Resident Council Aims to Strengthen Pathology Ambassador Program in 2024

Among its goals for 2024, the ASCP Resident Council plans to build up its Pathology Ambassador program, which promotes the field of pathology to medical students, and enhance member value and engagement.

“The Pathology Ambassadors program supports ASCP’s workforce initiatives by recruiting resident members who visit in high schools on up to medical school to promote careers in pathology,” says Resident Council Chair Yembur Ahmad, MD.

The program began last year. In the coming year, Dr. Ahmad would like to further develop the program by asking volunteers to submit written reports about their presentations as a way to share best practices with other Ambassadors.

Each year, the Resident Council presents two Pathology Ambassadors with an award, which serves to recognize their efforts as well as heighten awareness about the program.

Another goal of the Resident Council is to engage more residents in the Council’s activities.  “We are seeking to develop more of an online presence to connect with other residents,” Dr. Ahmad says. “For example, the Resident Council hosts an online Resident Roundtable every few months, featuring panelists who talk about issues pertinent to residents.”

She notes that the Resident Council has an online community where residents can come together to discuss topics of interest, as well as promote various opportunities that exist within ASCP. She notes, for example, that not all residents are aware of ASCP’s mentorship program, which connects younger members with more seasoned members who can share their expertise and career insights.

The Council also likes to keep residents informed of programs such as ASCP’s 40 Under Forty programs to recognize emerging leaders among ASCP’s pathology and laboratory professionals under age 40.

“We want residents to know that we are here to advocate for them,” Dr. Ahmad says. “It is worth mentioning that every pathology resident gets exposed to ASCP when they take the RISE exam, and they receive a survey from the Resident Council at the end of the exam. We want them to learn about the treasure trove of resources that are available to them through ASCP.”