By Terri Munday, HT (ASCP)
Munday Scientific Instrument Service
Since 1996, I’ve had the honor of calling myself a certified Histotechnician. Nearly three decades later, I’m still cutting tissue—and loving every moment of it. If you're unfamiliar with histology, let me take you behind the scenes into a world that’s equal parts science, precision, and artistry.
Where It All Began
My journey started at Central Carolina Hospital in Sanford, where I was given a life-changing opportunity by Dr. Dummit. I had no previous experience, but he saw potential in me and provided the training I needed. From there, I was fortunate to learn from several outstanding mentors who introduced me to the intricate and fascinating world of histology.
Histotechnicians often work behind closed doors, but our contributions are essential to healthcare. We are the ones who prepare the slides that pathologists rely on to diagnose diseases—from skin cancers to internal organ abnormalities. Without us, there is no diagnosis, and without diagnosis, there is no treatment. We are, in many ways, the hidden artists of the laboratory.
The Science That Never Stops Giving
Even after all these years, histology continues to amaze me. Every tissue sample is different. Every process is a puzzle that requires scientific understanding, steady hands, and meticulous attention to detail. I still learn something new almost every single day.
Currently, I’m part of a dermatology practice specializing in Mohs histology, which focuses on frozen sectioning of skin for immediate cancer margin evaluation. I also perform melanoma Mart1 processing, which is essential in identifying melanocytic lesions. It’s intense, delicate work—but incredibly fulfilling.
Teaching the Next Generation
One of the most rewarding parts of my career has been the opportunity to train others. I’ve mentored several individuals in routine histology over the years. Watching them thrive and knowing that I had a hand in shaping their path is something I treasure deeply. Many of them are still active in the field, and I hope they carry forward some of the work habits and standards I emphasized during our time together.
Why Histology Matters
Many people don’t realize how crucial histology is in the diagnostic chain. The processes of embedding, cutting, and staining tissue are not just technical tasks—they are the foundation upon which accurate diagnoses are built. Without a quality slide, a pathologist cannot make a confident diagnosis. Histology is not optional—it’s essential.
What’s Next
Now that you know a bit about my background and why I’m so passionate about this field, stay tuned for my next post, where I’ll walk you through the Mohs histology process in greater detail. Whether you’re a fellow lab professional or just curious about how diagnoses are made, I hope you’ll find it enlightening.
Until then, thank you for taking a moment to explore the world of histology with me.
Warm regards,
Terri Munday, HT (ASCP)
Munday Scientific Instrument Service
📧 terri@mundaymicroscope.com
🔬 www.mundaymicroscope.com