I write to you with great privilege recommending Amy Wendel Spiczka. Amy is presently an Assistant Professor in Pathology and Laboratory medicine in the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and also the Anatomic Pathology Manager at the Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale, Arizona. She graduated from the MSHS Cytotechnology program in 1997 and obtained further certifications in histotechnology and Cytotechnology. Positions held by her previously include; Education Supervisor, Division of Anatomic Pathology, Education Coordinator, Division of Anatomic Pathlogy both at the Mayo Clinic, Rochester. She was formerly Education Coordinator, Cytotechnology Program and Program Director, Histology Technician Program Clinical Experience at the Mayo School of Health Sciences.
I met her in 1999 while a student at the Cytotechnology program. She can be described as a highly motivated, cherrful, friendly and loving leader who through her intelligence, focus and dilligence has continued to advance and promote the cause of science through her incisive research, education and mentorship. Her dedication to work, collegues, students and patients alike is unparalleled.
In recognition of her excellent work and outstanding abilities, she was given several awards; include The 2005 MSHS Mentor Award, The 2008 MSHS Outstanding Educator Award and the American Society for Cytopathology (ASC) Future of the Profession Award in 2008. Worthy of mention is the ASCP Regional Member Award in 2010, Phi Theta Kappa Top Scholar Award in 1995 and the ASCP Medical Photography Competition, Honourable Mention in 1999 among others. She was also fully involved in developing the new curriculum for the recently revamped MSHS Cytotechnology program. Asides teaching and developing curricula she has and i am sure she would continue to mentor educators and students alike. Sandra Montgomery, Marla Herbert, Michelle Nelsen and Jennifer Lamers among others have been mentored by her. Her mentees are also specialists and exceptional individuals in their art.
In 2011, she was highly instrumental in the development of the Laboratory Medicine and Pathology department orientation for new employees. She also initiated two fine needle aspiration services for patients at the Mayo Clinic in Arizona. These services are now employed in radiology and endoscopy. In addition she is the arrowhead of the Quality Improvement Committee for Anatomic Pathology and also the Dermatopathology Labelling Project. Apart from her immense contribution to the development of the field of pathology at Mayo Clinic and MSHS, Amy is a dedicated volunteer and leader at the community, local and national level.
She remains focussed on research centred on improved care of the patients, improving competence and hence quality output of technologists that perform daunting and highly complex tasks in addition to advancing the field of Anatomic Pathology. Her areas of interest cum research include Cytologic/ histology correlation, Gynaecologic Cytopathy especially atypical glandular cells, molecular pathology as it relates to morphologuc traits, FISH and the utility of the test in Cytopathology laboratory and innovative education methodology combined with evolving practice models. She has authored and co-authored many books and research finding which are highly referenced.
She was initiated a project in Mexico that screens women for the deadly cervical and breast cancer diseases. Her team ensured tha t the women not screened for both pre-malignant and malignant changes but also benefitted from counselling and appropriate follow up care.
Thank you for considering Amy Wendel Spiczka for the 2012 MSHS Alumni Association Recognition of Outstanding Contribution Award. I have no doubt that she would continue to relentlessly advance the field of Anatomic Pathology.
