I Was 36 Years Old and Head of Pathology

Aleš Ryška on embracing energy, learning on the job, making changes, and navigating the gray zone of leadership

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Aleš Ryška became chair of the pathology department at age 36 after his predecessor reached the mandatory retirement age and Ryška was the only potential internal candidate.
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Ryška had no formal leadership training; he drew on Boy Scout experience and advice from his predecessor, who remained in the department after stepping down.
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To preserve his diagnostic and clinical work amid increased administrative duties, Ryška reduced his research activities, a decision he still regrets.
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Ryška adopted a democratic approach, discussing proposed changes with the team and avoiding major reforms because the department was functioning well.
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He reorganized pathology coverage by creating small specialist groups for lower-volume areas and distributing high-demand work across staff, making the department more flexible.

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