Retiring ASCP BOC Leader Pat Tanabe, MPA, MLS(ASCP)cm, Reflects on 26 Years of Service

Pat Tanabe, MPA, MLS(ASCP)^CM, has accumulated a treasure trove of experiences and achievements during her 26 years at the ASCP Board of Certification, including 11 years at its helm. On June 30, 2022, she will retire from her position as BOC Executive Director to begin a new chapter in her life.

ASCP recently interviewed Ms. Tanabe about some of the moments that stand out during her tenure at the BOC. Since assuming the position as BOC executive director, she has overseen the development of six new certifications and two new qualifications. She was instrumental in the ASCP BOC being the only laboratory professional certification agency to receive ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB) accreditation, furthering the BOC vision to be the gold standard in global certification for all laboratory professionals. And, she has witnessed the exponential growth of the ASCP International program, begun by her predecessor, ASCP CEO Blair Holladay, PhD, MASCP, SCT(ASCP)^CM, in 2005. She was also at the forefront in securing licensure using BOC certifications in California and New York State.

But if one thing truly stands out, it is the people.  She remarks that it has been a pleasure and an honor of working with such talented volunteers at the Board of Certification.

“Throughout my career, I have loved working with the BOC’s volunteers,” says Ms. Tanabe. “They are so impassioned about the laboratory profession that they are willing to commit their time to serve on exam committees and the Board of Governors. This is a lot of work! Exam committee members have to write and review exam questions. It is both grueling and a gratifying because they see the results of all of their hard work.”

The BOC’s stellar reputation as the gold standard in certification now spans the globe.  Many from other countries are clamoring to take the ASCPⁱ exam because of the opportunities for career growth that it offers.

“In its first year, there were probably six individuals who applied for international certification, and maybe one or two countries that they represented,” recalls Ms. Tanabe. “Now, ASCP International certifies individuals from 111 countries and has certified 18,000 laboratory professionals from abroad. The growth has been incredible. We have spread our reach of high quality certification. We have spoken to the international professionals, and they can tell you the need for this. People are so excited and appreciative when they receive their ASCPⁱ certification. They know it means they are eligible for a step up in salary, they can go anywhere and everywhere with this certification in hand.”

While working as a medical laboratory scientist, Ms. Tanabe was finishing her Master’s degree in Public Administration/Healthcare Administration. She was hoping to secure a position where she could use her 10 years of experience as an MLS and her graduate degree. She found the perfect position at ASCP as the Manager of Examination Development at the BOC (formerly the BOR – Board of Registry).

Ms. Tanabe served as the manager of the BOC Exam Development Department for 10 years working with the examination committees. She transitioned the paper and pencil exam to the CAT (computer adaptive) exam it is today and produced the modern version of the BOC Study Guide for MLT & MLS. She then left the organization to be a full-time mom to her two young boys. She returned in 2006. Ms. Tanabe says she, like many of her laboratory professional colleagues, entered the field out of a desire to help patients.

One thing that has changed, she says, is the need for lab professionals to step out from the lab to let the world know they exist. “We do like numbers, data, and microscopes,” she says, with a laugh. “But those days are changing. If we want recognition, if we want to have a voice, we must be our own advocates.”

And, now it is time for her to look ahead to chart her own future. She is confident that she leaves the ASCP BOC in good hands, with Amy Spiczka, MS, HTL(ASCP)^CMSCT, MB^CM stepping into the role as Executive Director on July 1. “Amy is wonderful. She is from the laboratory profession and she is all about quality. She has an impeccable background," Ms. Tanabe says. "This is a job where, if you are passionate about the profession that you trained to do, then you are doing the right thing for our constituents and, ultimately, for the patient.”

ASCP extends its deepest gratitude to Ms. Tanabe for her distinguished service.