started this month, my responsibilities have expanded to include overseeing and ensuring the delivery of high-quality laboratory services by our team of laboratory professionals and staff. I hope this can be accomplished, in part, through implementation of a wide range of innovative quality improvement and patient safety programs and initiatives. I also hope to increase the visibility and impact of our laboratory within the hospital and in the academic and wider community through partnerships, collaborations and outreach.

Even though I’m ‘behind the scenes, one favourite part of my job is being a member of the patient care team. Generating comprehensive pathology reports based on my observations and expertise, and in consultation with my colleagues and literature, can be very rewarding. The contribution of the pathology report to patient care is highlighted for me during one-on-one discussions with clinicians about challenging cases or while participating in multidisciplinary rounds. Another part of the job I really enjoy is just being a part of the MGH laboratory where I get to work with such a great group of people every day.

I was very fortunate to begin my career at MGH nearly 10 years ago. I can honestly say that I am a proud member of the MGH Department of Laboratory Medicine, and I look forward to continuing my career in a leadership role at this wonderful community hospital.” 

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