3 Questions with Breann Zeches, MD

Breann Zeches, MD, is excited to be in a field where innovation can directly translate into better outcomes and care for patients. The rapid evolution of pathology tools is inspiring, she says, especially in neuro-oncology, where molecular targets and methylation patterns continue to play a central role in classification and prognosis, coupled with a push for minimally invasive diagnostics.  

Serving in roles with ASCP has also inspired Dr. Zeches, a neuropathology fellow at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, particularly with pathology trainees and ambassadors. She’s seen firsthand how powerful storytelling can be and has shown her that people connect with the laboratory not through statistics or clinical terminology, but through stories about real patients and real impact. Creating space for others, especially trainees or others who may not see themselves reflected in the field, is critical, she has learned, adding, “For me, advocacy means not just speaking up for the value of pathology but actively teaching others about it. The more we educate, the more we empower others to advocate, and that cycle strengthens the future of our profession.”

Here, Dr. Zeches shares more of her thoughts on her career in pathology.

How do you handle the emotional aspects of your work, such as delivering difficult diagnoses or dealing with patient outcomes?

In neuropathology, many of the cases we see — brain tumors, neurodegenerative diseases — are inherently heavy. There's something particularly poignant about working with diseases that affect memory, movement, and identity. I have learned to hold space for that emotional weight without letting it overwhelm me. What helps is focusing on the clarity we can offer in uncertain situations; even when the outcome is difficult, providing an answer can be a powerful form of care.

My hope is to help demystify pathology for patients, for other medical professionals, and for students considering the field. Through my roles in ASCP and mentorship, I have had the chance to share what we do and why it matters. Ultimately, I want to be someone who not only provides excellent diagnoses but also uplifts the visibility of our field, supports trainees, and advocates for better recognition of the laboratory’s role in patient care.

What does being involved in patient care mean to you as a pathologist?

To me, it means being a typically quiet but essential part of the care team. Our diagnoses set the course for treatment; they inform surgery, guide therapy, and provide answers. Even though we may not be in the room with the patient, our expertise walks in with the clinician every time they explain a diagnosis or plan. That connection is powerful, even if it seems at times indirect.

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

It means being a trusted voice in a larger conversation. Some of the most personally meaningful diagnoses I have contributed to have come from close collaboration with neurosurgeons, neurologists, radiologists, and oncologists. We each bring different pieces of the puzzle, and when those perspectives come together, the patient benefits.