#ARCTIC. #SIBERIA. THIS IS TAIMYR. He is a doctor in his third generation, having started in pediatrics before transitioning to therapy. However, after attending a lecture by a teacher who inspired him, he decided to become a pathologist. Contrary to popular belief, not all pathologists work in a morgue; many have workspaces that resemble scientific laboratories.
Pathologists are highly educated medical professionals, often referred to as “doctors for doctors”. By conducting complex tissue analyses, they assist physicians from various specialties in diagnosing diseases and making treatment decisions, particularly in oncology. For simplicity, they often call themselves “pathoanatomists”.
“Pathoanatomists focus exclusively on diseases, performing diagnostic procedures aimed at identifying various ailments. Autopsies account for only five to ten percent of our work. Our primary role is diagnosis. We conduct cellular-level diagnostics, which is considered the most accurate and reliable method for detecting changes in cell structure and taking early action against cancer”, explains Vladimir Gapeyev, head of the pathology department at Norilsk city hospital No. 1.
Vladimir hails from a family of medical professionals: his mother was a pediatrician for many years, while his father worked as a therapist. His grandfather was also a doctor, serving as a therapist and radiologist throughout World War II before attending the Crimean Medical Institute. With such a strong family background, it’s no surprise that Vladimir’s career choice was somewhat predetermined. He has been in the profession for 25 years, and as he puts it, he never tires of it because no two days are alike, and he constantly encounters new challenges.
The work of a pathologist demands ongoing learning, dedication, and a passion for the field. Sometimes, doctors must work on weekends to stay updated on the latest diagnostic methods. Many things are changing, including approaches to treating various diseases, including tumors, as well as their classifications and the attitudes toward them.
“If something was once considered a benign process, it may eventually be recognized as a malignant tumor, which requires a different approach. Some patients may need radiation therapy, while others might require magnetic therapy or chemotherapy. Accurate diagnosis allows the doctor to choose the most effective treatment”, Vladimir explains.
The primary tool for a modern pathologist is the microscope, used to examine tissue samples. Today, the diagnostic process is fully computerized, whereas when Vladimir first entered the field, everything was done by hand.
“I believe our lab is equipped with unique technology. We acquired this equipment five years ago, including devices for histological processing and scanners that allow us to examine samples in detail, down to each cell and its nucleus. The nucleus itself is about ten micrometers in size, and there are a thousand of them in just one millimeter”, he explains.
Vladimir notes that people might feel that the incidence of cancer has increased recently. However, in his 25 years of experience, the ability to diagnose tumors has significantly improved. There are now many more endoscopists and advanced diagnostic tools that allow for thorough examinations of internal organs.
“The treatment of tumors has also changed dramatically. In the past, patients often underwent extensive surgeries that could be quite invasive. Now, we take a more humane, targeted approach. This applies not only to surgical interventions but also to chemotherapy and medications tailored specifically for each tumor. Sometimes, to ensure an even more accurate analysis, we ask treating physicians for additional patient data and information about their condition, such as when the disease started, where it is located, and the patient’s medical history. Fortunately, medicine is constantly evolving for the benefit of patients”, he adds.
Like any profession, pathologists have their own superstitions – or rather, a particular law: the law of paired cases.
“If you encounter something unusual in your work, you can expect a similar case to arise soon after. This phenomenon is particularly evident in diagnostics. It’s convenient because you’re already familiar with the situation and know how to proceed. We often say it’s all about coincidence”, shares Vladimir.
In his limited free time, the doctor enjoys spending time with his family. His son is studying at a university in the capital, focusing on designing spacecraft, rockets, and satellites. To stay fit and unwind after work, Vladimir visits the pool. In summer, he loves hiking and spending time outdoors with friends, picking berries, mushrooms, and fishing.
“I have a dream: I want to continue working in my profession for as long as possible. I enjoy it; I find it incredibly important and fulfilling. I can hardly imagine what life would be like outside my specialty. It’s often said: find a job you love, and you’ll never work a day in your life. I believe it was Confucius who said this”, concludes Vladimir Gapeyev.
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Text: Natalia Cherkashina, Photo: Nikolay Shchipko
