3 columbushosp.org Columbus pathologist puts science to work in the lab As a pathologist and lab director, Dr. Thomas Buttolph spends part of each day looking at biopsy slides through a microscope and managing quality assurance data. He works behind the scenes with Columbus Community Hospital’s laboratory, providing a scientific foundation upon which other doctors base important medical decisions. The pathologist’s role Thanks to TV crime dramas, many people may be confused about what most pathologists do. “When you say ‘pathologist,’ most people think of a forensic pathologist who performs autopsies,” Buttolph said. “That is actually a very small percentage of pathologists. Most pathologists help run hospital labs, and they do things like diagnose cancer.” Pathologists are specially trained to recognize cancer cells when viewing them under a powerful microscope. Fortunately, a lot of what they investigate ends up being conditions other than cancer, such as benign skin growths or viral rashes. In those cases, pathologists are able to reassure patients. Buttolph’s other role as lab director includes reviewing quality assurance data. This helps guarantee that the lab continues to provide highly accurate lab test results. “The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that about 70% of medical decision-making is based on lab values,” Buttolph noted. “So when your doctor orders a test for you, he or she needs to know it’s accurate. And patients need to know that too.” The path to pathology As a young boy growing up in Decatur, Illinois, Buttolph’s first love was art. He drew animals, people and landscapes. A fourth-grade teacher piqued his interest in science with lessons on the human heart and bones, which eventually led to a career in medicine. Buttolph received his bachelor ’s degree from Macalester College in St. Paul, Minnesota. He then joined the Navy and began his medical training at F. Edward Hebert School of Medicine at Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences in Bethesda, Maryland. After completing a family medicine internship, Buttolph entered Navy dive school and began undersea medicine training. He then conducted undersea research into decompression sickness, commonly known as “the bends.” That research inspired Buttolph to begin a pathology residency in 1997, which he completed at the Bethesda Naval Hospital (now Walter Reed National Military Medical Center). Collaborating on challenging medical cases and working with a great team of smart people are part of what Buttolph loves most about his work. A fitness fan and more Aside from the science of medicine, Buttolph’s many personal interests include camping and hiking with his family, cooking, and listening to audiobook mysteries and music — his eclectic musical tastes include classical, classic rock, jazz, country, hip-hop and alternative. He is also in the Navy Reserve and enjoys working out and staying fit. “I’m not really competitive, so although I run, bike and swim, I’m not a triathlete,” Buttolph said. “When I was younger, I studied different martial arts, but now I just do tai chi and yoga.”
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