3 Questions with Phyu Aung, MD, PhD

For Phyu Aung, MD, PhD, the decision to pursue a career in pathology and laboratory medicine was shaped by two things: a passion for research and a deep personal experience. A PhD in molecular pathology allowed Dr. Aung to combine research with the critical responsibility of providing accurate and timely diagnoses for patients.  

Her commitment to pathology was reinforced when a close family friend received treatment based on an incorrect diagnosis, which led to unnecessary procedures and systematic therapies that resulted in multiple complications. “Witnessing the profound impact of diagnostic accuracy on patient outcomes solidified my dedication to pathology,” Dr. Aung says.  

Her role at the intersection of research and patient care continues to inspire her work every day. Here, Dr. Aung, a professor of Pathology, director of the Surgical Pathology Fellowship Program, and rotation site director for the department of anatomic pathology at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, shares her thoughts on the fulfilling work of pathology, her legacy, and more in this edition of 3 Questions with (and a bonus!).  

What aspects of pathology do you find most intriguing and fulfilling? How do these align with your personal and professional interests?

One of the most intriguing and fulfilling aspects of pathology is the opportunity to train and mentor the next generation of pathologists and scientists. Beyond the technical precision of diagnostics, pathology is a field that thrives on continuous learning and innovation. Guiding trainees as they develop their expertise, refine their analytical skills, and grow into confident professionals is incredibly rewarding. 

This aligns closely with both my personal and professional interests—I am deeply committed to advancing education in pathology, fostering a culture of inquiry, and ensuring that future pathologists are equipped to make meaningful contributions to patient care and research. Seeing mentees evolve into skilled diagnosticians and researchers reinforces my passion for the field and motivates me to continue shaping the future of pathology. 

As a pathologist, you have a unique perspective on disease diagnosis and patient care. How do you approach the responsibility of delivering accurate and timely diagnoses, knowing they have a significant impact on patient outcomes?  

As a consultant in skin oncologic pathology with more than a decade of experience working at the No. 1 cancer center in the nation, I approach the responsibility of delivering accurate and timely diagnoses with the utmost precision and dedication. I recognize that every diagnosis carries significant implications for patient care, guiding treatment decisions that can directly impact outcomes. 

My experience in a leading cancer institution has reinforced the importance of rigorous analysis, multidisciplinary collaboration, and continuous learning. I ensure that each case is approached with a meticulous eye, integrating advanced molecular insights and clinicopathologic correlation to provide the most definitive diagnosis possible. 

Beyond technical expertise, I view pathology as a critical consultative role—supporting clinicians in making informed decisions and ensuring patients receive the most appropriate and effective care. The weight of this responsibility drives my commitment to excellence, knowing that behind every slide is a patient whose life and treatment depend on the accuracy of my assessment. 

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

I hope to leave a lasting legacy in pathology—one that reflects both advancing diagnostic science and mentoring the next generation of pathologists and physician-scientists. As the Director of the largest ACGME-accredited surgical pathology fellowship program, I have had the privilege of training and mentoring over 100 junior physicians and scientists nationally and internationally, fostering expertise that extends across borders and institutions. My commitment lies in developing future leaders who are not only technically proficient but also deeply engaged in research, innovation, and patient-centered care. 

Beyond education, I strive to contribute to the field by discovering new diagnostic and prognostic parameters and biomarkers for patients with skin cancers. By refining our understanding of disease at the molecular level, we can improve diagnostic accuracy, enhance treatment strategies, and ultimately transform patient outcomes in meaningful ways. 

Through both mentorship and scientific discovery, I aim to shape a future where pathology continues to evolve—where well-trained specialists drive innovation, advance precision medicine, and ensure that every patient receives the most accurate and personalized care possible. 

What does collaboration with physicians and other healthcare providers mean to you in ensuring the best care for patients?  

Collaboration with physicians and other healthcare providers is fundamental to delivering the highest quality care, especially for patients facing complex and life-altering conditions. As a consultant dermatopathologist at the No. 1 cancer center, I play a pivotal role in the multidisciplinary approach to patient management, working closely with oncologists, surgeons, dermatologists, and other specialists to provide comprehensive diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic insights from a pathological perspective. 

In cancer care, every decision—from treatment selection to long-term management—depends on precise pathology findings. My role is to deliver accurate diagnoses, identify prognostic markers, assess treatment response, and provide molecular insights that guide personalized therapy, ensuring that each patient receives the most effective and tailored treatment. 

True collaboration is built on seamless communication, shared expertise, and a commitment to patient-centered care. By integrating pathology into the broader clinical picture, we empower treating physicians with the critical information needed to make informed decisions, ultimately improving patient outcomes and advancing precision medicine.