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Dr. Jules Elias, namesake of the Jules Elias Excellence in Immunohistochemistry Award, has a story filled with curiosity, resilience, and unexpected turns. His journey mirrors the path many of us take: starting somewhere humble, following a spark of interest, and growing that interest into a deep passion for the work. We’re sharing Dr. Elias’s story not only to honor his legacy, but to remind you that your journey matters too—and that NSH offers awards and scholarships to support and celebrate you along the way.
Johannes Brahms was in the autumn of his life when he composed several pieces of music for the clarinet, which I, as a born-again clarinetist, perform in chamber music concerts. As I am in the later autumn of my life, I thought it would be appropriate for me to share the story of how immunohistochemistry came to be part of my story.
The use of dyes to color tissue sections so pathologists could look at surgical specimens and determine if the patient had a disease, cancer being their main focus, was the impetus for this endeavor.
As a freshly minted graduate with a BA in Biology and as a young father of a baby curly-haired girl, I felt compelled to get a job ASAP. My first job was working in a hospital-based lab that focused on diabetes. Then, as is the case now, an animal model of a disease enabled researchers to explore its biology. Much to my chagrin, my lab was in the hospital kitchen cooking the diet that we fed to rabbits. This food consisted of brown sugar, green bananas and flour. It was baked into a cracker that snapped. A similar diet was consumed in some Caribbean islands that have an above average incidence of diabetes. I did not tell family or friends exactly what I did in the lab, ashamed of where I landed with a college degree.
After several months, there was a position open in the histopathology lab, and without even asking what it entailed, I offered to take the position. What I did not know at that time was that this move would alter my professional life dramatically. I was introduced to the microtome knife, a tool that was going to be my passport to the world of histopathology. I had a natural aptitude for cutting and staining surgical specimens and was encouraged to learn the use of the cryostat for cutting frozen sections for enzyme and immunofluorescence studies. With that foundation I went on to learn the ultramicrotome used in electron microscopy.
As I look back on this early experience, it becomes apparent that I was well versed in the mechanics of tissue preparation and staining and was open to the latest approach to tissue staining, namely immunohistochemistry. The following years took me to employment in labs that required all my histotechnology skills. Along the way I obtained a Master’s degree and a PhD in Immunology.
My final job was at the new medical school at Stony Brook, New York, where my journey into immunohistochemistry was rooted. We did renal biopsies that were worked up using frozen sections and fluorescent labeled antibodies to different proteins that would indicate nephritis and the need for appropriate antibiotics to prevent permanent damage to the kidney. When horseradish peroxidase antibodies were introduced, it was a game changer. I began duplicating the IF labeled antibodies with IP labeled antibodies. The study was published, and it garnered a lot of interest as ordinary light microscopy could be used for assessing a renal biopsy, and a fluorescence microscope was not needed.
I now retrospectively appreciate the life lessons of my journey, and I try to impart them to my children and grandchildren. In no particular order: nothing is ever a waste of time as the experience will be used eventually; do not early in the game get too comfy with your job if you are not constantly learning something new; develop a passion for your work and make every effort to learn all there is to know, even if it takes a lifetime. Finally, share your knowledge with others and encourage them to find a niche that they can fill with confidence.
Jules M. Elias, PhD
If Dr. Elias’s story inspires you—or reminds you of someone else whose work should be recognized—we encourage you to explore NSH’s awards and scholarships. Whether you’re applying or nominating someone else, don’t wait. Go do it!
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