MTN Staff Spotlight: Meet Dr. Partlow, an exclusive Fellow
Dr. David Partlow
Dr. David Partlow is Associate HLA Laboratory Director at Midwest Transplant Network. In March, he became a member of an exclusive group of less than 200 individuals worldwide with the prestigious title of Fellow of the American College of Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics F(ACHI).
To earn this achievement, a Director must possess an in-depth understanding of the clinical benefits and limitations of high-complexity histocompatibility testing. They must demonstrate the ability to apply this expertise on a case-by-case basis when working with other clinical professionals. It requires two to four years of full-time post-doctoral laboratory training in an HLA Lab, completion of an extensive case study portfolio, passing the ACHI examination and verbal interview by peers.
Let’s learn more about Dr. Partlow.
Why did you decide to pursue this designation?
To be a high-complexity lab director in this subspecialty you must have certain credentials. This is one of the credentials approved by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to be qualified as a high complexity lab director in Histocompatibility. There are less than 200 people with this credential.
How would you explain what histocompatibility and immunogenetics mean to a 12-year-old?
It is the part of the body’s immune system, or defense system, that helps the body determine self from non-self. The immune system is like a security team that protects the body. All cells have an ID badge called MHC (Major Histocompatibility Complex).
If a patient receives an organ transplant or bone marrow transplant from another person whose ID badge is different, the immune system (security team) will try to deny entry by attacking it. Essentially, histocompatibility means how well someone else’s ID badge matches yours. The better the match, the more likely your body will accept the transplant without attacking it.
What is the most rewarding aspect of your work at MTN?
Being directly involved with patient care in driving the mission in transplantation.
What is a fun fact most people wouldn’t know about you?
I lived in Texas most of my life, but I am a Jersey boy, and I don’t care for country music.
Dr. Partlow joined MTN in November 2021. He has a Doctorate in Clinical Laboratory Sciences from The University of Texas Medical Branch.
Congratulations, Dr. Partlow! Midwest Transplant Network is proud of your dedication and accomplishment.
