I've been doing this job for about seven years and I can honestly say that I'm not bored -- I love the variety. It's rewarding to be a part of a patient's final diagnosis, especially if an abnormality is detected early.

I work closely with pathologists to identify pre-cancerous conditions, cancer, infections and some viruses. We are responsible for Pap smears/Pap tests and specimens collected from other body sites such as the lung, bladder and breast. The majority of my responsibilities involve viewing cells with a microscope. For abnormal cases, I mark the cells on the slide for a pathologist to view and make the final diagnosis.

I rotate into different areas, such as the Digital Image Analysis Lab, which has a computer-aided microscope system that analyzes cells, primarily prostate and breast cancer specimens. I act as a backup for the Fluorescence in Situ Hybridization Lab, which looks for chromosomal abnormalities in cells. I am a member of our Gastrointestinal Fine-Needle Aspiration team, which analyzes cells taken from the esophagus, pancreas, intestines or lymph nodes. I am a member of our Procedures Oversight Group, which writes the procedures for all tasks that are performed, such as how to prepare specimens or how to enter results into the computer. In addition, I act as a backup for the area where specimens are received and processed.

It's a good feeling to be part of a large circle of individuals who work together to enhance a patient's care here at Mayo. Together we have accomplished more than we could have ever done alone!