Member Spotlight: Phillip Michaels

1.    Name and affiliation:
Phillip Michaels, MD
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
Harvard Medical School
        
2.    What is your professional title?
Hematopathologist and molecular genetic pathologist
Assistant medical director, Hematology lab
Instructor of Pathology

3.    How did you decide to enter the field/what (or who) brought you into the field?
It was during a project as a senior resident in which the group I was involved in was evaluating next-generation sequencing of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma in relation to its clinical characteristics. From there, a world opened up to me in which advanced technologies can be utilized to discover the underpinnings of a disease process as well as potentially help guide decision making and therapy choices for patients.

4.    What do you do?  How would you describe your role?
My clinical duties are primarily in the realm of hematopathology, which include resident and fellow education, however, I relish any chance I have to integrate molecular diagnostics in hematology while teaching at the scope. Additionally, I’m involved in the molecular educational curriculum of residents and fellows at BIDMC. Lastly, I serve as a consultant for my hematology/oncology colleagues when questions arise regarding molecular findings within the realm hematopathology.

5.    What degree(s) and/or training did you receive to achieve your position?
•    BS (Chemistry), Tennessee Technological University
•    MD, University of Tennessee Health Science Center
•    Anatomic and clinical pathology residency, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
•    Hematopathology fellowship, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
•    Molecular genetic pathology fellowship, Brigham and Women’s Hospital/Harvard Medical School

6.     What is the greatest challenge you face in your work?
The greatest challenge I face, particularly on a daily basis, is having time to do it all. From education of trainees, translational research, directorship duties, serving on institutional committees, and a multitude of Zoom meetings, time is a precious commodity but as I have progressed from fellowship and settled in my position, I am learning to become more efficient and effective in my practice.

7.    What is the best part of your work as you see it? (most interesting, most fun…)
The best part of my work is working with excellent colleagues. Whether they are within pathology as fellow hematopathologists and molecular genetic pathologists, medical technologists, or outside of pathology in the clinical realm, I honestly appreciate the level of camaraderie we share.

8.   What do you do for fun?
I enjoy spending those special moments with my family, especially with a growing toddler. I am an avid reader so I try to spend some time reading every day. Also, I enjoy painting, collecting records, skateboarding, and being physically active.