Louise Mui
Tell me about your background before pathology/medical school
I grew up in Richmond Hill, north of Toronto. My undergraduate degree was in basic medical science at Western, and I worked several years after that as a medical administrative assistance at an optometry-ophthalmology joint clinic before I got into medical school. I then completed my medical degree at Western University’s satellite campus in Windsor.
What made you choose pathology as a career?
I’ve always been an inquisitive person. I love mysteries and puzzle solving, and reading through the discovery process to determine why something happened. Forensics was an early draw for me and kept pathology on my radar early in my undergraduate studies, but what really drew me to the career path was seeing how involved the specialty is in finding the answers to diagnostic questions for patients. I found it rewarding to directly visualize and search out clues that might explain what is ailing a patient to guide optimal treatment, or might explain why somebody had passed away in mysterious circumstances. After seeing how close-knit the teams of pathologists I worked with were, and how balanced the lifestyle was, I know pathology would be the specialty for me.
What attracted you to Western's pathology program?
Having had the chance to do a few elective rotations with Western’s pathology department, I saw first hand how supported the residents were, and how collegial all the pathologists, administrative staff, and laboratory staff were. I also had full confidence in the strength of the program’s training environment, and the multitude of opportunities for residents to be involved in other interests they wished to pursue in their careers, whether it be teaching, research, or quality assurance and other academic pursuits. I knew I wanted to train at a center which served as a forensic center with strong autopsy training, and everything put together spelled out that Western was the best program for me.
What are some specific things that you like about Western's AP program?
I would have to say that the supportive environment is a major draw to the program. I had the pleasure of working with the pathology residents and staff during my time as an elective student at Western, so I had first hand experience of how supportive and friendly everyone was in the department. I also really appreciated how centralized pathology is at Western, where the entire department and all the pathologists can be found in the same floor of one hospital, which makes everyone accessible if anybody is looking for support, guidance, or just to talk and run ideas by somebody in the department. I really felt that Western’s AP program would be on where I could be confident in the level my training, that I would be able to approach anyone for help or guidance where I needed it, and where I would be satisfied during the entirety of my resident training.
What are your hobbies outside of medicine?
Outside of medicine, I’m a hobby baker and long-time digital artist. I also enjoy video games in my spare time, and while I like to whittle some hours away with friends online when I want to wind down, I also watch Esports and have travelled to see live tournaments. Whatever time I have left outside of medicine and my hobbies is taken up entirely by my two cats.
What are your academic interests?
I am interested in medical education and would love to pursue further opportunities to be involved in both medical school education and resident training. I would also like to dabble in more research during my time in residency, and in particular would like to examine the utility of digital assets in pathology to see where technology can play a role to streamline the diagnostic process.
What are your career goals?
I’ve long fostered an interest in pursuing forensic pathology specifically, and look forward to engaging in training during my residency to increase my exposure to this subspecialty, however, I enjoy other aspects of pathology, with an interest in gynecological pathology, and so I am open to any opportunities in pathology at this stage in my training.
What is something you would like to tell students who may not be able to do an AP elective at Western?
I think the Western has a highly unique and wonderfully supportive group of residents here, and the program really is as good and fun as we make it all out to sound. We work together closely, take steps to support each other, and attend social activities together outside of work.
If you have any questions or want to know what an experience here is like, please feel free to reach out to any of us.
