From Mentorship to Medicine: Three Pathologists on Representation and Resilience

In the field of pathology, where women—particularly women of color—remain significantly underrepresented, three Black pathologists, Drs. Jamie M. Everett, MD, Daphne Massey, MD, and Paulyann Maclayton, MD, have become a crucial support network for each other. Together, they advance the awareness of pathology and engage in community teaching and mentorship to inspire young pathologists and laboratory professionals. 

Each doctor’s journey into pathology began differently, though with shared interests. Dr. Everett’s fascination with science arose from her parents’ careers in the field. A clinical associate professor at the University of Houston’s Tillman J. Fertitta Family College of Medicine, she recalls, “I just loved science.” An early encounter with a pathologist in medical school who “had all the answers” solidified her choice. “I get to find answers for people and help them make informed healthcare decisions,” she says. 

Dr. Massey was initially drawn to pediatrics, but grew interested in anatomy and histology, which ultimately led her to pathology during her time as a tissue recovery assistant. The behind-the-scenes nature of the specialty was also appealing to her quieter personality.  

“I don’t like the limelight... pathology really lends itself well to that,” she reflects. Now clinical and anatomical pathologist, and Adjunct Clinical Faculty at the University of Houston’s Tillman J. Fertitta Family College of Medicine, Dr. Massey’s contributions help shape the next generation of pathologists with a focus on instilling confidence and resilience in her students. 

Dr. Maclayton’s interest in becoming a medical examiner emerged from her fascination with forensic sciences as early as high school. Discouraged from medical school by a career counselor, she shifted to forensics, earning a master’s in forensic anthropology and working as a death investigator. Determined to pursue medicine, she eventually earned her medical degree and moved closer to her goal. “I told myself that this is what I want to do. I’m not going to allow somebody to tell me no,” she recalls. Dr. Maclayton is now Assistant Medical Examiner and Outreach Coordinator at Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences, where she also reaches out to expose younger people to the field and mentor medical students interested in pathology through outreach and educational talks. 

A bond begins

The trio’s bond began in medical school, where Dr. Massey met Dr. Everett during her residency at UT Houston Medical School (now McGovern School of Medicine). Dr. Everett, an attending physician at the time, helped Dr. Massey navigate the complexities of the field.  

“She introduced herself so politely because everyone had said that she reminded them of me, so she wanted to meet this person,” Dr. Everett recalls. A mentorship soon blossomed into a deep friendship. 

Along the way of Dr. Massey’s residency, her path kept intersecting with Dr. Maclayton’s, then a first-year resident at Houston Methodist Hospital. They quickly recognized how much they had in common and became mutual sources of support in a field where they were often among the few women of color.  

“We all just over time became not only colleagues but kind of allies for each other. They became a safe space for me, and I tried to become a safe space for them,” Dr. Everett reflects. 

One of their shared projects right now is forming a Houston chapter of ASCP together. “It's just exciting to know that you have colleagues that want to do and participate in things with you,” Dr. Everett says. “Dr. Massey and Dr. Maclayton have been such a supportive group in every aspect of outreach that I've ever tapped on them for. I just think it's really amazing.” 

Overcoming hurdles, creating representation 

Despite their achievements, the trio has encountered considerable gender and racial biases. In her residency, Dr. Massey was frequently met with skepticism about her capabilities and academic merit. “It was like they couldn’t wrap their brain around it,” she says, frustrated at how her performance was often questioned in ways her white peers’ were not. 

Dr. Maclayton has experienced similar biases. “One of the main issues we have is this automatic assumption that we don’t belong, that we got here through some type of affirmative action, and not necessarily on our academic merit,” she explains. This presumption has created a double standard, one that has often forced her to prove herself in ways her peers didn’t have to. 

With each other’s support, however, the three pathologists have thrived, committed to furthering the field and to increasing representation within it. Dr. Maclayton is dedicated to educating and inspiring the next generation through outreach. “I have gone to schools that are predominantly minorities to let them know about what our field is. They have to see somebody in that role that looks like them,” she says, determined to show underrepresented students that careers like hers are possible. 

Dr. Everett also remembers how inspiring it was to see a Black woman in a pathology role when she was a student. She fosters an environment for her students at the University of Houston where they can see themselves in medicine. “I really believe in that mission. You have to take concerted efforts to be inclusive,” she says. 

Dr. Maclayton adds, “Once you see somebody in that role, then this can be attainable… there’s nothing different.” 

For Dr. Massey, diversity in healthcare is essential, especially in understanding cultural sensitivities. “By having people who are from different cultures, backgrounds, races, [and] genders, they’re able to provide you with a certain lens,” she notes. 

Dr Everett emphasizes the importance of finding and being a strong ally within your field or place of work no matter what. “It doesn't really matter who they are or what they look like or any of that. If someone does good work and helps people in the way that they need to be helped and goes the extra mile, they should be celebrated.” 

Though the trio of doctors feel fortunate to have each other, Dr. Everett advises others who don’t have a similar network, “If you're not getting the support you need, it's okay to communicate that to whoever you need...and it's okay to move on [to more supportive patient-centered environments].” 

Meanwhile, collectively they will continue to create a pathway for more women and minority professionals in pathology. They are proud of their part in helping pathology become a welcoming space for all.