Cytogenetics laboratory staff boasts century of experience Published Oct. 16, 2007 By Steve Pivnick 81st Medical Group Public Affairs KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- Keesler Medical Center's cytogenetics laboratory boasts a wealth of experience. Comprising one segment of the 81st Medical Operations Squadron's genetic center laboratory, four of the lab's staff members have devoted almost 100 years of expertise to the field. Cytogenetics lab director Dr. David Rigdon, who retired from active duty as a colonel in June 2005, was part of the original cadre when the genetics center opened in 1980. He explained that genetics basically deals with hereditary disorders. Testing addresses questions "For a given patient, there are three questions we try to answer: What is the diagnosis? What is the possibility of it occurring again in the family? What does the future hold for the affected individual? "Laboratory testing for chromosomal disorders and/or molecular (DNA) mutations help address these questions, the doctor continued. "In addition, laboratory testing can be used to screen the population for mutations in order to determine the risk of having an affected child. For example, it's now recommended that all pregnant women be offered the option of screening for cystic fibrosis." Recalling his history with Keesler Medical Center, Dr. Rigdon said, "I was first at the medical center as a pediatric resident from 1975-78 and then spent two years at the University of Alabama-Birmingham in a genetics fellowship. I returned to Keesler Medical center in 1980 as a geneticist." Wearing two hats In 1980 Col. (Dr.) Barry Thompson, who later became 81st MDG commander, ran the genetics department. He and Dr. Rigdon comprised the staff, acting as both clinicians and lab staff. When Colonel Thompson left in 1985, Dr. Rigdon was named director of the Air Force Genetics Center at Keesler. He returned in August to assume his current position. The doctor said the position was converted to a civilian post since there aren't many active-duty geneticists in the Air Force. Gayle Bowman was hired by Colonel Thompson In November 1980. As a cytogenetic technologist she analyzes chromosomes under a microscope, looking for abnormalities. "I had previously worked in the same field for the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson," she explained. "Colonel Thompson learned I was in Pascagoula and had experience. He called me out of the blue and I came in for an interview. "It took a year after the interview before I actually started work while they developed a job description and obtained funding," she said. Ms. Bowman said when she started in the genetics lab it was located in the main clinical laboratory while a portion of the medical center was under renovation. Genetics moved to its current location in what used to be the emergency room in 1996. Cytogenetic technologists Karen Ball and Chris Williams both began their tenure in the lab in November 1984. Ms. Ball came to the Mississippi Gulf Coast after working as a cytogenetic technologist at East Carolina University in Greenville, N.C. Mr. Williams began working in genetics while attending graduate school at East Tennessee State University Medical Center in Johnson City, Tenn. "I was low on funds and applied for a job there. I really enjoyed the work," he said. Rounding out the cytogenetics laboratory team is relative newcomer Ben Dudte, who started in 2002. He previously worked in a genetics lab in Ocean Springs.