Meet the pathologists at Minnesota Pathologists Chartered

Lee L. Cafferty, M.D.

Medical School
Johns Hopkins University

Residency
The Johns Hopkins University (anatomic pathology)
Baylor University (clinical pathology)

Fellowships
University of Texas Medical Branch (surgical pathology)
M.D. Anderson Cancer Center (cytopathology)

Board Certification
American Board of Pathology (AP/CP, Cytopathology, Hematology)

Areas of special interest
Hematopathology, Cytopathology, GI pathology, immunohistochemistry, and Dermatopathology.

Biography
Lee has been with MPC since 1992. He enjoys nearly all aspects of pathology, especially working with patients during bone marrow biopsies. In his spare time, he enjoys the outdoors, taking care of the woods and the conservation reserve property on the family farm, photography, and aviation.

Pat M. Hoeft, M.D.

Medical School
University of Minnesota

Internship
Hennepin County Medical Center (rotating clinical internship)

Residency
Hennepin County Medical Center

Board Certification
American Board of Pathology (AP/CP)

Areas of Special Interest
Clinical chemistry, OB/GYN pathology

Biography
Pat, a native Minnesotan, joined MPC in 1998. A former lab technician, she enjoys the wide variety and challenge that anatomic and clinical pathology offer. Pat has four grown children, nine grandchildren, and a dog, Bailey. Outside interests include spending time with her family, reading, needlework, digital photography, involvement in a single mom's ministry, enjoying her lake cottage, and travel.

Steve M. Vanderwerf, M.D.

Medical School
University of Minnesota - Minneapolis

Residency
University of Minnesota - Minneapolis

Board Certification
American Board of Pathology (Anatomic and Clinical Pathology)

Areas of Special Interest
Autopsy, breast pathology, cytology (including performance of fine needle aspiration), dermatopathology, hematopathology (including performance of bone marrow biopsy), GI pathology, laboratory management and teaching

Biography
Steve has been with MPC since 2009 and brings enthusiasm for all aspects of anatomic and clinical pathology. Western Minnesota is familiar to Steve, as both of his parents were raised in the Redwood Falls area and much of his extended family still lives in the region. Outside of work, Steve enjoys spending time with his family, hiking, fishing, and camping.

Kent J. Donelan, M.D.

Medical School
University of South Dakota School of Medicine

Residency
University of South Dakota Pathology Residency Program

Fellowship
Mayo Clinic (Surgical Pathology Fellowship)

Board Certification
American Board of Pathology (AP/CP)

Biography
Kent is a native of South Dakota. Having recently finished his residency and fellowship training, he now resides in Willmar with his wife and four children. In his spare time he enjoys the outdoors, including hunting and fishing, and spending time with his family.

Sharon H. Banister, M.D.

Medical School
University of Minnesota

Residency
University of Minnesota

Fellowship
University of Minnesota (surgical pathology and blood bank)

Graduate School
University of Minnesota (Ph.D. in Microbiology)

Board Certification
American Board of Pathology (AP/CP)

Academic Affiliation
Alexandria Technical College (medical director of the MLT program)

Areas of Special Interest
Blood bank, pulmonary pathology, breast pathology

Biography
Sharon is a native Minnesotan who has been with MPC since 1996. she admits to liking the diversity of the Minnesota climate (yes, even the winter!) and its landscapes, both of which are daily experienced with her two canine companions. At work, all of the many different areas of pathology are enjoyed, and at home, a variety of hobbies (e.g. quilting, photography, and collecting) bring fun and relaxation.

Meet our Pathologist Assistant

Jennifer L. Englin, HT(ASCP)

Education
Associate of Arts and Associate of Science - Fergus Falls Community College

Board Certification
HT(ASCP)

Internship
Douglas County Hospital

Areas of Special Interest
Specimen photography, photographic reports, and billing

Biography
Jennifer joined MPC as pathologist assistant in July 1998. She was raised on Lake Poinsette, near Lake Norden, South Dakota. In the past she has worked as a newspaper photographer, film developer and processer, professional photographer, and histotechnologist. She and her daughter, Hannah, reside in Willmar. Jennifer enjoys digital photography, reading, and crafts.