Laura J. Tafe, MD

I was drawn to the field of molecular pathology because of my interest in studying solid tumors. Studying the molecular features of tumors can help us better understand their biology. This helps us better predict a patient's response to therapies.

Pathologists play a critical role in a team approach to clinical care by:

• Ensuring accurate and timely laboratory testing
• Evaluating patient tissues help to render a diagnosis
• Recommending and directing other appropriate tests as needed
• Analyzing the results of the tests so that physicians and patients can make well-informed decisions about treatment options

One of my roles at DHMC is as the Assistant Director of Clinical Genomics and Advanced Technologies (CGAT). In this role, I am leading the development of new genomic testing procedures that we can perform at DHMC. Doing these tests here at DHMC rather than sending them to an outside lab helps us deliver results to our oncologists and their patients quickly.

As a member of a teaching institution, it's an honor to help educate the next generation of pathologists, oncologists and physicians. The most rewarding part of my job is working with multidisciplinary teams and seeing how our diagnoses and testing improve patient care.