Get to know our Breast Pathology Deputy Editor-in-Chief
Gary Tozbikian, M.D.

Please introduce yourself
I am a Surgical Pathologist with a subspecialty focus in Breast Pathology. After earning my M.D. degree from The Ohio State University, I completed my AP/CP Residency and General Surgical Pathology Fellowship at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, and a Breast Pathology Fellowship at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. I am an Associate Professor and the Breast Pathology Division Director in the Department of Pathology at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, and serve as a subspecialty pathologist on the Breast and Genitourinary Pathology services. 
Why did you become a pathologist?
I discovered Pathology very much as a happy accident, during my clinical rotations in my third year of medical school. To confirm my interest, I pursued a Medical Student Fellowship in the Pathology Department at OSU, where I rotated through subspecialty surgical pathology and autopsy services. I conducted bench research in the Department Chair’s laboratory, and completed clinical research projects with several faculty. I fell in love with Surgical Pathology and never looked back. 
What do you like most about being a pathologist?
I love the core activity of diagnostic Surgical Pathology. I enjoy the challenge and the satisfaction of “making the diagnosis.” The crucial contribution that we make to our patients’ care every single day is really rewarding. I enjoy working in academics because it is satisfying to contribute to the research that drives improvements in patient care, as well as the innovations and knowledge that pushes our practice forward.  
What is special about your subspecialty?
The role that pathologists’ have within the multidisciplinary care team is special. It really is great to be “the Doctor’s Doctor”. We are relied upon for our expertise and knowledge on a daily basis. As an academic Breast Pathologist, working with other leading breast cancer specialists and physician scientists, I have the opportunity to collaborate on exciting and impactful clinical research. We are all striving together to make a difference in the lives of our breast cancer patients. 
How does your typical day go?
I devote about 60% of my time to clinical service, and the rest of my effort is evenly split between research, administration, and teaching. Every day is a little different. And I enjoy the variety of challenges that my career provides. 
What is the most memorable experience you've had at work?
It is unfortunate that breast cancer is a common disease. Every so often it strikes close to home. As a Pathologist, I have been able to assist friends and family who have been diagnosed with breast cancer, by answering their questions, explaining and teaching as needed, connecting them to health care resources, and even facilitating second opinion reviews upon request. It’s a privilege to be able to help others in this way.   
What most surprised you about being a pathologist?
Pathology is actually quite interactive. In the course of a single day, you end up interfacing a lot with other pathologists, colleagues within the multidisciplinary team, and technical staff. Not infrequently you may find yourself working alongside hospital leadership on important tasks. And in the academic setting, you regularly work with medical students, residents/fellows, researchers, engineers, and even industry. 
What do you think you would be doing if you weren't doing this?
Prior to applying to medical school, I had considered a career in Industrial Design. I think that might have been “The Road Not Taken” for me. 
Could you say a few words about your association with PathologyOutlines?
I am the Deputy Editor-in-Chief for the Breast Chapter of PathologyOutlines.com. My goal is to make it the most useful and practical resource for its users by ensuring it has the highest quality and most up-to-date information available. 
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