Get to Know, Vaishali Pansare, MD

Vaishali Pansare, MD
East Florida Division Medical Director HCA Healthcare Pathology Solutions
Boca Raton, Florida

What is your current role?
East Florida division Medical Director for HCA Healthcare Pathology Services. In this role, I have oversight of 14 hospitals and 9 free standing emergency center laboratories and 34 wonderful pathologists from Okeechobee to Miami.

What is the best part of your occupation? 
"Problem-solving" both at the microscope level and in my administrative role. The role played by a pathologist in giving an accurate diagnosis for accurate treatment cannot be overemphasized. Likewise, the role played by a medical director to ensure that the department and everyone follows policies to achieve this ultimate end goal is crucial.

How did you become interested in pathology?
My medical school rotation in Pathology was the turning point for me. Morning lecture on a topic followed by lab on that same topic in the afternoon helped strengthen your knowledge and core concepts. Everything made sense to me and it just carried with me when I graduated.

How did you become involved with the FSP?
I recently moved to Florida (2024) from Michigan. I have been a long term advocate of the practice of Pathology and was the president of Michigan Society of Pathologists. I understand that "all poltitics is local" and want to contribute to the service of Pathology. The fantastic educational conferences offered by FSP are icing on the cake!

Explain how you benefit from being a member of FSP?
I get to network with my colleagues, all while learning from some really great speakers in a fun environment. Networking with the Pathology community is very rewarding. Additionally, as a FSP member, I know that I contribute towards advancing our profession and advocating for our profession at the local level.

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?
Technological advances in our field is phenomenal right now, but we need to have some guardrails to protect our profession. I hope that Pathology as a profession gets recognition at all levels, including with AMA and in Washington DC.  We need more medical students applying for Pathology residency training to mitigate our staffing challenges.

What are your hobbies outside of the office?
Reading, cooking and traveling with family.

What is something surprising that most people do not know about you?
I have climbed an Icelandic glacier before.

Is there anything I did not ask that you would like me to mention in the article?
I am open to networking and helping younger generation succeed. I am happy to chat with anyone who is looking for career guidance or just want to chat.