I was recognized as an ASCP Forty Under 40 as clinical chemistry fellow, and since then I moved on to becoming scientific director in one of the largest reference laboratories in U.S. I then returned to academic medical center pathology and laboratory medicine practice where I am now as medical director of clinical chemistry and point-of-care testing at UMass Chan Medical School, Baystate Medical Center. I am also a CLIA-High Complexity Lab Director for a satellite clinical lab set up for pandemic preparedness at UMass Institute of Applied Life Sciences. I have had several on-the-job and experiential learnings in these past five years. This has been an enriching experience and a very productive journey so far.

The recognition by one of the world’s largest professional bodies in laboratory medicine as a 40 Under Forty has been a positive catalyst for me in my career growth. Mentioning that one line in the cover letter seems attract many a people to offer jobs, network for a collaboration to mention a few.

This has been an amazing journey, not to mention at the end of the year 2024, I was named to The Pathologist Power List as top 20 Heroes of Pathology. I have set up a global non-profit organization named Foundation for Advancement of Essential Diagnostics to promote and further augment the World Health Organization’s Essential Diagnostic List in low- and middle-income countries. The work has been a humbling experience so far.

Other awards I’ve received include the Early Career Professional Travel Grant for Best Abstract Presentation, Association of Clinical Scientists in 2024, and the SYCL Travel Award, Society of Young Clinical Laboratorian, American Association of Clinical Chemistry in 2021.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned in the years since being named a 40 Under Forty? 

Read to lead and knowledge is power. Be that specific resource person where colleagues and physicians can confidently consult you on that difficult call around 1500+ chemical pathology tests and test interpretations. You will have all of their back and lean on you that is an intensely gratifying job.

My life’s mission is “bringing laboratory medicine to the forefront of local and global healthcare delivery.” I am proud that I identified my life’s goal and mission.