South Bend Medical Foundation is proud to announce that one of our doctors, Dr. Snehal Sonawane, has been chosen for the prestigious 2021 American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) 40 Under Forty award. This list spotlights 40 highly accomplished pathologists, pathology residents, and laboratory professionals under the age of 40, all of whom have made significant contributions to the profession and stand out as leaders who are helping shape the future of pathology and laboratory medicine. Let’s get to know Dr. Sonawane:
Education
Dr. Sonawane graduated from the Government Medical College in Miraj, Maharashtra, India, before completing her pathology residency at the University of Illinois Medical Center followed by her surgical pathology fellowship at Loyola University Medical Center. Dr. Sonawane is also board certified in Anatomic and Clinical Pathology by the American Board of Pathology. Dr. Sonawane says that her interest in pathology started in medical school while using small tissue to find diagnoses. She also says that while she does enjoy the research side of pathology, she prefers working with and helping her patients.
Inspiration
Dr. Sonawane credits her father and several of her professors as key role models and mentors on her journey to becoming a pathologist. Her father was a physician when she was growing up and he encouraged her to pursue a career in medicine.
Reactions to Nomination
Dr. Sonawane says that while she knew that she had been nominated for the list, she didn’t expect to be named to it. She was very surprised and overjoyed to receive the award. She says that competition for the award is stiff and there are many pathologists nominated each year. Her family was equally overjoyed by her success. When they found out they rushed to tell other family members and friends.
Why SBMF?
When asked to explain what makes South Bend Medical Foundation special, Dr. Sonawane responded that SBMF is in a unique position in the community. She says that areas like Chicago have around seven different institutions that study or have pathology labs, whereas in South Bend the SBMF is one of the only pathology labs in the area. She wanted to be in an area where she could help those in need.
Biggest Achievement
Dr. Sonawane has had many of her manuscripts, abstracts, and posters published in peer-reviewed journals thanks to her outstanding research and dedication to the field and is a contributing author and editor for the book Ace the board: Non-neoplastic Hematopathology. She also received a Scholarly Activity award for her dedication to research while completing her residency at the University of Illinois Chicago. Her research has also led to new treatment options for patients with severe dry eye disease. However, she says that receiving the prestigious 2021 ASCP 40 Under Forty award is her greatest achievement to date.
Looking Forward
Dr. Sonawane is excited about the future of pathology and the role that technology will play in it. She believes that advancements in medical technology can help the underserved and understaffed areas of the state and country so that everyone can access the pathology and medical tests that they need. Presently, she is pursuing a master’s in health informatics.
More About ASCP
The ASCP has more than 100,000 members in the United States. These members include anatomic and clinical pathologists, residents and fellows, medical laboratory professionals, and students. Its mission is to improve patient care through advancements in laboratory medicine. They strive to provide “excellence in education, certification, and advocacy on behalf of patients, pathologists, and laboratory professionals.” You can learn more about the ASCP on their website.
South Bend Medical Foundation would like to again congratulate Dr. Sonawane on her nomination and placement on the ASCP 40 under Forty list for 2021. This award is a huge achievement and SBMF is proud to have Dr. Sonawane as part of our team.
You can learn more about Dr. Sonawane, our team, and the services that we offer on our website.
