AFTER nearly six decades in pathology, long-serving collector at NSW Health Pathology’s Narrabri laboratory Ian Schweitzer is retiring.

Mr Schweitzer has spent the past two years as a collector in Narrabri, but his career stretches back to 1967, when he began as the first full-time pathology staff member at Moree Hospital before moving to the laboratory at Narrabri in the 1990s.

Working in the two-room laboratory behind the local morgue, Ian built his career from the ground up after completing six years of training while working full time to qualify as a medical laboratory technician.

He says the most rewarding part of his career has always been the connections and interactions with patients.

“Some of them I’ve known for many years. I always try to treat patients the way I would wish to be treated,” Mr Schweitzer said.

His journey into pathology began with an ambition to become a veterinarian. He initially trained as a laboratory technician in Queensland, working with animals before transitioning into human pathology.

Over his career, Mr Schweitzer has witnessed huge advancements in technology.

“The biggest changes have been in instrumentation,” he said.

“In the early days, we made reagents from scratch and performed everything manually, from blood counts to biochemistry tests.

“Today, automation and barcoding have transformed the way we work.”

After nearly six decades in pathology, long-serving collector at NSW Health Pathology’s Narrabri laboratory Ian Schweitzer is retiring (Image: NSW Health Pathology).

Despite these advances, Ian says the importance of having skilled, knowledgeable staff in the laboratory has always stayed the same.

Mr Schweitzer says the unique challenges of rural healthcare have also shaped his career in pathology.

From responding to urgent after-hours calls to collecting hundreds of samples in a single day, he has played a vital role in supporting his community through both routine care and critical situations.

Michelle Wikinson, Health Services manager at Narrabri District Health Service, paid tribute to Mr Schweitzer’s contribution to local healthcare services and staff wellbeing.

“Narrabri District Hospital would like to thank him for his tireless service, excellent scones, super vegies and beautiful chrysanthemums on Mother’s Day,” she said.

“We hope that Ian enjoys his second go at retirement.”

For those considering a career in pathology, Mr Schweitzer’s advice is simple: start at the beginning and learn from experienced colleagues.

“Experience matters. And above all, always treat patients with care and respect.”

In retirement, Mr Schweitzer is looking forward to spending more time gardening, baking his award-winning scones, volunteering at the local Men’s Shed, and enjoying time with his family and beloved dog, Daisy.

Source: NSW Health Pathology