When we think of career journeys, we often envision them as linear paths with predictable beginnings, middles and ends. However, that is rarely the case, with each path carrying twists and turns that ultimately lead to unexpected destinations. For MCSHSAA alumni and Mayo Clinic education specialist, Heba Abseh, M.Ed., HTL (ASCP)CM (HT ’18), that unexpected journey became one both personal and deeply meaningful.
Born in Jordan, Abseh was already familiar with Mayo Clinic, which has long been synonymous with hope and excellence. However, in 2014, a family transition would bring her closer to Mayo Clinic than she expected, as her husband, Basem Ratrout, M.D. (GIM ’14), accepted a consultant physician position at Mayo Clinic in Rochester.
As Abseh and her family adjusted to their new country and community, she began volunteering and working in patient care roles, which reaffirmed her desire to contribute to health care in a meaningful way. That is when she learned of the Histology Program with the Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences.
“When I learned about the Histology Program at the Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences, I saw a path that aligned my scientific background, my values and my growing connection to Mayo Clinic,” Abseh says. “Completing the program and beginning my career here was not only a professional milestone, but the fulfillment of a shared family dream.”
On the first day of orientation, Abseh remembers her class being reminded that “behind every specimen is a patient waiting for results.” It was this statement and perspective that resonated with her deeply and fundamentally reshaped how she approached her work.
To Abseh, it reinforced the understanding that every tissue beneath her microscope represented a patient and that accuracy, integrity and compassion were not optional qualities in the lab, but essential responsibilities.
“Recognizing the human story behind each slide became the foundation of my professional identity and continues to guide both how I practice and teach others in this field today,” Abseh says.
Abseh’s training also showed her that excellence in patient care depends on strong systems of education, assessment, and continuous improvement, all of which she saw in action at Mayo Clinic.
“I experienced firsthand how thoughtful teaching, clear expectations and supportive mentorship can transform learners into confident professionals,” Abseh says.
This experience also inspired her to pursue a master’s degree in education and leadership from Saint Mary’s University and, currently, a doctorate in education at Bethel University, where she is focusing on leadership in higher education.
It is through her academic journey that Abseh says her commitment to holistic healthcare professions and education has deepened, and that it provides her with an opportunity to intentionally pass forward the same patient-centric message she learned as a trainee to every learner she now guides and supports.
As an educational specialist at Mayo Clinic, Abeseh works at the intersection of patient safety and learner development, supporting curriculum design, assessment and training initiatives that help learners progress with clarity and confidence. This support also includes strengthening structured pathways and designing resources that promote learner consistency, competency and growth.
“What inspires me most is watching learners grow and seeing them transition to becoming confident, all while recognizing that their progress benefits every patient,” Abseh says. “I’m particularly dedicated to creating an inclusive environment where all staff and learners feel encouraged, supported and empowered to achieve their goals.”
In addition to her educational role, Abseh serves as the Belonging and Inclusion champion in the Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, supporting grassroots initiatives that foster psychological safety, connection and inclusion within Mayo Clinic. Through this role, she also collaborates across divisions to share resources, facilitate conversations and design activities that help individuals feel supported and valued.
Abseh’s journey won’t stop here. Looking ahead, she says her goal is to continue growing as a leader in healthcare education and professional development, with the aspiration to cultivate inclusive, holistic learning environments that uphold both excellence and humanity.
“Through thoughtful curriculum design, intentional mentorship, and strategic leadership initiatives, I hope to empower learners, strengthen teams, and reinforce the vital connection between education and patient care,” Abseh says. “Ultimately, I am committed to supporting patients, learners and staff in ways that promote growth, collaboration and a shared commitment to delivering the highest standard of care.”
