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With the Heart of Health series, we’re shining a light on the many dedicated employees, physicians, learners and volunteers who make Nova Scotia Health a remarkable place to work and receive care. Today, we’re featuring James Humby, pathology and laboratory medicine director, Northern Zone.
For nearly five decades, James Humby has shown steady leadership guiding medical laboratory services in two provinces. As he prepares to retire at the end of December, James reflects on a career defined by innovation, mentorship and a commitment to patient care.
James began his career as a 20-year-old medical laboratory technologist in Newfoundland and Labrador. By 29, he was the laboratory and pathology director on “the Rock” where he was tasked with commissioning a new facility. “There were no staff, no analyzers, no supplies,” he recalls with a laugh. “That was my first encounter as a director – very few people get that opportunity to complete a lab as a director.”
Born near Clarenville, N.L., James worked across the province before retiring – the first time - in 2012. He didn’t have his feet up for very long. One of his children lived in Nova Scotia and he didn’t feel like his work life was finished. He relocated to the mainland to get closer to his offspring and to take on a position in Colchester and Cumberland counties. His wife figured he would only stay for six months. The term turned into his current role with Nova Scotia Health.
Family has always been central for James. He and his wife Colleen raised two children and now enjoy eight grandchildren split between Newfoundland and Nova Scotia. He credits his wife’s support for his long career. Meanwhile, in his current job, James had an opportunity to oversee five disciplines: chemistry, hematology, transfusion medicine, microbiology and histology. The work also included blood collection services across three regional labs and several community sites.
“Some people think the lab is just a little thing in the corner,” James says. “But many diagnoses are made through blood tests; that’s the difference we make for patients.”
James says the greatest rewards of his career came from three areas: improving patient care, coaching his peers and embracing new technology.
“I really enjoy mentoring people,” James explains. “Three technologists I mentored became directors of labs in Newfoundland and I love seeing new automation coming through the door – that brings me great joy.”
If and when challenges arose, James thrived.
“If you do not like change and you do not like challenges, it’s probably not the place for you,” he points out. “It motivates me to see how we’re learning to improve patient care every day.”
James’s trademark was his professionalism, symbolized by the shirt and tie he wore daily for nearly 40 years. His wife, a retired nurse practitioner, chose his clothes each morning. “She was very adamant that I looked the part,” he says, with a smile. “I’ve probably got 200 ties and 100 dress shirts. That was my signature.”
As he prepares to step away, James says he feels blessed. “I can walk out the door after 48 years and still say I loved the job I did,” he says. “I don’t mean I just liked it. I loved it.”
We want to learn and share your stories. Whether you’ve had a defining moment that reaffirmed your purpose or want to recognize a colleague who embodies the heart of health, share your story with us. E-mail: keith1.corcoran@nshealth.ca
Photo of James Humby.