Donald D. Simpson, PhD, MPH, CT(ASCP)CM, chairman, Department of Laboratory Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR

Work first!
Q: What prompted you to enter the laboratory profession?
Dr. Simpson: I always had an interest in laboratory sciences. I worked as a clinical microbiologist before discovering the field of cytotechnology. A college professor, Ed Griswold from Louisiana Tech University, Ruston, encouraged me to consider a career in the laboratory sciences.

Q: Discuss a significant advancement you've witnessed in the laboratory industry.
Dr. Simpson: The most remarkable improvements in laboratory testing have occurred as a result of molecular testing. Molecular diagnostics has spanned the chasm previously existing between anatomic and clinical pathology. I'm confident the future will hold even greater improvements.

Q: How or where do you do your best planning?
Dr. Simpson: I do my best planning at home, late at night, after the day has been put to bed. For me, late nights are most productive because the concepts of deadlines and schedules diminish and I'm better able to set priorities, focus on projects and play catch-up on unfinished tasks. A room above the garage provides a great environment to plan and prepare.

Q: What are the greatest rewards of your work?
Dr. Simpson: Working with students is an often discounted blessing. I have been privileged to "see the light come on" in the minds of our replacements and have learned more from students in our cytotechnology and medical technology program than I ever would have imagined. I also count the faculty I work with and the support given to our programs by the dean of our college and administration of our university as truly rewarding.

Q: What makes you a leader in the laboratory industry?
Dr. Simpson: The function of leadership is to produce more leaders, not more followers. In as many situations as possible, I think it important to consult with others before making a decision. The best decisions can be made when a leader listens to the people who are going to be impacted. In striving to do the right thing, I always think about what sending in the cavalry looks like. It's hard to lead a cavalry charge if you think you look funny on a horse. Therefore, I strive to lead by example, but being familiar with the role of leader and comfortable in doing the right things are just as important as effective listening and communication.

Q: What tips do you have for students looking to break into the laboratory industry?
Dr. Simpson: Look for opportunities to contribute and get involved with professional organizations. With more that 10 billion laboratory tests being performed in the United States annually and as the demand for qualified laboratory personnel increases, there is no better time than now to join the ranks of laboratory scientists.

Q: What profession does your spouse work in? Compare/contrast this with your work.
Dr. Simpson: My wife is a cytotechnologist. We met as students in our respective programs of study and have been married for almost two decades. She understands the profession and in addition to keeping me grounded, helps me understand myself.

Q: How do you balance work with raising children?
Dr. Simpson: We have a 9-year-old son and 4-year-old daughter. I don't try to extract work from home (or church, recreation, travel, time with kids or anything else). I view our life as a composite of these many different things, activities and most importantly people who interact together on many different levels. I love my chosen profession and my career and have discovered that enjoying this stuff is more fun than trying to balance it or keep one thing separate from the others.

Now play!
Q: How do you relax?
Dr. Simpson: We enjoy family activities including being outside or attending sporting events like football and basketball games. Go Hogs!

Q: What is your next travel destination?
Dr. Simpson: Windhoek, Namibia, Africa. I have been very fortunate the past 2 years to partner with an institution in Namibia for the purpose of developing human capacity in the laboratory sciences. We believe raising awareness and focusing attention on the global AIDS epidemic while also preparing qualified individuals to do laboratory testing will make a sustainable difference. Thus far, five exchanges have occurred and I look forward to returning and being with our colleagues in Namibia and South Africa.

Q: Are you a summer or winter person?
Dr. Simpson: Summer. I love living in Arkansas and having opportunities for warm weather outdoor activities.

Karen Appold is an editorial consultant based in Royersford, PA. Visit www.writenowservices.com for more information.

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