Get to Know, Esther Yoon, MD FCAP

Esther Yoon, MD FCAP  
Regional Section Head, Surgical Pathology & Anatomic Pathology - Cleveland Clinic 
Weston, Florida

What is your current role?
I am a staff pathologist at Cleveland Clinic Weston, where I also serve as the Section Head of Surgical Pathology for the Florida Region. 

What is the best part of your occupation?
I enjoy working with dedicated staffs and continuously learning from colleagues across various subspecialties. The exchange of ideas and expertise makes the work both intellectually rewarding and collegial.   

How did you become interested in pathology?
I was drawn to pathology because of its unique blend of visual interpretation and investigative thinking. Each case presents a diagnostic puzzle- one that requires integrating gross and histologic findings with the patient's overall clinical context. In many instances, pathology provides the definitive answer to a clinical question and plays a pivotal role in guiding patient management and treatment decision. 

How did you become involved with the FSP?
My involvement with Florida Society of Pathologists (FSP) grew after attending the CAP Practice Leadership Summit in 2025. There, I had the opportunity to connect with several FSP members and gained a deeper appreciation for the organization's commitment to support pathologists across the state. 

Explain how you benefit from being a member of FSP?
Beyond its excellent annual educational conference, FSP offers valuable opportunities for networking, and professional development. FSP is a strong, supportive organization for both early-career and seasoned pathologists alike. 

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?
It will be nice to integrate AI and digital pathology into daily practice to enhance both the efficiency and accuracy of our work. Also I'm impressed by the advancements and discoveries of molecular pathology and how it is applied in clinical trials of emerging drugs and treatments. Lastly, I'd love to see greater global collaboration, helping bridge the pathologist's community across different parts of the world. 

What are your hobbies outside of the office?
My hobbies include running in the morning, playing with my fur-baby, and learning/trying new things. 

What is something surprising that most people do not know about you?
Briefly, at one point during my medical school, I wanted to do surgery. 

Is there anything I did not ask that you would like me to mention in the article?
Thank you for the opportunity to share my story and thank you Shana for the reminders!