Get to Know Elena Vrotsos, DO

Elena Vrotsos, DO
Medical Director at Broward Health Coral Springs
Coral Springs, Florida

What is your current role?
I currently hold the position of Medical Director at Broward Health Coral Springs, one of the four flagship hospitals within the Broward Health system.

What is the best part of your occupation?
The most rewarding aspect of my profession is the daily interaction with my colleagues—including clinicians, laboratory staff, and histology personnel—as we collectively strive to deliver exemplary patient care. When you choose a career that truly aligns with your personality, daily work transforms into a source of genuine satisfaction and purpose. I cannot imagine myself in any field other than pathology.

How did you become interested in pathology?
During my early third-year clinical rotations, I elected to spend time in pathology under the mentorship of Dr. Johnson at Wellington Regional Medical Center, where he served as the medical director. Our daily activities ranged from reviewing slides and formulating differential diagnoses to unravel complex diagnostic challenges, to ordering special stains and immunohistochemical studies, participating in frozen sections, and collaborating closely with surgeons. I also had the opportunity to present at tumor boards, which further deepened my understanding of pathology’s pivotal role in patient care. I soon developed a deep and enduring passion for the discipline—both for its indispensable role in guiding clinical management and for the balanced, fulfilling professional life it offers.

How did you become involved with the FSP?
During my first year of residency at Mount Sinai Medical Center, our chairman, Dr. Poppiti, strongly encouraged our engagement with the Florida Society of Pathologists, and the department generously supported our attendance at its meetings. This experience provided an excellent introduction to a broad network of pathologists and influential leaders within the community, offering invaluable exposure early in my training.

Explain how you benefit from being a member of FSP?
FSP is an exceptional state pathology organization that fosters collaboration and networking on a far more personal and accessible level than many national societies. The evening receptions are among my favorite aspects of the meetings—they provide an opportunity to reconnect with former co-residents and to meet emerging leaders in the field. Moreover, the educational lectures and topic updates are consistently relevant, insightful, and thoroughly up-to-date.

What would you like to see occur in the field of pathology (i.e., scientific advances, greater awareness of the field, etc.) during your career?
I would like to see greater involvement of pathologists with FSP and hospital leadership, as pathologists are an integral component of healthcare and their vital role should be more actively promoted. Furthermore, advancing technology to enhance turnaround times, as well as the accuracy and precision of clinical testing, remains of paramount importance to improving patient care and outcomes. 

What are your hobbies outside of the office?
Beyond my professional responsibilities, I enjoy playing tennis, maintaining an active lifestyle, traveling, and cherishing quality time with my children and family. 

What is something surprising that most people do not know about you?
I came to the United States at the age of 20 on my own—a journey that was simultaneously challenging, rewarding, and profoundly enriching.

Is there anything we didn’t ask that you’d like included?  
I would suggest that residents consider participating in the College of American Pathologists’ Leadership Academy. This program offers an excellent opportunity to develop leadership skills and would meaningfully enhance engagement and professional growth within the field.