“For the past 60 years as a Sister of Saint Joseph I have been blessed to minister in the health field, first as a medical technologist in Microbiology and then in Surgery,” said Sister Marguerite Dynski, formerly Sister Marie Kostka.

“Teaching has been a part of my ministry from my days teaching in the GED program in Elmira, NY, to precepting residents and medical students from the University of Rochester (U of R). I have also been teaching medical students from Saba University and most recently students from Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine in Erie, PA, with a new campus in Elmira, NY. Since 1996 I have taught Physician Assistant students at Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT).

“I particularly enjoyed supporting my patients through the process of treating breast cancer as well as performing surgery both as a medical professional and a survivor. Even though I stopped performing major surgery five years ago, my patients needed up to 10 years of follow up. Breast surgery took an unexpected turn as I was asked to join a team each summer to go to the Rosebud Sioux Tribal Hospital in South Dakota. I also participated in PLEA for about 12 years which was an outreach to African American women from city churches teaching about breast cancer.

“Earning a diploma in Tropical Medicine and Hygiene led to a cross-cultural experience with other physicians from every continent and living with Sisters of Notre Dame in Liverpool, England. While visiting relatives in Poznan, Poland, again I experienced cross-cultural exposure by living with some Polish sisters.

“For 35 years I was the editor of a newsletter for sister, brother and priest physicians. After a six-year hiatus, I have resumed that role. My spiritual life has been enriched by participating as a prayer partner since 2004 in the Busy Person’s Retreat at Nazareth University, U of R, and RIT. During the pandemic, my involvement expanded via Zoom to Canisius University, St. Bonaventure University, and Cornell University. Almost two years ago, I was asked to become a formator through the Religious Formation Conference which has been an enriching spiritual experience with other men and women religious from around the globe.”