"In 2001, I came over to America with two suitcases and $200. However, [I had something] more valuable: three degrees. So, as long as you've got that you have everything."
This was senior pathologist assistant Liam Nolan's mindset when he decided to leave his life in Liverpool, England, to accept an offer to carry out his research in St. Louis. Four years later, Nolan would accept his current position at Chicago's Mt. Sinai hospital. "What I do is I look for diseases in surgical specimens. It's kind of investigative," he said, with a laugh. ( He recently celebrated his 12th anniversary there. )
Nolan's career choice has always been an easy one. "When I was 17, I was diagnosed with cancer, so I've always been drawn to pathology. I survived it twice; it came back when I was 21," said Nolan. He went on to say that his medical history as well as the hospital he works at motivates him to work in his field.
As much as Nolan loves his job, he admitted it can be "disheartening" to witness tragedies such as shootings and stabbings on a daily basis. When it is time to reset and relax, Nolan can be found doing yoga or walking his dog, Finn with husband Ed Underhill, an attorney.
"Ed and myself are about to celebrate our three-year anniversary." The two have been together for 11 years, having met at Boystown nightspot Roscoe's. "I think one of the main reasons he likes me is my cooking. I am a pretty good cook and enjoy cooking for him," said Nolan.
THE STATS
* Age: 45
* Orientation: Gay
* Job title: Senior pathology assistant
* Favorite musical artist: Annie Lennox
* Favorite food: "Potatoes in any form"
* Dream superpower: "Read people's minds. I think the world would be a lot better if people were more transparent and said what they mean."
* Little-known fact: "I was on a British trivia TV show called Blockbusters."