Strengthening the ASCP Pathology Ambassador program to promote the field of pathology is among the top goals of the ASCP Resident Council in 2023. The Council also aims to provide support and resources for pathology residents and fellows who are interested in global health, and it will build awareness of the Resident Council by using social media, according to Resident Council Chair Evi Abada, MD, MS, who is currently at The Warren Alpert Medical School Brown University / Women & Infants Hospital, in Providence, Rhode Island, for a fellowship in breast and gynecological pathology.
“The Pathology Ambassadors Program is the Resident Council’s signature program,” explains Dr. Abada. “It encourages ASCP resident and fellow members to reach out to medical students to encourage them to explore careers in pathology.”
Following the ASCP 2022 Annual Meeting, the Resident Council held an orientation for new Pathology Ambassadors to let them efforts know about the resources that ASCP has available to assist them in their outreach efforts to medical students, including giving presentations. Throughout the year, the ASCP Resident Council’s 12 members support the Ambassadors and provide guidance to plan outreach events.
The Resident Council is collaborating with the Council of Laboratory Professionals, which also has an Ambassador Program, so that they can share best practices.
Meanwhile, the Council is also aware that there are many residents and fellows who are interested in learning more about global health. With that in mind, the Council will seek to provide support and resources for those trainees. “We know some residents and fellows are not aware of the resources that ASCP has to offer, such as the global health fellowships,” Dr. Abada says. “I have gotten in touch with ASCP’s senior director of global engagement, Aji Sanneh, to learn more about the Center for Global Health’s activities. When the ASCP Global Health Fellows return, they share their knowledge with others. I think it is a rewarding experience. It broadens their perspective.”
The third goal is to build awareness of the Resident Council by enhancing its social media presence. “We are in the age of social media, and that is the way to reach younger members,” Dr. Abada says. “I’m excited about the coming year. We want pathology residents and fellows to be aware of the resources that ASCP has to offer them. I’m looking at the long term. If trainees become aware of the opportunities that ASCP has to offer, that may encourage them to join the Society and continue to be involved over the course of their careers.”
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