Core Pathology lab supports critical research projects

Dr. Yong-Xiang Chen, MD, PhD, has a very proud family.  

Growing up in China during the Great Proletarian Cultural Revolution (GPCR), it was difficult to imagine Chen would have such a successful life, but his curiosity, dedication and hard work paid off. 

“Growing up, my family was very poor,” says Chen. “My father and mother didn’t have an education, they couldn’t read or write, and they worked as labourers in a train-maker factory in Changchun, China. My brother was sent to the countryside to work and wasn’t able to attend university.” 

Fortunately for Chen, China’s policies changed after the GPCR ended in October of 1976 and the young man was able to enrol in medical school in 1978. 

“At that time, my father worked in a factory and put up a list of the names of employees’ children who were in university. My father was very proud that my name was on that list,” reflects Chen. 

In 1983, Chen graduated with his medical degree from the Norman Bethune Medical College in Changchun, China and began working as a physician specializing in cardiovascular disease. After 10 years in this role, Chen’s curiosity led him to a career change. 

“I wanted to understand the reasons behind disease, so I entered the Kyushu University Faculty of Medicine at the Graduate School of Medical Sciences in Japan,” says Chen. 

Chen completed his PhD in pathology at age 40 and moved to Canada to pursue a postdoctoral fellowship. His postdoc supervisor was Dr. Ed O’Brien, MD, a former member of the Libin Cardiovascular Institute. 

When O’Brien was recruited to Calgary in 2013, Chen followed. He now manages the Core Pathology Laboratory at the Libin Cardiovascular Institute. It’s a role he relishes. 

“I enjoy working with many different labs on their projects,” says Chen. “I am happy to be using my knowledge and advancing science.” 

The lab, located at UCalgary’s Foothills campus, is a shared resource centre that manages and processes human and animal tissue and artificial samples. All University of Calgary principal investigators, as well as their staff and students, can take advantage of the services, which include processing tissue blocks and using chemical stains, histopathology diagnosis and analysis.

It’s an important service that helps bridge the gap between basic science and clinical questions. 

“If you work with animal models, you need core pathology,” says Chen, explaining pathology, which involves studying the causes, nature and effects of diseases with a focus on how diseases impact tissues and organs at a cellular level, is critical for research. 

Chen also spends time training technicians and students on techniques and how to use the powerful imaging equipment found within the lab. 

He has supported projects on everything from examining the impacts of using animal models to looking at human diseases, particularly in the cardiovascular field. 

Chen does it all with a smile because he has found immense happiness in  his work.  

“Do what you want to do but make it something that helps other people and society,” he advises. “Have experiences, look at different cultures, and, finally, work hard. If you are happy, you will have the energy to do what you should do.” 

About the Core Pathology Lab

• Supported six peer-reviewed publications since 2023
• Collaborated with 17 researchers across numerous disciplines, including those focusing on cardiovascular, cancer, neuroscience, psychology and chronic disease fields
• Key contributor to research from the Libin, Snyder and Arnie Charbonneau Cancer institutes, and the Cumming School of Medicine

Learn how you can support the Libin Cardiovascular Institute's work here.