Two residents recently attended the American Society for Clinical Pathology’s 'Hill Day' in Washington, DC, through a special grant.

On April 20, 2009, participants took part in an educational session on the “how-to’s” of lobbying. The organizational structure of Congressional offices, committees and staff was covered along with specific presentation techniques when meeting with legislative aides and Representatives. April 21 was a beautiful spring day with the cherry blossoms in full bloom. Hill Day attendees met with their Representatives on Capitol Hill to express their concerns and views about critical issues in the lab profession.

“The 'Day on the Hill' was an opportunity for me to meet ASCP Commission members and learn some of the great work the organization is doing,” said Timothy K. Amukele, MD, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA. “I was particularly impressed by the reach of ASCP's global health endeavors and its work advocating in the political arena for its members. The experience was also a 'baptism by fire' into how the political process works. I hadn't expected to be in my suit on Capitol Hill by the second day. It was a great experience.”

Cristina E. Aguilar, MD, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, said she was honored to have received the 2009 Day on the Hill grant. “This has allowed me to travel to Washington, D.C., and learn how to be an effective advocate for pathology and laboratory medicine,” she said.  “This experience has further reinforced my desire to be an advocate for my patients and profession.”

Current Chair Ahren C. Rittershaus, MD, and Chair-Elect Alison R. Huppmann, MD, were also present as representatives of the ASCP Resident Council.

Read more about the 'Hill Day' here.

ASCP will continue to offer this grant each year to two residents. For more information, see www.ascp.org/grants.