May 2008 ASCP President’s Message by Lee Hilborne, MD, MPH, DLM(ASCP)^CM, FASCP, FCAP

On the surface the answer to my question seems easy. Most members probably already know that ASCP stands for the American Society for Clinical Pathology, an organization formed in 1922 to meet the needs of practicing pathologists throughout the United States. Few people within the profession would get this wrong on a multiple choice exam, but many, including new pathology residents, are less certain about what “clinical” really means.

What is the source of the confusion? Probably the biggest issue is that the practice of pathology and laboratory medicine in the U.S. traditionally has been split into anatomic pathology and clinical pathology. So, it is not very surprising that some people, including those among us who practice traditional histopathology, incorrectly conclude that ASCP is not for them because they don’t practice “clinical pathology.”

Clearing Things Up

When ASCP was founded 86 years ago, our predecessors understood the importance of ongoing growth and development for pathologists working in clinical settings where patients were treated. It was, they realized, nothing less than essential for providing the best possible patient care to current and future generations. These visionary leaders called themselves clinical pathologists not because they exclusively practiced what we now call “clinical pathology” but because they were practicing in clinical settings as opposed to research settings or as anatomists.

The ASCP focus on representing and serving the needs of practicing pathologists has not changed over time. The Society continues to be the organization that thousands of pathologists turn to for their educational growth and development. Naturally we offer continuing education programs covering every aspect of clinical pathology. However, the ASCP actually offers an even greater selection of educational programs in anatomic pathology.

Ensuring Quality Patient Care through Certification

One of the Society’s primary goals was and is to ensure that the clinical practice of pathology and laboratory medicine provides the best patient care possible. The ASCP founders recognized very early on that a talented and competent laboratory workforce was essential to achieving this goal and that personnel certification was the best way to achieve this. This led to the 1928 formation of the ASCP Board of Registry (BOR), the first body to certify laboratory personnel.

The ASCP-BOR is now recognized worldwide for maintaining the highest standard of excellence in laboratory professional certification. Last year virtually every graduate of a U.S. training program sought ASCP certification. Currently we offer 21 U.S. certifications, three international certifications, a diplomate in laboratory management and four qualifications.

Fighting for Patients in the Nation’s Legislatures

Another key element for ensuring the quality and integrity of our clinical practices for the benefit of patients is advocacy – advocacy at the national, state and local levels. ASCP is at the forefront when it comes to important issues impacting clinical laboratory practice and, in turn, patient care. In April, ASCP volunteers descended on Washington, DC, in order to meet with influential decision-makers to discuss important concerns like the workforce shortage, competitive bidding and unethical billing practices. To mark this event, I will devote my entire June column to the issue of advocacy.

Many of you have written to me, sharing your concerns about local and national changes affecting laboratory medicine. If there are other pressing issues that you feel volunteers should discuss with policymakers in Washington, write me today at president@ascp.org so we can consider them.

As a member of ASCP you have many reasons to be proud. ASCP is not only the largest U.S. organization representing the clinical practice of pathology and laboratory medicine, it is committed to quality in every area and at every level of the profession. You now know—if you didn’t already—what the “C” in ASCP means. Make sure your friends and colleagues know as well, particularly those who have not joined because they “don’t do clinical pathology.”

Last month we celebrated National Medical Laboratory Professionals Week. I hope it gave you an opportunity to reflect on how important you are to the practice of medicine and the patients we serve. If you celebrated in some unique way, please write and let us know. I look forward to hearing from you.