ASCP Deepens Commitment to Pathologist Workforce Development

ASCP is developing a strategy that focuses on expanding exposure to pathology through education pathways, enhancing recruitment and retention, integrating innovation into practice, and leveraging workforce data to inform planning. Without timely investment and strategic coordination, the pathology workforce risks a critical shortfall that could compromise diagnostic care and patient outcomes. 

“Data show that we will need approximately 3,000 more pathologists by 2037,” says Edna Garcia, MPH, ASCP Director Scientific Engagement and Research, who is overseeing the pathology workforce initiative. “We only have about 600 pathologists entering the profession each year, and that is not sufficient.”  

In support of pathology workforce development, ASCP has created two new resources which includes an infographic showing data about the current status of the pathology profession in the United States, and a four-page document titled, What does a pathologist do? These materials are designed to support pathology residency program directors, medical school course directors, and ASCP members, including Ambassadors, to share when they give presentations to medical students and students interested in going to medical school.  

The infographic presents data on the number of pathologists in the United States, compensation, and projected demand, while the accompanying four-page document offers an in-depth look at the pathologist profession.    

Building awareness of the profession  

“The goal is to introduce the field of pathology to students early on,” says Savanah Gisriel, MD, MPH, Chair of the ASCP Resident Council. “While pathology courses are incorporated into the preclinical years of medical school, many medical students already know which specialty they are choosing before they get to this point (and they may have not even known pathology was an option before deciding on a specialty). That's why we need to raise visibility of pathology earlier, such as during undergraduate education or even high school."    

The workforce shortage has become critical in recent years. Baby boomers are retiring, there are ongoing supply deficits of individuals entering the profession, and limited public visibility, according to Anna Owczarczyk, MD, PhD, FASCP, Chair-elect of the ASCP Pathology Council. “Many of us acutely feel the short staffing in our day-to-day jobs. Young learners need to be made aware of the phenomenal opportunities in our field. Pathology no longer wants to be the “hidden gem” within medicine!”  

The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) projects a 7 percent decline in the supply of pathologists and a 16-percent increase in demand by 2037. Rural areas are predicted to have only 20 percent supply adequacy. Although the number of pathology resident placements per year has fluctuated, it consistently hovers around 600—far below the projected demand of 700 to 840 additional pathologists in the near future.  

Meanwhile, rapid technological advancements are reshaping diagnostic practice, requiring pathologists to be adaptive and forward looking.  

Next steps  

“It all boils down to awareness of the profession,” Dr. Owczarczyk explains. “There is a common misconception that pathologists do not interact with patients,” she adds. “Our resources seek to dispel these misconceptions and make the public aware of the vital contributions that pathologists make in health care.”  

“The pathology workforce faces challenges that are distinct from the laboratory professional workforce,” says ASCP Interim CEO Ali Brown, MD, FASCP. “ASCP’s Blueprint for Action outlines targeted interventions for medical laboratory professionals, many of which are relevant to pathologists. However, a dedicated, data-driven strategy tailored specifically to pathology is essential to ensure a sustainable, diverse, and well-trained pathologist workforce.”  

Learn more about ASCP’s workforce initiatives here.