Member Profiles
Getting to Know Leigh
Leigh Sims Poston
Chair, ISCT Laboratory Practices Committee
Leigh Sims Poston, BS MT(ASCP) is the current chair of the Laboratory Practices Committee. She joined the LPC in 2005, was asked to stay on the committee after her initial term expired and then was asked to serve as chair in 2009. She has over 25 years of experience within clinical laboratory medicine. Leigh and her husband, Phil, are the proud pet parents of one cat, Rebger. They currently reside in Richmond, VA.
What drew you to the field of cellular therapy?
Actually, it was long before anyone used the term cellular therapy. I have always known what I wanted to do. As a young teen I knew that I wanted to work in medicine specifically, hematology, to fight cancer. Initially my focus was directed to bone marrow analysis to diagnose leukemia and lymphoma. When I learned of bone marrow transplant that opened up more opportunities to learn and grow. So, for the past 16 years I have been totally committed to this field.
When, how and why did you become involved with ISCT?
I first joined ISCT in 1995. That was “back in the day” when the name was ISHAGE. I was at UNC Hospitals in Chapel Hill, NC. We performed a multi-center CD34 enumeration study. We submitted an abstract which was accepted. So, my first annual meeting was in Vancouver, Canada. It was very exciting. (By the way, we developed the abstract into an article which was published in the society journal, at that time, the Journal of Hematotherapy.)
This was the beginning of a long relationship that has supported years of professional and personal interaction with colleagues and friends.
Where were you born and raised?
I was born in Laurel, Mississippi. I am the youngest of five children and my family never moved. We lived on a small farm. So, I have a strong appreciation of and respect for nature.
Do you have any hobbies or talents?
Talents no, hobbies yes.
I love to cook. Maybe it is that southern hospitality thing but I have a strong desire to “feed” anyone who visits. This is one area that I am totally reckless in. Most of the time, I don’t use recipes! This creative outlet may be influenced by my day job, following SOPs to the letter.
I also enjoy gardening. Last summer my garden had, bountiful tomatoes, peppers and herbs. I’ve included a picture of my flowers.
What is the most adventurous thing you have done in your life so far?
I guess it would be white water rafting. I love the water; but, I am not a strong swimmer. So, part of my goal was to master my fear. Of course, there was a guide and the rapids were not level 3 or 4. It was wonderful, very exciting. I would love to do it again.
If you weren’t in this profession, what would you envision yourself doing?
This is where it breaks down for me. I can’t imagine doing anything else.
I have had the opportunity to work with so many great clinicians and laboratorians through out my career. I can’t possibly thank them enough. However, my greatest reward has come from the patients. Just to be a part of their treatment, recovery, life - even if it is for a short time, is tremendous. Whatever direction you pursue within cellular therapy, the potential for challenge and reward is immeasurable.
Get Involved!
I would like to encourage everyone to become involved in ISCT. We had a tremendous response to LPC membership recruitment in 2009. All of the society’s committees welcome your input and involvement. Our 2010 Annual Meeting is just around the corner. There are many interesting and informative sessions planned for the program. On behalf of the Laboratory Practices Committee and as chair of the ISBT 128 Labeling for Cellular Therapy Products workshop, I hope you will have an opportunity to attend the meeting and I look forward to seeing you there.
Getting to Know Massimo
Massimo Dominici, MD
Treasurer, ISCT
Massimo Dominici, M.D., is an assistant professor in Oncology and Hematology at the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia University of Modena and Reggio Emilia. Modena is an ancient city (3rd century BC) with an old University dated 1175 AC. Modena is the home of the traditional balsamic vinegar, Luciano Pavarotti and the Italian sports car manufacturers Ferrari, Lamborghini and Maserati. Massimo has been an ISCT member since 2001. He is currently a member of the Mesenchymal & Tissue Stem Cells Committee and the ISCT Treasurer and has seen the society go from operating at a loss to being profitable. In the 2009 he co-founded the forum of Italian Researchers on Mesenchymal Stromal Cells (FIRST). READ FULL INTERVIEW
