Everyday Heroes: Brian
Brian Gitlitz
Administrative Director of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine
New York-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital, Brooklyn, NY
“Our department has roots in 47 different countries on six continents. Regardless of our race, color, gender, national origin, or religion, we continue to work as one team with the goal of providing the best possible patient care”
What is your favorite part of your job?
The people who I get to work with and the diversity of the team. We recently polled the staff and found out that our department has roots in 47 different countries on six continents. We range from less than a year of experience to almost 40 years in the lab. We have groups of 10+ of us from one country, and 22 of us who are the only representative from others. Regardless of our race, color, gender, national origin, or religion, we continue to work as one team with the goal of providing the best possible patient care. We are one team, from many places, and we will continue to grow and improve.
Why did you decide to go into Medical Laboratory Science?
I wanted to work in an industry where I can make a difference, so healthcare was the obvious choice. I love math and science, which led me to a career in the laboratory. As I researched this field, I found out that not only do you have an incredible opportunity to help and care for others, but the market is incredible!
Any comments on workflow experiences/personal challenges during COVID-19?
When the going gets tough, the heroes behind the scenes get going. Clinical Laboratory Scientists stepped up to battle COVID-19 in a big way and showed just how limitless our potential can be. As the limelight was shining on testing and diagnosis, the teams worked long hours, made it here every day, and stepped up for fight this horrible virus. It was truly an incredible team effort.
Feel free to add anything else you want to say as the stage is all yours!
I love what I do and the opportunities for new graduates are endless. Employment of Clinical Laboratory Scientists is projected to grow 11 percent by 2028, much faster than the average for all occupations. There are some who feel that being a lifetime laboratorian is not their path, and for them there are hundreds of ways to use the background and education to advance in your career. This education, background, and experience opens countless doors and welcomes the best people