3 Questions with Victoria Costa, MD

Since 2024, Victoria Costa, MD, Assistant Medical Director for the Blood Bank at NYU Tisch Hospital, and Associate Program Director for the Clinical Pathology Residency Program and Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Pathology at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, has served as a Pathology Ambassador for ASCP. Through her interactions with students and trainees, she’s been able to provide advice and has learned how to structure successful mentorship relationships. The opportunity has afforded her the ability to learn new things from speaking to individuals around the country and see how the field of pathology is evolving.

Here, Dr. Costa shares her insight on pathology in this edition of 3 Questions With. 

What aspects of laboratory medicine do you find most intriguing and fulfilling and how do these align with your personal and professional interests?   

In my role as a faculty member and associate program director of our clinical pathology residency program at NYU Langone, teaching medical students, residents, and other trainees is the most rewarding and fulfilling aspect of my career. I am thankful to have had great teachers as a resident and fellow and am excited to share my knowledge with others.  

I hope to continue to be an advocate and champion of pathology education throughout my career, with a focus on both exposing and recruiting individuals into the field as well as collaborating with others on pathology and laboratory medicine initiatives.   

What is something that has surprised you about working in the lab?    

I have been surprised by the variation in practice and workflows at different institutions, although this has enabled me to see the different ways of managing a lab. Every day, I realize how much of a team effort managing a laboratory is and how a collaborative and hardworking team can make a significant difference in the day-to-day work.  

What do you see as the most significant barriers to young people considering a career in laboratory medicine, and how can these be overcome?   

One of the most significant barriers to young people considering a career in laboratory medicine is exposure to the practice of pathology and connection to enthusiastic faculty. I am happy ASCP offers many opportunities for pathologists and laboratory professionals to engage with young people and expose them to different opportunities in this field.