Joshua Del Papa
Tell me about your background before pathology/medical school?
I grew up in LaSalle Ontario. I graduated from the University of Windsor Biochemistry program and moved to Ottawa to pursue a PhD in biochemistry, where my research was focused on designing, engineering and testing oncolytic adenovirus. I then completed my medical school training at Queen’s University in Kingston Ontario.
What made you choose pathology as a career?
Like many medical students, I discovered pathology late in my training. After exploring the field in my 3rd year, I realized that much of what I enjoyed about my graduate studies was encompassed by this field. Learning to observe, test, and come to conclusions about the microscopic changes that occur in cancer and other pathological states was extremely satisfying, especially when they had real-world clinical impact. And finally, every pathologist I worked with while exploring the career was kind, eager to teach, and clearly enjoyed their work.
What attracted you to Western’s pathology program?
Unfortunately, my year was impacted by the COVID pandemic such that we were unable to perform visiting electives. Instead, I tried to talk to the residents at my home program to find out what their experiences were like on the elective/interview trail before COVID. After that, I reached out to some of the current residents at the Western program for an informal chat. The story I heard over and over again was that the program culture was excellent, the residents were supportive of each other, and the staff were all eager and passionate about education.
What are some specific things that you like about Western’s AP program?
To echo what some of my co-residents have said in their bios, all of the program’s residents are set up together in one large office, and the rest of the department is also all on the same floor of the hospital. This set up fosters a collegial environment where you can ask questions, share ideas, and grab lunch with your colleagues easily. The residents in the program are incredibly supportive of each other and the staff that I have worked with have all been eager to teach.
What are your hobbies outside of medicine?
I will use any excuse to get into the outdoors. I’m an avid fisherman, and I love to hike, kayak, and camp with friends. I’m also passionate about food, I love growing vegetables and cooking for friends and family. Finally, my wife and I also like to stay active by joining local sports leagues, we’re currently having a lot of fun in a London pickleball league and hoping to join a softball league in the summer.
What are your academic interests?
Given my background in molecular genetics, I am interested in new ways to use molecular techniques to further the field of diagnostic and molecular pathology. I’m also very interested in creative and thoughtful implementation of digital pathology.
What are your career goals?
I’m very early in my training and intend to keep an open mind to all subspecialties within the field of pathology. I’m looking forward to further exploring the career opportunities in this exciting ever-changing space.
What is something you would like to tell students who may not be able to do an AP elective at Western?
I agree with my co-residents who have talked about how the resident culture at the Western AP program is fantastic. Everyone has been very supportive and it has been a lot of fun! If you can’t schedule an elective, I highly recommend reaching out to any of the current residents (myself included!) for an informal chat, we’d be happy to share our experiences with you.
