The Early Years

On May 22, 1922, Dr. Ward Burdick and a group of 39 other physicians met at the 1922 AMA Meeting in St. Louis, Missouri to develop what would be named the American Society of Clinical Pathologists. Their goal was to “achieve greater scientific proficiency in clinical pathology, and to maintain the status of clinical pathologists on an equal plane with other specialists.” A constitution and by-laws were drafted overnight, and over 100 physicians attended the second meeting on May 23. Eventually, 145 charter members joined the Society.

Philip Hillkowitz, MD, became the ASCP’s first President; William C. MacCarty, MD, First Vice President; Herbert R Brown, MD, Second Vice President. ASCP offices were originally housed in Dr. Burdick’s Denver laboratory, where he served the Society until his death in 1928. 

The ASCP: The Pathology Society of “Firsts”

Over the years, the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) has been recognized as the preeminent organization for continuing education in pathology and laboratory medicine.  The Board of Registry — the independent certification agency of the ASCP — is recognized as the preeminent certification agency of non-physician laboratory professionals.

It is not generally appreciated or recognized, however, that the ASCP is also responsible for the introduction and innovation of numerous “firsts” in pathology and laboratory medicine.  This article, “The Pathology Society of Firsts,” co-written by Fred H. Rodriguez, Jr, MD, FASCP, and John R. Ball, MD, JD, MACP, highlights the significant roles that the ASCP has played in the evolution and maturation of pathology and laboratory medicine as a distinct specialty of medicine.  

A Name Change

At the ASCP Annual Business Meeting in Philadelphia on October 19, 2001, the ASCP membership voted to change the name of the Society from the "American Society of Clinical Pathologists" to the "American Society for Clinical Pathology." 

The purpose of the name change was to bring together and strengthen the Society, and to move it forward as ASCP strives to be: 1) a unifying force for the laboratory team; 2) known for its high quality, innovative programs; and 3) respected for its credibility and integrity.  The name change required an ASCP Bylaws change and therefore had to be voted on by the ASCP membership.  The change was based upon the fact that ASCP represents 130,000 members, many of whom are laboratory professionals, not pathologists.  The new name reflects the diversity of our membership and the inclusiveness of all ASCP members working in the laboratory.  It recognizes the membership and contributions of many more professionals engaged in service to the clinical laboratory.

The ASCP name change preserves the Society’s tradition of excellence in education, certification and standard setting, and advocacy on behalf of patients and laboratory professionals.  It also preserves the certification initials “ASCP,” which are recognized as the certification gold standard and have been awarded to more than 400,000 laboratory personnel since the ASCP Board of Registry was established in 1928.

This change officially took effect on January 1, 2002.  A new logo and color scheme for the Society were launched at that time as well. 

The latest news about the ASCP and the profession can be found at the ASCP home page.