Humans of LMP, Programs: Postgraduate, Agile education, Impactful research, Inclusive community
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).
March is Liver Health Month — a month dedicated to raising awareness about liver disease, which affects 1 in 4 Canadians. We're highlighting second-year Diagnostic and Molecular Pathology resident, Majed A.
What are you studying at LMP and why are you interested in studying it?
I am a second-year resident in the Diagnostic and Molecular Pathology program at LMP. My interest in this field began in medical school, where Pathology and Physiology were my favourite subjects. I am drawn to this specialty because it allows me to take basic knowledge of diseases and apply it to clinical practice.
Tell us about your research
I recently completed a research project with liver pathologist Dr. David Dodington, focusing on the incidental detection of Alpha-1 Antitrypsin (A1AT) protein accumulation using PASD stains on liver specimens. A1AT deficiency is an inherited disease primarily affecting the lungs and liver. Our retrospective study found that identifying these PASD-positive globules when there was no clinical suspicion of A1AT deficiency often prompted genetic testing that revealed less severe—yet clinically significant—phenotypes. These phenotypes are documented in literature as potential factors in the progression to liver failure which further promoted testing of family members in certain cases. To build on these findings, we are currently developing an AI tool designed to automate the screening of these globules across all surgical liver specimens, ensuring these subtle findings aren't missed during routine pathology review.
What is the most interesting thing you’ve done, seen or got involved with while at LMP?
The sheer complexity of tumor heterogeneity and behavior. It’s remarkable how some tumors can spread rapidly while others, in rare cases, can actually regress. What fascinates me most are the evasive mechanisms they develop, from evading immune response to completely transforming their cellular lineage to survive therapy.
On a more personal note, I am proud to have worked with so many amazing minds in the field, along with wonderful colleagues who have become my close friends.
What has been an important learning experience in your life?
Invite forgiveness into your heart; harbouring anger, resentment or regrets only makes life harder and adds no real value.
Who is an influential person in your life and why?
I attribute much of who I am to my mother and siblings. My eldest sister was the first physician in our family; she managed the pressure of her medical training while simultaneously helping to raise and care for us. Watching our family navigate those sacrifices with such resilience gave me a perspective that makes most other challenges feel manageable by comparison. It took a significant collective effort for us to flourish.
What might it surprise people to know about you?
At some point in my life, I was presented with an opportunity to be a stand-up comedian; it remains my plan B.
What activities do you enjoy doing outside of work?
Eating Jollibee’s fried chicken with friends
What is your favourite album, film and novel?
Album: A tie between the discography of Fairuz and Hatsukoi by Hikaru Utada
Film: Millennium Actress by the late Satoshi Kon. It's a cinematic masterpiece that explores the lifelong chase for love & one’s purpose in life.
Novel: 1984 by George Orwell. Feels more relevant today than ever before.
Who would be your dream dinner guests?
Yoko Taro, David Lynch, and Satoshi Kon, because they are dreamers.
Where/what is your favourite place?
Sunset watching in Riverdale Park.
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?
