When Marta Gavora immigrated to the United States from communist Czechoslovakia with her younger sister in 1969, she was 23 years old and spoke no English. While helping to organize the Dermatological Symposium held in Bratislava, Czechoslovakia, in 1966, she came across a scientific paper presented by a Montefiore physician. After coming 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 the time preceding automation when processing specimens was much slower and required more background knowledge about microbiology.
![Marta Gavora and her co-workers in the Microbiology Lab]()
From left: Marta Gavora and her co-workers in the Microbiology Lab.
"It was like being Sherlock Holmes, piecing together clues to solve medical mysteries," recalled Marta, now age 77. Over the years, she mastered English and earned a degree to become a certified laboratory technologist. In her 54-year career at Montefiore, she and her co-workers have identified countless microorganisms that helped physicians diagnose infectious diseases. She mentored many interns and trainees and formed lasting friendships she will miss in retirement.
Philip Gialanella, MS, assistant director of the microbiology lab and Marta's supervisor, has worked with Marta for 42 years. He describes her as a pioneer who has significantly impacted the microbiology lab.
"Marta is very conscientious and patient-oriented and wants to work on specimens as soon as possible and give accurate results," Philip said. "Through the years, she has done a great job teaching the residents, fellows, and other interns and students that come through the lab."
This month marks Marta's reluctant retirement from a job she deeply loves. On Thursday, Jan. 4, Marta's lab threw her a retirement party and presented her with a plaque. During her busy final week in the lab, Marta shared her experiences at Montefiore and plans for retirement.
Can you describe growing up in Czechoslovakia and what life was like there before you came to the United States?
MG:I was born in 1946, right after World War II. My family lived in a village where my father was a manager of a farm. After graduating from vocational school for industrial chemistry I got a job in a mycology research laboratory in a hospital. In 1968, my country experienced significant changes. After a period of reform and relaxed rule, the country was invaded by Soviet and allied armies, which brought repression, persecution and strict limits to our freedoms. After the invasion, my sister and I decided to leave the country, but my parents wanted to stay behind. As refugees, we had to wait in Austria and Italy for the necessary immigration papers and arrived in the United States in the spring of 1969. We got an apartment in the Bronx for about $84 a month.
![Marta and her co-workers celebrating her retirement after 54 years.]()
Marta and her co-workers celebrating her retirement after 54 years.
How did you end up working at Montefiore in the microbiology lab?
Before coming to the US, a connection I met at an international symposium on mycology referred me to a laboratory director at Montefiore. When I arrived, I couldn't speak English and didn't know much about microbiology. The lab director said no one needed to know that and offered me a chance to train for three months without pay. After that, I earned a training license in microbiology and later pursued a bachelor's degree in biology. I learned to speak English and microbiology on the job. 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 I faced.
What have you most enjoyed about your career at Montefiore?
MG: I've enjoyed working with a diverse group of colleagues and medical professionals. I love the detective-like aspect of the microbiology of identifying and understanding various microorganisms and determining antibiotic responses. I also enjoyed teaching the residents, infectious disease fellows and newly hired co-workers.
How has automation changed the field of laboratory technology?
When I first came to Montefiore, microbiology was in “diapers” compared to today’s technological advances. Back then, we had limited media to grow many organisms - never mind identifying them. It was like solving a puzzle, requiring attention to detail and critical thinking. I found it very intellectually stimulating. Working with tuberculosis was like watching the grass grow. It could take four to eight weeks to grow in culture and then longer to identify. Now (polymerase chain reaction) PCR tests can detect it much faster giving doctors the ability to treat patients sooner. The field of microbiology has evolved, with automation and technology making the work less hands-on than it used to be.
What was the most exciting case you saw in 54 years?
MG: Brucella melitensis was an organism that took us by surprise. The bacteria comes from eating or drinking unpasteurized raw dairy products from infected sheep, goats, cows, or camels. We had never seen it, didn't know which way to go, and needed tools to identify it. We had to send the specimens to the CDC for identification. Inhaling the bacteria can cause infection, so working with the bacteria requires taking great precautions. We all had to take two antibiotics for three weeks as preventative treatment. Some of us thought the combination of antibiotics changed our metabolism. For two weeks, I had a craving for fried chicken and some people craved bacon.It was a significant learning experience for our team that highlighted the importance of continuously expanding our knowledge in microbiology.
![Marta with her plaque at her Jan. 4, 2024 retirement party]()
Marta with her plaque at her Jan. 4, 2024 retirement party
What was the most challenging part of the job?
MG: Dealing with infectious diseases and pandemics like COVID-19 has been a challenge. We've had to adapt to changing circumstances and rapidly identify new pathogens. It's critical work but it can be emotionally draining, especially during a pandemic when lives are at stake.
What words of wisdom or advice would you offer to individuals considering a microbiology or laboratory work career?
MG: Follow your passion. It will be a fulfilling career if you genuinely enjoy the work and find it intellectually stimulating. Be amenable to learning and adapting to new technologies as the field evolves. Additionally, always prioritize safety and take precautions when dealing with infectious agents.
What does your retirement look like?
MG: I plan to enjoy gardening, exploring new hobbies, and spending time with my husband George, who’s retired and my daughters Andy and Michelle. I may even do some traveling.
Posted on: Thursday, January 11, 2024