Selected
Past Work
Magazine Pieces
From Reaction to Revolution: How One Pathologist Flourished with Remote Work
Alexandra Rapp's success with remote pathology proves digital tools can make the field more accessible attracting diverse talent and boosting productivity. Her journey challenges traditional models, showing how flexibility enhances both training and recruitment.
Diagnosis and the Value of Pathology
Here we highlight the critical role of pathologists in patient care, emphasizing their impact on accurate diagnoses, treatment decisions, and early disease detection. We introduce diagnostic turnaround time (DTAT) as an optimized quality metric, showcasing how pathology drives timely and effective patient outcomes.
The Future of Platelets
As platelet shortages persist despite advancements in shelf-life extension, the future of transfusion medicine may lie in shifting from standardized platelet units to personalized dosing based on patient-specific needs. By leveraging clinical data and precision medicine principles, we can optimize platelet utilization and improve patient outcomes while addressing supply constraints.
A Space Waiting to Be Filled
The University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) is addressing the shortage of benign hematology specialists by launching a service where pathologists provide direct patient care, both in-person and via telehealth. This initiative leverages pathologist's expertise in laboratory diagnostics to improve patient outcomes and reduce healthcare costs.
For Work and Play: Embracing AI as a Pathology Resident
As a pathology resident, I explored the capabilities of large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT, discovering their usefulness in tasks such as code writing, literature searches, and study aids. While acknowledging their limitations and the need for fact-checking, I found that integrating LLMs into my workflow enhanced both my professional and personal productivity.
From Perfectionism to Progress: Cultivating a Growth Mindset in Laboratory Medicine
Perfectionism runs deep in laboratory medicine, where high stakes and exacting standards can drive both excellence and burnout. This article explores the psychological roots of perfectionism, its impact on lab professionals, and the fine line between healthy striving and harmful self-criticism. By embracing a growth mindset—rooted in learning, adaptability, and reflection—we can create a culture that values progress over perfection.
Peer Reviewed Articles
Addressing Low Scholarly Output in Residency With a Resident-Led Society for Innovation and Research
In 2021, we founded the Society for Innovation and Research (SIR), a resident-led organization designed to support research and innovation using just one hour of protected didactic time per month, providing mentorship, feedback, and education. Since implementing SIR, we have seen a significant increase in resident research productivity, and we are now exploring expanding the program to other residency programs across the U.S.
How many mislabelled samples go unidentified? Results of a pilot study to determine the occult mislabelled sample rate
In our study, we investigated occult sample mislabeling by determining blood type discrepancies in complete blood count specimens with the same patient label. Out findings suggest that the identified mislabeling rate significantly underestimates the true occurrence, as we observed a much higher actual discrepancy rate, highlighting the need for improved detection methods.
Cost-Effectiveness and Return on Investment Analysis of an In-house HemosIL Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia Antibody Assay at a Mid-Sized Institution
We conducted a retrospective analysis to assess the cost-effectiveness of implementing an in-house heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) antibody test compared to send-out assays. Our findings demonstrated significant cost savings, a rapid return on investment, and a substantial reduction in turnaround time, providing a model for other laboratories considering similar transitions.
Use of Low-Dose Platelets in Actively Bleeding Patients: A Retrospective Analysis of a Cardiac Surgery Cohort
We conducted a retrospective review at a single academic hospital to evaluate the efficacy of low-dose platelet transfusions in actively bleeding patients. Our findings suggest that low-dose platelets may be as effective as standard doses in managing bleeding during cardiac surgery, especially during platelet shortages.
Analysis of hospital length of stay and cost savings with an in-house heparin-induced thrombocytopenia antibody assay at a midsized institution
In our study, we evaluated the impact of brining a heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) antibody assay in-house and found that it reduced patient hospital length of stay by an average of 3.97 days, primarily among those with negative results. This change led to an estimated total cost savings of $3.9 million, highlighting the value of laboratory optimization in improving patient care and healthcare costs.
A Case of Massive Fetal-Maternal Hemorrhage: Lessons Learned in Diagnosis and Treatment
We present a case of a 15-year-old patient with intrauterine fetal demise and massive fetomaternal hemorrhage, requiring an unusually high dose of Rho(D) immune globulin. This case highlights the importance of recognizing large-volume hemorrhage, coordinating multidisciplinary care, and applying proper dosing principles to prevent alloimmunization in Rh-negative patients.
