I entered medical school knowing exactly what I would do. I wanted to become a surgeon, just like my Idaho neighbor and good friend, Dr. Richard Neher. But a chance meeting changed my course and led me to pathology instead. I love the practice of pathology because I get to solve the mystery of the diagnosis for every single one of my patients.
How I got here
I grew up in Flagstaff, Arizona and Sandpoint, Idaho before heading east for college. I earned my bachelor’s degree in chemistry at Bryn Mawr College. My medical training is from the University of Pennsylvania, where I received a combined degree of Medical Doctorate and a Master’s in Education (MD, MEd).
My career changing chance meeting was with pathologist Dr. Leslie Litzky, who sat next to me at a Women in Medicine dinner at Penn. The interest she sparked in me led to my residency in anatomic pathology at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, followed by a fellowship in Molecular Genetic Pathology.
I’ve held academic, clinical and leadership/administrative positions at the University of Pittsburgh, the Cleveland Clinic, and Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School. I moved south in 2011 to accept the Chair of Pathology at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. I am also the Pathology Service Line Director and Chair of the Medical Staff Professionalism Committee. I have previously served as Chief of Staff, Medical Executive Committee Chair, and Credentials Committee Chair.
Leadership in Action
Active nationally and internationally in pathology organizations, I am currently an elected member of the Board of Governors for the College of American Pathologists. I previously served as a council member for the United States and Canadian Academy of Pathology and as the President of the Association for Molecular Pathology (2013).
Leading the Next Generation
As I have moved through various management roles, I have been struck by the importance of having strong leadership skills, in addition to the requisite diagnostic capabilities. In recent years, I have become certified as an Executive Leadership Coach (Associate Certified Coach) with the International Coach Federation. I am certified as a Neurolinguistic Programming Practitioner, an EQ-i and ESCI assessor for emotional intelligence and as a group coach. My coaching practice focuses on current and emerging leaders in healthcare and medicine. I have a specialty interest in coaching women physician leaders. I created and lead “Unlocking the Authentic Self,” which is a continuing medical education group coaching program for impostor syndrome.
When I’m Not at Work
My interests outside of work are diverse. I am the proud mother of three kids who are all competitive swimmers. I am an N2 certified USA swimming official, even though I am a terrible swimmer! I am a certified Crossfit Level 1 Coach, certified level 2 Reiki practitioner, and have a ongoing mindfulness meditation practice. And, I love to read! If you want to check out what I am reading these days, this is my updated book list.
Follow Jennifer Hunt on Facebook (JenniferHuntMD) and Twitter (@jhuntpath).