“I think of pathology as solving puzzles, and love the very basic science aspects of it."
Dr. Kathryn Swartz, a pathologist, recently joined the team with the Marshfield Medical Center-Beaver Dam lab and will do outreach at Reedsburg Medical Center, Mauston and Richland Hospital. She is also the medical director of Marshfield Medical Center-Neillsville.
Dr. Swartz discovered her love for medicine during a two-year stint in the Peace Corps. She was introduced to medicine through hands-on experience and had transformative experiences that led her to pursue a career in health care. She believes in a philosophy of putting the patient first, always.
“I always enjoyed science," Dr. Swartz said, “but wasn't certain what I wanted to do with my life until I joined the Peace Corps and saw just how important even basic medical care can be. I decided after my time in Nepal to pursue becoming a doctor."
One of the things that Dr. Swartz enjoys about working in the lab is how surprisingly social her position is. She values outreach and making sure quality health care is delivered to hospitals and clinics regardless of size.
“Pathology is an odd field," she said. “It is one of the fields where you practice pure medicine. But it is surprisingly social. I do a lot of outreach with clients that keeps me connected and I have an opportunity to contribute to quality and accreditation."
Dr. Swartz earned her Doctorate of Medicine degree at Georgetown University in Washington D.C. and her Surgical Pathology fellowship at Mayo Clinic.
When she is not at work, Dr. Swartz loves to do CrossFit and cook. She also enjoys spending time with family.