Jenna LeBlanc says she's not sure what she would do if she were not a cytologist. She finds tremendous rewards in being able to use her laboratory expertise to "solve puzzles" and bring patients the reassurance of a diagnosis. The program director for the Master of Science in Cytotechnology and Molecular Cytology, LeBlanc has had an exciting Fall 2024 semester. The program expanded with a new hybrid option that allows students to attend lectures online while completing laboratory requirements in satellite locations. And in November, she received the 2024 Cytologist Award for Outstanding Achievement from the American Society of Cytopathology.
1. You became interested in cytology as an undergraduate student. What excited you about the field and still keeps you motivated?
I wanted to be in the medical field, but wasn’t sure how I fit in. One day, an ACPHS student was speaking to our undergraduate class at the College of Saint Rose about the cytology program and profession. I was drawn to the microscopic and diagnostic aspects of cytology, particularly cancer diagnostics.
As a patient, it is a terrible feeling to not have answers regarding your health. Cytologists are a significant part of the diagnostic team and contribute to patient care by getting those answers. Remembering there is a patient on the other side of the glass slide is something that keeps me motivated, and no two cases are the same. Solving the diagnostic puzzle, so to speak, is such a rewarding feeling!
2. Is there a moment in your career as a cytologist that you look back on and say, yes, that really made a difference? Or perhaps, I know I made the right choice of career?
There are everyday moments to remind me that going into this profession was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. As a practicing cytologist, I have a positive impact on healthcare by making specific diagnoses that will ultimately tailor the patient’s treatment. As an educator, there is no better feeling than to see the difference you make in your students’ lives and their successes. I hope I can give as much back to this profession as it has given me.
3. Tell us briefly about your role in developing the Cytotechnology and Molecular Cytology master’s program at ACPHS.
I can’t take credit for the development of the master’s level program. That credit goes to my amazing predecessor and mentor, Dr. Indra Balachandran. However, I strive to consistently update the curriculum to keep up with the evolving scope of practice and needs of laboratories. Over the years, I have developed and implemented new learning materials and activities. New technologies have also been incorporated into courses.
4. That program now has a hybrid option, which allows working adults to take a portion of classes online while completing required laboratory work remotely, often at their workplaces, under the supervision of an on-site professional. Why did you think it was important to add that option?
I thought it was important to provide this option to traditional and non-traditional students who are unable to pack up their lives and relocate to Albany, N.Y., for whatever reason. Also, the profession is experiencing an extreme workforce shortage largely due to the retiring population. We can assist employers with filling the vacant positions in their labs by training additional cytologists or their employees via the hybrid track.
5. If you had not become a cytologist, what would you be?
Honestly, I don’t know. A career in music, drawing/painting or sailing? Book editor? I have many different interests and hobbies, but cytology is my passion. I feel at home in the profession. I realize how cheesy that sounds. It is such a tight-knit and welcoming community though. Being active in professional organizations like the American Society of Cytopathology (ASC) has provided many wonderful opportunities to meet talented professionals and get involved. Our job role has changed so much, and there are multiple environments and avenues to explore. There is never a dull moment in cytology!