3 Questions with Giorgis Okubazgi Yeabyo, BSc, MSc, HTL(ASCPi)CM

For Giorgis Okubazgi Yeabyo, BSc, MSc, HTL(ASCPⁱ)^CM, the path to ASCP certification was not straightforward. While he was aware of ASCP’s professional value, he faced significant barriers to achieving certification: limited access to the internet, for one thing, and a lack of study materials for another. He was determined, but didn’t know where to start or who to ask for help, and his initial hope started to fade.  

A chance meeting at Mr. Yeabyo’s institution in Ethiopia, turned his situation around. Mr. Yeabyo connected with Dr. Dan Milner, who helped him access study materials and more. In May 2019, Mr. Yeabyo’s dream came true as he earned his certification.  

Mr. Yeabyo’s volunteer ethos has always been intrinsic to him, a value encouraged by his father. His own challenges, he notes, “taught me the importance of removing obstacles for others. Today, I actively support professionals voluntarily through training and consultations, guiding them on their ASCP Board of Certification journeys. My mission is simple: to ensure no one’s aspirations are delayed by the barriers I once faced.”  

Here, Mr. Yeabyo shares his thoughts in three questions (and a bonus!) on the future of the laboratory and more. 

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

The greatest barriers I observe are declining commitment to quality and dedication among new young professionals. Without rigorous selection criteria and serious training, we risk compromising diagnostic accuracy in pathology and laboratory medicine. The solution lies in 1) strengthening educational standards with ethics, 2) fostering professional pride in our critical work, and 3) mentoring new generations to understand that the sample could be his/her family members and every result impact patient lives. Quality begins with cultivating the right mindset during training. We must inspire excellence as the only acceptable standard in our field. 

How do advancements in pathology or laboratory medicine inspire you in terms of improving patient care?  

The rapid advancements in pathology continually inspire me, particularly how technology bridges critical gaps in patient care. While innovations like IHC machines and automated microtomes have revolutionized our field, digital pathology stands out as a game-changer, especially for regions like Africa. By eliminating the need to transport slides or traveling of pathologists, it brings accurate diagnoses to remote areas, facilitates expert consultations, and enhances education and research. These breakthroughs don’t just modernize our labs; they make accessible to life-changing pathology services, ensuring no patient is left behind due to geography. 

What are some of the biggest challenges you face in your field, particularly when it comes to supporting patient care?  

Working in resource-limited settings presents daily challenges that test our resilience and creativity. Reagent shortages, equipment failures, and lack of pathologists are routine struggles. Once, during a three-day power outage, we processed biopsies entirely manually, embedding without using the machine, and microtomy using boiling water heated over coal, and staining slides by manual method. Despite these extreme conditions, we maintained TAT without compromising quality. These experiences prove that while infrastructure may falter, dedication to patient care cannot. Our greatest challenge and pride are delivering diagnostic excellence against all odds. 

What do you hope to leave as your legacy in the laboratory?  

Throughout my career, I have been recognized for my unwavering commitment to standardized procedures and precision. In the exacting field of anatomic pathology where every detail carries profound consequences, I have championed a simple but powerful philosophy: "Quality is no longer optional." 

This is more than a motto; it is the foundation of my professional legacy. I believe consistent excellence can only be achieved through disciplined practice where protocols are respected, attention is uncompromising, and errors become preventable rather than inevitable.