April 2009 ASCP Resident Council Chair Message by Ahren C. Rittershaus, MD

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In 1922, pathology was a new field of medicine that was attracting many talented young scientists and physicians to its ranks. But those entering the specialty were frustrated by the almost complete unavailability of continuing education geared to their particular needs. This frustration finally led a group of 40 pathologists to organize their own medical society, one that would better address their special needs. This was the beginning of ASCP.

More than 85 years later, the Society continues to work hard to meet the needs of its membership, which has expanded to represent the entire laboratory team. As already noted, a founding principle of ASCP is to provide high-quality continuing education. The goal is to equip pathologists and other laboratory professionals to deliver the best, most up-to-date patient care possible. That goal dovetails very nicely with the needs of residents, who strive to learn the art and science of diagnostic medicine.

In a profession characterized by almost constant and often dramatic change, medical education is a neverending task—one complicated by today’s complex medical environment in which quality must be maintained while costs are controlled. In addition to understanding the science, we must develop our leadership skills and master the business and politics of pathology. We also need to hone our communication skills in order to interact effectively with a broad spectrum of people, including hospital administrators, various medical colleagues, clients, patients, payers, and policy makers.

ASCP offers a litany of products, grants, educational courses, and other resources to help residents on their journey to board examinations and beyond. Many of these resources are offered either free of charge or at significant discount to residents. This article highlights some of the most important ones:

• Membership. ASCP membership is free to pathology residents. This is a tremendous benefit because it qualifies residents for a number of special member services.

• Publications. Members can purchase the superb books published by ASCP Press at a discount. Membership also provides free online access to the American Journal of Clinical Pathology (AJCP), one of the most prestigious pathology journals in the world.

• Educational Courses. ASCP offers an array of high-quality educational courses in pathology and laboratory medicine, more than 400 events annually in a variety of venues. The ASCP Annual Meeting, Weekends of Pathology, and Educational Courses are held in different locations around the country, all at steep discounts for residents. One of the most successful and beneficial live events was the 2008 Annual Meeting Residents’ Day program, which featured an outstanding educational course on laboratory management and informatics given by speakers from the American Pathology Foundation. These topics are often lacking in residency programs and have been identified as a weakness by new pathologists as well as those currently hiring new pathologists. (Don't miss the Resident Review Course, April 16-21, 2009)

• Grants. The Resident Council Grant Program is one of the biggest benefits of resident membership, yet many people are unaware of it. Each year the Council awards more than $20,000 in Subspecialty Grants to help make elective rotations at a different institution more affordable for residents who want more intensive exposure to a particular area of pathology. A Day on the Hill Grant awards recipients a paid trip to Washington, DC, for ASCP Capitol Hill Day. One day each year the ASCP Washington office arranges for members to meet with scores of key Congressional members and high-level staff members. This puts a face on pathology and laboratory medicine and gives us a chance to educate legislators about what we do and why we are important. Advocacy is one of the primary focuses of the ASCP and, I believe, of critical importance to the profession.

• Volunteer Opportunities. Believe it or not, this is probably the greatest benefit of ASCP membership. First, it gives residents an opportunity to learn about both the science and the business of pathology. Second, residents become more familiar with important public policy issues affecting the profession. Third, volunteering helps improve communication and leadership skills. There are positions for residents on almost all ASCP committees, as well as opportunities to serve as a residency program liaison and on the Resident Council itself. Finally, volunteers work side-by-side with some of the country’s best pathologists and other laboratory professionals, allowing them to develop a valuable professional network that benefits their entire career.

These are just a few of the ways ASCP is meeting the needs of its resident members. I am always interested in hearing from my fellow resident members. If you have needs that you think are not being met, please let me know what they are so they can be addressed. I would also like to hear from anyone who would like to volunteer. Send me an e-mail me at ResidentChair@ascp.org. You can also visit the ASCP Web site at www.ascp.org, and click on Residents at the top of the page for links to information, application dates, and forms.

Dr. Rittershaus is a fourth-year resident in anatomic and clinical pathology at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston.