Our first featured 25 Year Anniversary Award recipient, LaVinia Ray, has made a tremendous impact in the field of histology and necropsy. Her nomination stated, “She has demonstrated time and again that she is an exceptional communicator and gifted leader. She is a highly-dedicated professional who knows how to motivate her staff to strive for excellence and continue the learning process. She is a humble and approachable person who loves to share her extensive knowledge with others.” Mopec was thrilled to have the opportunity to ask her a few questions regarding her profession and contributions.
Did you always know that you wanted to go into necropsy and histology?
LaVinia: I didn’t actually. I started out headed for a career in Journalism. Life led me down a different path. Ironically, I was a twenty-something working as a manager for a convenience store chain while I went to college, and a young lady came in with a name tag from the local hospital that said “Phlebotomist”. I asked her exactly what she did, and we had an interesting conversation. A few weeks later she came back and told me that the local hospital was starting a training program and asked if I was interested. That started my career in the medical field. I went on to train as a Phlebotomist and worked at two local hospitals in that capacity. I became friends with the Histotechnologist who later recommended me for a histology training program and to replace him at his departure. I fell in love with the field immediately.
What do you find to be the most rewarding part of your profession?
LaVinia: The answer to this is two-fold. I work in cancer research and drug development at Southern Research, and I am so proud to be part of a team that is solving the world’s hardest problems. The legacy of anyone who works or has ever worked at Southern Research is written on the faces of individuals who have went on to live a healthy and productive life because of what we do. Here are some of our major accomplishments as a company:
- We’re developing 18 drugs to combat various forms of cancer, ALS, Alzheimer’s, diabetes, kidney disease, Parkinson’s and tuberculosis, among others.
- We’ve developed 20 other drugs, including seven FDA-approved cancer drugs—a number rivaling any other U.S. research institute.
- We’re developing new medical devices.
- We’re helping to launch manned missions to Mars.
- We’re making the air and water cleaner here on Earth.
- We’re helping to keep the men and women of our military safe from harm.
The other answer to this question is that as a laboratory professional, I have the awesome responsibility of sharing the knowledge that I have gained with future laboratorians. I am an active member in the National Society for Histotechnology as a member of the Convention Committee, Program Team, House of Delegates and a mentoring program. I also had the opportunity to attend USASEF as a representative of the NSH. I have most recently become interested in volunteer opportunities with the ASCP. Most importantly, I have fostered an environment of continual learning within my own lab and with my own team.
How long have you been with Southern Research? What’s your typical day on the job look like?
LaVinia: I am working on my 16th year at Southern Research. A typical day…well…there isn’t a typical day at SR. Our group is involved in every aspect of a study from start to finish. Our primary responsibilities as the Pathology Group include Necropsy and Histology activities. As supervisor, I not only work on the technical side but I also attend study meetings, review protocols, work with study scheduling, quality control activities, inspection readiness and personnel issues. The work we do is very rewarding personally, and I thrive in this ever-changing environment. We have many opportunities to learn and be challenged every day.
Is there an impactful study or project you’ve worked on that you’re able to share some information with us?
LaVinia: Every study hits home for me. I have a real global thinking mentality, and I can see the potential impact every single study we do can have on the world. On those days when I am tired and I feel like I just can’t go on, I think about how important our work is.
The individual who nominated you noted that you’ve not only completed 202 hours of continuing education in the last 2 years, but you proactively share this knowledge with others via webinars and training sessions. What are some of the skills and topics that you most enjoy teaching others about?
LaVinia: Of course I am specifically interested in topics related to research and necropsy procedures, but more so with my team I try to share emerging technologies. I think it is important for us to keep abreast of new procedures and instrumentation that keeps us at the forefront of our field. When I speak to young people, I explain the basics but share stories about all the wonderful places a histologist can go like a storybook line, “Oh, the wonderful places you will see!” Our field is an adventure, and I try to convey that.
It was noted that you encourage and even “gently push” teammates to stay abrupt with new advances in the field. What are some of the newest technologies that you’re most excited about?
LaVinia: I would say right now I am really interested in new instrumentation and LIS systems. Something that I would like to see us take a deeper look into in the near future is Digital Pathology. While it has been around for quite some time, there are some new and interesting advances being made.
If you had one single piece of advice for someone entering into your field, what would it be?
LaVinia: The same piece of advice that I was given to me by a physician I worked for many years ago in the small town of Carthage, Illinois. Dr. James Couer said something so simple yet so profound considering the outcome of me following his advice. He said, “Never pass up the chance to learn something new.” I have said that to my children, my friends, my team-mates, and to about anyone who will listen. I followed his simple advice, and it has made all the difference in the world…literally.
As LaVinia’s nomination noted, “She and her team are tireless in sometimes challenging and time intensive situations in necropsy. They always manage to pull through and deliver the results for a successful outcome to study activities. The dedication they have to the goal is a direct result of the leadership LaVinia offers.”
The entire Mopec team genuinely appreciates LaVinia’s passion and dedication to necropsy and histology. Mopec wouldn’t be celebrating 25 years in the industry without the efforts and developments of pathology professionals like LaVinia.