Michael Mazzotta has not only made significant contributions to SEPA Labs, but he has impacted the lives of a great deal of students. His personable attitude and educational presentations have certainly resonated with young minds.
Mr. Mazzotta received his undergraduate degree in biology from Rhode Island College. During his studies, he was offered a position at Rhode Island Hospital where he assisted with close to 1500 autopsies. During his time at the hospital, he developed a new form of training for ultrasound students that is still being used to this day. Students first perform their usual ultrasound procedure on a cadaver. After reviewing the results, they are present for an autopsy on the same body. This allows students to truly visualize the anatomy that they previously saw through imaging.
Eleven years ago, SEPA Labs (Southeastern Pathology Associates) discovered and recruited Michael for a position in their pathology department in Georgia. He now leads a team of individuals who submit over 80,000 surgical cases a year. When asked what the most challenging part of his career is, he noted, “Dealing with administration. There are constant changes in rules and regulations which can make our job difficult. The cutbacks in Medicare definitely impact the pathology department as well.”
In addition to continuously participating in workshops and conferences for his own professional development, Michael actively hosts workshops for middle school students. Roughly three times a year, Glynn Middle School students visit the morgue for a hands-on anatomy experience. The number of students in request to attend the session is so high, that the school must often run a sort of “lottery” for attendance. During these sessions, Michael will spend four to five hours showing students different organs, tissues and bones of cadavers. His lessons hit farther than just textbook biology. One presentation consisted of showing two lungs – one from a smoker and one from a non-smoker. Michael noted that, “The students’ reactions were fantastic! They were almost climbing on the table!”
We asked Michael what advice he would give to someone looking to start a career in pathology. His response was concise and impactful, “Just do it.” He mentioned that pathology assistants are extremely valuable with only about 1500 individuals in the role in the United States. The training and education may seem extensive, but the career path is incredibly rewarding – both financially and emotionally.
The entire Mopec team extends gratitude to Mr. Mazzotta for his dedication to the field and for the powerful mark he has left on bright, young minds.