In the lab, she’s been a microbiology detective with the ability to identify countless microorganisms that have helped physicians diagnose infectious diseases. After a storied 54-year career in Montefiore Einstein’s Department of Pathology microbiology lab, Marta Gavora retired in January.
When Gavora immigrated to the United States from communist Czechoslovakia with her younger sister in 1969, she was 23 and spoke no English. While helping to organize the Dermatological Symposium in Bratislava, Czechoslovakia, in 1966, she came across a scientific paper presented by a Montefiore physician. After immigrating to New York, she took a chance. She contacted the doctor who later helped her land a position at Montefiore as a clinical laboratory technician in the microbiology lab. This was before automation, when processing specimens was much slower and required more background knowledge about microbiology.
“It was like being Sherlock Holmes, piecing together clues to solve medical mysteries,” recalled Gavora, now 77. “Working with tuberculosis was like watching the grass grow.”
Over the years, she mastered English, became a certified laboratory technologist, earned her bachelor’s degree in biology and became a mentor to many in the lab.
“My journey to Montefiore resulted from persistence, support from refugee organizations and my determination to excel in microbiology despite the language barrier and initial challenges,” said Gavora.
During her time at Montefiore Einstein, Gavora made many beloved friends among her colleagues as well as the countless young interns and trainees she mentored. They all came together to throw her a retirement party to celebrate her career and the countless ways she pioneered change in the lab.
“Marta is very conscientious and patient-oriented and wants to work on specimens as soon as possible and give accurate results,” said Philip Gialanella, BS, MS, Assistant Director, Microbiology Lab, Staff Scientist, and Assistant Professor, Pathology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine.
Now, as she takes some well-earned rest, Gavora acts as a mentor one last time, telling those considering their futures, “Follow your passion. It will be a fulfilling career if you genuinely enjoy the work.” Gavora certainly did.
