Her Story
About Denise
Denise Muller is a laboratory professional with over thirty years of experience in histology. She began her career in the field in 1992 after earning an associate's degree in biology from Benedict College in 1990 and completing a histology program at the Medical University of South Carolina School of Allied Health. As a histologist, she prepares tissue samples for microscopic examination to aid in diagnoses such as cancer. Her career path has included serving as a case investigator with DHEC during the COVID-19 pandemic and working as a customer service representative at BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina before returning to the laboratory, where she currently grosses specimens for a dermatology group. She values being loyal, dependable, respectful, and compassionate in her work.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Denise
01What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice was from a director at Blue Cross who said always act like you're on an interview when talking to people because they are looking at you and making decisions about you. Also always have pen and paper with you whenever you go to a meeting or webinar.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Go into the field with an open mind. Research the field to make sure it's something you want to do. Note that it's not direct patient contact so if you're a people person it may not be for you. Look up on YouTube to see what a histologist does. You need an associate's degree and a certificate program.
03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The field is always going to have positions available because it cannot be fully automated; a human is always needed to operate the microtome. There is opportunity for growth to supervisor, lab manager or director with more education. Also traveling positions available across the US and world.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
To be loyal, dependable, respectful, and compassionate. Compassion comes into play when hearing about patient diagnoses like skin cancer or colon cancer.
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