Our Residents

Dr. Daniel Amat grew up in Miami, FL, where he obtained his Bachelor of Science degrees in Chemistry and Mathematics, and his Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Miami Miller school of Medicine. During medical school Dr. Amat also obtained a Master’s in Genomic Medicine and a Master’s in Business Administration. Upon graduation from medical school, he completed a surgical internship at the University of Miami/Jackson Health System, in Miami, Fl, after which he accepted a position at the Penrose Pathology program. Dr. Amat enjoys skiing, hiking, camping, woodworking, and spending time with his wife and kids.

Dr. Caitlin Porter-Smith, DO, grew up in Grapevine, TX before earning a BA in Philosophy at Rice University in Houston, TX. She then moved to Denver, CO eventually earning an additional BS at the University of Colorado, Denver while also working in research and as a TA in Cellular Biology. She then moved back to Houston to work in tissue procurement and distribution at Baylor College of Medicine. After applying to medical school, she attended Rocky Vista College of Osteopathic Medicine in Colorado, where she was in the Physician Scientist Honors track, published multiple articles related to pediatric pathology, and served as elected Class Curriculum Representative for 3 years. She is currently a resident in Anatomic and Clinical Pathology at Penrose-St. Francis Hospitals in Colorado Springs. She plans to pursue hematopathology for fellowship. She enjoys spending time with her husband, kids, dog and two cats, as well as being outdoors for camping and hiking.

Mr. John Eckman is a lifelong resident of Colorado and grew up in the Denver area. He resides in Colorado Springs with his family. Mr. Eckman is a board-certified Pathologist Assistant with over 25 years’ experience in community hospital and academic center settings. Mr. Eckman earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Western State College in Gunnison, Colorado, earned a Bachelor of Science's degree in Medical Technology from the University of Colorado, and went on to earn a Master of Health Sciences degree from the Quinnipiac University Pathologists’ Assistant training program in Hamden, Connecticut in 1993. Mr. Eckman joined Mountain States Pathology in 2007 after practicing for several years on the Colorado front range and following two years as a faculty member at West Virginia University in Morgantown, West Virginia. Mr. Eckman has over 15 years’ experience training pathology residents in gross surgical pathology. Mr. Eckman has been an active member of the American Association of Pathologists’ Assistants throughout his career, recently serving as chair of the Board of Trustees. Mr. Eckman's areas of interest include gross pathology, continuing education for pathologists’ assistants, resident education, and biomedical photography.

Mr. Eckman enjoys spending time with his family, outdoor recreation including camping, flyfishing and skiing.

Catherine began her laboratory career at Summit Pathology in 2008 processing Cytology specimens while attending the University of Northern Colorado. Upon graduating in 2009 she started working full time as a Histology Assistant and later as an Administrative Assistant.

In 2012 she began accessioning specimens for LabCorp first in their Englewood laboratory then working at Ft. Carson, Peterson Airforce Base and the Air Force Academy accessioning LabCorp specimen to be sent to the main laboratory.

Catherine began working at Penrose Hospital in 2014 where she spent seven years working in the Cytology Department processing specimens, attending FNA procedures and manning the Cytology office prior to becoming the Residency Coordinator in 2021. She is excited to now be a part of creating exceptional future pathologist!

Catherine grew up in Colorado and finds joy in spending time outdoors with her husband and their four children.

David is a Nebraska native who obtained his degree in Business Management, with an emphasis in information systems, from the University of Nebraska in 2005. He started his career at PayPal, where he eventually served as the North American Consumer Operations Manager. In 2008 he moved to Colorado Springs, after which he spent several years working in laboratory sales and service before taking time away to raise his young children. In 2021 he transitioned to Business Manager for Mountain States Pathology. David enjoys being involved with all aspects of pathology service and is happy his work allows the pathologists to focus on their area of expertise, while he manages the administrative aspects of the company. In his free time David enjoys gaming, hiking with his dog Ghost, and exploring the mountains with his wife and children.

David is a Nebraska native who obtained his degree in Business Management, with an emphasis in information systems, from the University of Nebraska in 2005. He started his career at PayPal, where he eventually served as the North American Consumer Operations Manager. In 2008 he moved to Colorado Springs, after which he spent several years working in laboratory sales and service before taking time away to raise his young children. In 2021 he transitioned to Business Manager for Mountain States Pathology. David enjoys being involved with all aspects of pathology service and is happy his work allows the pathologists to focus on their area of expertise, while he manages the administrative aspects of the company. In his free time David enjoys gaming, hiking with his dog Ghost, and exploring the mountains with his wife and children.