Humans of LMP: Lusia Sepiashvili

Each month we speak to a member of the Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology community and find out more about them as part of an initiative from our Wellness, Inclusion, Diversity and Equity Committee (WIDE).

This month, we feature Clinical Biochemist at The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids), Dr. Lusia Sepiashvili.

How long have you been at LMP and what does your role involve?

I have been at LMP since 2018 and I am a Clinical Biochemist at The Hospital for Sick Children. I primarily act a medical scientific resource and provide oversight over various sections of the Clinical Biochemistry Division as part of the Department of Paediatric Laboratory Medicine including the Rapid Response Laboratory, Special Chemistry Laboratory and the Immunology Laboratory.

I also teach at the undergraduate (LMP301), graduate (LMP1207) and post-graduate levels and conduct laboratory medicine research.

Tell us about your research

My research covers diverse clinical applications with the common theme of diagnostic innovation in applied laboratory medicine with a focus on pediatrics. I work with collaborators at SickKids, nationally, and internationally to study novel biomarkers of disease or make improvements in the use or interpretation of tests used by our clinical colleagues.

What led you to pursue your current career path?  

My interest in science is what initially led me to pursue my current career path. Coming from a science enriched background during my high school studies and being new to Canada, I was unfamiliar with the Canadian undergraduate education system.

I ended up pursuing undergraduate studies in biochemistry at York University simply since it was near where I lived and I thought biochemistry would be interesting and challenging. Towards the end of my undergraduate studies, I felt that there were very limited career prospects in my field. Many of the students I studied with were pursuing professional school like pharmacy or medicine. While I found professional school appealing, I felt that graduate school could be a viable alternative and it allowed me to expand my scientific knowledge and skillset.

My doctoral thesis was focused on cancer biomarker identification using proteomic and other innovative technologies. It was at this time that I became very interested in how laboratory tests are born and get into clinical practice to support patient care. I felt this was a major knowledge gap considering the type of research I was doing. This interest led me to be involved in the Life Sciences Career Development Society at the University of Toronto which is meant to expose graduate students to various career paths. After talking to many people and both organizing and going to many events, I learned of Clinical Chemistry as a career option which was a perfect fit for what I wanted to do next. I was incredibly fortunate to be accepted to the Clinical Chemistry post-doctoral program at Mayo Clinic which is home to one of the world’s leading clinical laboratories and the rest is history.

What working achievement or initiative are you most proud of?

I am proud of the collaborations I have established with laboratory and clinical colleagues, this is one of the most rewarding aspects of my job on a daily basis. I am also proud to have been recently promoted to Associate Professor.

What was the best career advice you ever received?  

The best career advice I received was probably from my doctoral co-supervisor Dr. Fei-Fei Liu at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, which I interpreted both as career and personal advice (although it was intended to be the former). This advice was when you want to achieve something that it is very important to build a proper support system. During graduate studies everyone emphasizes the importance of becoming an independent scientist and being able to problem solve independently, however, building a community around you is equally important. 

What has been an important learning experience in your life?  

Completing my post-doctoral fellowship at the Mayo Clinic was the most valuable experience in my life so far.

Who is an influential person in your life and why? 

My mother, seeing how much she has accomplished moving to a new country and overcoming the challenge of building a new life for our family here in Canada inspires me strive for more on a daily basis.

What would it surprise people to know about you? 

I don’t like cheesecake - most people find this surprising!

What activities do you enjoy doing outside of work? 

I enjoy spending time with family and friends and love traveling whenever I get the opportunity.

What is your favourite album, film and novel? 

I don’t really have a favorite, I grew up in the 90’s and early 2000’s so a lot of my favorite movies, music and novels are from that period.

Who would be your dream dinner guests? 

I would like to time travel for dinner and have dinner with myself and my sister when were kids and older adults - we could give ourselves useful advice.

Where or what is your favourite place? 

Outside of Canada it is the Island of Maui in Hawaii. In Canada, I found Kelowna to be my favorite place so far but I am still exploring!

If you were stuck on a deserted island but had all your basic needs taken care of (i.e. food and water), what two items would you bring with you and why?

Coloring books to keep me busy and my phone - I keep wanting to learn how to play Minecraft with my niece but can never find the time, at least on the island I would have more time!