Jacob Houpt
Tell me about your background before pathology/medical school?
Prior to attending medical school at Western University, I undertook an Honours Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Trent University. Throughout my time in both Peterborough and London, I’ve gravitated towards both laboratory and computational biochemistry research, marrying it whenever possible to the clinical neurological sciences.
What made you choose pathology as a career?
I think that “made you” is a very apt choice of words. As I became more and more exposed to the field, pathology felt (and still feels) like a uniquely necessary choice.
While I sincerely value my time spent with clinical services, the desire to help patients by navigating complex diagnostic possibilities through developing an enriched understanding of pathophysiology on a cellular and molecular level, I have found, is perfectly fulfilled by pathology. It is a field which endlessly rewards critical thinking, attention to detail, and curiosity – facets which I like to believe that I sometimes demonstrate. And, while the gravity carried by potential diagnoses is never far from one’s considerations, the world of microscopy is irreplaceable, with each lens providing greater and greater insight into an otherwise unseen universe.
To then specifically pursue neuropathology was fairly intuitive, where both complexity and curiosity see themselves amplified. While humanity’s comprehension of the nervous system has evolved to an intricate and advanced resolution, it is anything but resolved – with innumerable, consuming mysteries yet to be considered. It is a field of study wherein no matter the granularity of the detail, importance is a given – and boredom, an impossibility.
What attracted you to Western’s pathology program?
The strengths of Western’s Neuropathology program cannot be discussed without mention of its highly dedicated mentors whose enthusiasm catalyzes one’s own interest and cultivates a steadfast drive to hone one’s diagnostic acumen. There is also a genuine sense of collegiality and teamwork, where collaboration with clinical specialties like neurology and neurosurgery is second nature. Finally, Western’s strong forensics background lends itself well to providing an experience enriched with both surgical and autopsy neuropathology.
What attracted you to Western’s Neuropathology program?
The department has provided us the resources, mentorship, and opportunity to pursue our interests regardless of whether we wish to pursue a career in an academic, community or mixed setting. I have always felt heard, supported and encouraged to be a member of this Department, making the AP program at Western the obvious choice for my postgraduate training.
What are your hobbies outside of medicine?
I enjoy running, biking, and hiking in all weather conditions. When indoors, I do not do these things, and instead elect to noisily sharpen my coding or piano playing.
What are your academic interests?
It is difficult to find research areas and topics in the field of neuropathology that are not extremely engaging, but if I were to highlight a particular set of interests, unravelling the pathophysiological mechanisms of central nervous system developmental anomalies and degenerative phenomena is amongst the greatest captivators of my curiosity.
What are your career goals?
As I thoroughly enjoy research, teaching, and clinical neuropathology, and I would be saddened to eschew any one of these aspects, I hope to find a career in neuropathology that allows me to balance all three.
What is something you would like to tell students who may not be able to do an NP elective at Western?
I would first say to not worry, as most programs are more than understanding of extenuating circumstances that might preclude a formal NP elective, and second say that I hope you are comfortable to reach out and ask questions! There are many decisions to be made in the final year of medical school, and they are best made with the most information possible. If I can at all help in informing a decision that makes you as happy as possible, it will have been more than worthwhile.
