Celebrating 37 years: we say goodbye to Sue Balaga

“I think Sue has had almost every position this department has had to offer,” says Departmental Chair, Dr. Rita Kandel, “I actually don’t remember a time when Sue wasn’t here.”

Sue Balaga has been part of the lifeblood of the Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology since she started as an assistant to the Chair of Pathology, Dr. Emmanuel Farber in 1984. 

In her long career, she has held many different positions in LMP, but every role she undertook, she did “efficiently, effectively, and the outcomes were always very good” states Dr. Avrum Gotlieb.

Her flexible, positive attitude and ability to adapt were a large part of her success from ensuring we were one of the first departments to have a fax machine, to working efficiently despite a lack of suitable facilities in the early years. Her positive attitude helped get everyone through some challenging times. 

After supporting two Departmental Chairs, she spent several years working with Dr. Avrum Gotlieb in research administration. “When we merged and became LMP in 1997 she was a very big factor in making that transition and helping us, especially our students,” says Dr. Gotlieb.

Her rapport with the students made her an integral part of the department. With roles in undergraduate medical education, the graduate office, and in postgraduate education, she has been a big part of student life in LMP at all levels. “I think Sue's ability to interact with our students is extraordinary,” adds Dr. Gotlieb, “She had excellent relationships with the students and has made friends for life with some”.

Her organizational abilities are renowned in the department. She worked with Dr. Eleanor Latta in undergraduate medical education, a time in which Dr. Latta states “I was the luckiest person, probably in the university, to have somebody [like Sue] helping me at that time. She kept everything running and on track.”
“It’s with mixed feelings we say goodbye to Sue. Thank you for all you gave to LMP and our community. I wish you much health and happiness and know that you will be missed” says Dr. Kandel. “I wish her very well in her retirement,” adds Dr. Gotlieb, “She certainly earned it and deserves it”.

Sue retires on November 26, 2021, with plans to move house and to spend some time in Mexico! Everyone in LMP wishes her well.