Messages from the ASCP President
Getting a Seat at the Table
July 2010— Everyone needs to feel they are respected for who they are and what they do. That truth really hit home with me during the ASCP Regional Member Awards presentation last March in Washington, DC... (The full message can be read on page 6 of the April 2010 issue of Critical Values in PDF, e-book format or right-click to download an MP3 version.)
Putting Words into Action: Focus on Education
April 2010— The ASCP is in a critical transition—one that I believe will ultimately improve overall patient care and gain laboratory professionals greater recognition and respect as contributing members of the health care team. In my January column, I talked about patient-centered advocacy and why the Society decided to adopt this new strategic direction. In this column, I focus on how patient-centered advocacy will impact all ASCP educational activities... (The full message can be read on page 7 of the April 2010 issue of Critical Values in PDF, e-book format or right-click to download an MP3 version.)
Pursuing Patient-Centered Advocacy
January 2010— Many people adopt New Year’s resolutions in hopes of making positive changes in their lives. However, most fail to follow through, and few achieve any lasting change. The ASCP leadership team is determined this will not happen to ASCP as it embarks on a journey of transition designed to strengthen the Society and the profession... (The full message can be read on page 7 of the January 2010 issue of Critical Values in PDF, e-book format or right-click to download an MP3 version.)
Radical Thinking for ‘Interesting Times’
October 2009—Because of my recent chairmanship of the ASCP Task Force on Transition and, of course, because of my new role as ASCP president, change is a growing preoccupation. During the coming year, I will use this column to talk about the road ahead, including changes and challenges facing the profession and how ASCP will respond for the benefit of its broad constituencies. This particular article gives a brief overview of those recommendations, while subsequent columns will delve into more specifics. (The full message can be read on page 6 of the October 2009 issue of Critical Values in PDF or e-book or listen in MP3 format.)
Messages from the ASCP Council of Laboratory Professionals Chair
Sharp Image or Fuzzy Concept?
July 2010— Ansel Adams, who is famous for his black and white photographs and his use of focus to obtain sharp images, said, “There is nothing worse than a sharp image of a fuzzy concept.” The problem in the pathology and laboratory medicine profession is that we have a sharp image of what we do as individuals, but we are fuzzy about our concept... (The full message can be read on page 9 of the July 2010 issue of Critical Values in PDF, e-book, or right-click to download an MP3 version.)
Managing the Process of Recertification
April 2010— Education is important, right? You are probably thinking, “Duh, of course.” But the reality is that many of us are so busy performing our daily routines that we have little time to seek the educational opportunities we want and need. When we do find them, they may be too costly or offered at an inconvenient time or place. As laboratory professionals ourselves, ASCP leaders understand these problems and endeavor to make ASCP continuing education affordable and easily accessible.... (The full message can be read on page 9 of the April 2010 issue of Critical Values in PDF, e-book, or right-click to download an MP3 version.)
Local Representatives: The Roots of ASCP
January 2010— The phrase “strengthening our grass roots” turns up often and in several different contexts—not only within ASCP but also within many professional organizations. According to dictionary.com, one definition of grass roots is “pertaining to or involving the common people.” The term common people is not a phrase I would use to describe the laboratory team: the laboratory professionals, pathologists, and residents who are ASCP. However, the word root is defined as “the fundamental or essential part,” as in “the root of the matter.” I believe the word root provides an excellent description of the many people who volunteer at ASCP... (The full message can be read on page 9 of the January 2010 issue of Critical Values in PDF, e-book, or right-click to download an MP3 version.)
The Unseen Quality of ASCP
October 2009— As incoming chair of the Council of Laboratory Professionals (CLP), I am excited to have the opportunity to do whatever I can for ASCP and my profession. In this message, I would like to tell you a little about myself and present my thoughts on the extremely valuable but often unseen workings of ASCP. (The full message can be read on page 9 of the October 2009 issue of Critical Values in PDF or e-book or listen in MP3 format.)
Messages from the ASCP Resident Council Co-Chairs
Establishing Our Image through Brand Management
July 2010— Every pathologist knows that a clear view of material is needed to make an accurate diagnosis. Innumerable factors can complicate the picture—air bubbles under a coverslip, insufficient tissue, cautery artifact, a microscope in need of adjustment. A fuzzy image makes the job more difficult. Likewise, a fuzzy image of pathology as a profession also makes everyday work a challenge.... (The full message can be read on page 12 of the July 2010 issue of Critical Values in PDF, e-book format, or right-click to download an MP3 version.)
Your Education and Training: It's Up to You
April 2010— In recent years, a few pathology journals have published papers containing disparaging claims about pathology graduates. It is the contention of some pathologists that “young” pathologists lack a number of skills critical to the practice of pathology. The legitimacy of this assertion is certainly debatable, and we encourage all “young” pathologists to review these papers in order to be aware of the issue. We believe these unproven allegations are deleterious to the reputation of new graduates and to our profession.... (The full message can be read on page 12 of the April 2010 issue of Critical Values in PDF, e-book format, or right-click to download an MP3 version.)
Tools For Transition
January 2010— Every July 1, residency programs undergo a period of transition during which students become residents, residents become fellows, and fellows become attendings. Whether you are simply moving from your second to third year of residency or moving across the country to start a fellowship, change can be difficult, especially when budgets are tight. With this in mind, the Resident Council offers some programs that can help... (The full message can be read on page 12 of the January 2010 issue of Critical Values in PDF, e-book format, or right-click to download an MP3 version.)
Making Quality Changes
October 2009— Change: It’s an inevitable part of life. As pathologists we must continually adapt to our ever-changing field while our own careers are in a constant state of evolution. Meanwhile, the entire field of health care is undergoing revolutionary changes that require rethinking how pathologists should practice medicine. This doesn’t even take into account changes that might occur as a result of new federal or state legislation or regulations, or those taking place in our personal lives. (The full message can be read on page 11 of the Ocober 2009 issue of Critical Values in PDF or e-book or listen in MP3 format.)