Are you an ASCP member resident or fellow, currently training in pathology in the US or Canada, who is interested in expanding your experience, knowledge, and exposure to pathology in a low- to middle-income country setting? If so, we encourage you to apply for the prestigious ASCP Resident Global Health Fellowship here. The application deadline for this opportunity is November 1, 2024 and the selected awardee will be notified by Friday, December 6, 2024.

The fellowship offers $5,000 in travel and stipend support to participate in an ongoing research project on prostate cancer awareness, barriers to screening, and correlations with PSA levels among men in Northern Tanzania. This fellowship includes a 1-month visit to the Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Center (KCMC) in Moshi, Tanzania, as well as virtual support to the site, carried out between January – June 2025. Scheduling of the in-person visit is flexible to the resident’s availability (with on-site mentor’s approval).

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to gain invaluable global health experience and contribute to global pathology efforts!

To access the full application, eligibility criteria, expectations for the resident, and more information about the project, click here.

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ASCP and ASCP BOC are conducting a study related to the costs associated with laboratory education and training for professionals in medical and public health laboratories, including students and program directors. This study aims to (1) identify deficiencies in existing student debt-reduction programs at federal and state levels and advocate for better support for laboratory professionals, and (2) propose solutions to address the educational and training needs of the laboratory workforce. By recognizing financial obstacles, the study will highlight the necessity of affordable education and provide insights into issues impacting career progression and job satisfaction.

We invite you to take part in this important survey between September 23, 2024, and October 21,2024 by clicking here:  For more information on our workforce resources, please visit our workforce webpage.

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ASCP is looking for medical students and pathology residents interested in gaining experience in forensic pathology through the transformative ASCP Forensic Pathology Rotation Scholarship Award, funded through a grant supported by the National Institute of Justice and George Mason University.

ASCP has previously awarded 19 scholarships to pathology residents through this unique opportunity and, in its final round of this scholarship program, ASCP is expanding eligibility to include medical students alongside pathology residents. Applications are due by Friday, October 11, 2024, and rotations must occur by June 30, 2026. Interested applicants can apply here.

Through this unique opportunity, medical students and pathology residents are matched with a participating partner Medical Examiner-Coroner Office (10 sites available) across the country, for a 1-month on-site rotation. Awardees are provided with a $6,000 stipend to support travel and lodging during the rotation.

Past awardees have overwhelmingly reported rotations to be well-mentored, transformative experiences that have opened their eyes to the vital and fascinating role forensic pathology plays in modern society. Following her award rotation as a pathology resident, Anna Garcia MD said, “My ASCP/NIJ forensic pathology scholarship rotation was one of the best experiences in medicine thus far. I worked with forensic pathologists who were supportive, committed to my learning, and down-to-earth, fun people. The advice they have given me is invaluable. I would recommend this scholarship to anyone who wants the opportunity to be immersed in the field of forensic pathology while learning about underserved/underrepresented communities and their unique needs.”

To apply for this rotation experience, visit the full application here.

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ASCP is pleased to announce that its 2024 Effective Test Utilization (ETU) Best Practice Recommendations are now available. The list of six recommendations was curated by member experts of the ETU subgroup, part of the ASCP Quality and Patient Safety Steering Committee, from the many submissions we received -- including some from our colleagues at the American Society for Microbiology (ASM). The recommendations were reviewed and vetted by ASCP member experts and where appropriate, colleagues from sister societies such as the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG).

As in years past, the tests selected for this list were those that:

• Are frequently performed
• There is evidence that the test either offers no benefit or is harmful (either entirely or in specific clinical situations)
• The test is costly, and it does not provide higher quality patient care
• Eliminating the test or changing to another test is within the control of the clinician

By implementing these and other ETU best practices in the laboratory, we strive to see higher quality care, lower costs, and a more effective use of laboratory resources and personnel. Please share this list widely to raise awareness about effective test utilization best practices in the laboratory that impact the entire spectrum of patient care. ASCP continues to champion efforts to bring the right test to the right patient, at the right time. For more information and resources, please visit the ASCP Effective Test Utilization webpage.

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ASCP Chief Medical Officer, Ali Brown, MD, FASCP was invited to a meeting of President Biden’s National Cancer Panel. The meeting on Developing and Retaining a Robust and Diverse Cancer Workforce was held on September 12th. The Panel, which is housed at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), is responsible for overseeing implementation of the National Cancer Plan. The National Cancer Plan - Everyone Has a Role provides a framework for collaboration to guide the nation’s efforts against cancer. It establishes eight goals that we must achieve to prevent cancer, reduce the cancer mortality rate, and maximize the quality of life for people living with cancer.

ASCP was proud to represent the field of pathology and laboratory medicine at this meeting, and to highlight our efforts to help end cancer. These efforts all center around initiatives that support our members in providing high-quality, equitable diagnostic laboratory services to our patients. At the meeting, Dr. Brown emphasized the importance of the pathology and laboratory medicine workforce and highlighted many of the efforts and challenges we face to retain a robust and diverse laboratory medicine workforce that serves our nation’s patients.

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 ASCP is pleased to announce that President Biden has signed a key temporary funding bill. Importantly, the measure blocks a series of massive cuts in the Medicare Clinical Laboratory Fee Schedule (CLFS) for 2025.Under the Protecting Access to Medicare Act (PAMA) of 2016, Congress tasked the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) with revising the CLFS.  When CMS did so, it created a new fee schedule that massively undervalued payment rates.  Under that scheme, CMS was planning to cut payment rates in 2025 by up to 15 percent for approximately 800 laboratory tests—approximately one-third of the laboratory services reimbursed under the Medicare CLFS. 

Blocking cuts in laboratory payment rates for 2025 is a significant legislative victory for the laboratory community as the cuts would have wreaked havoc with laboratories wrestling with the dire shortage of laboratory professionals, the upcoming implementation of the flawed U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Final Rule on Laboratory Developed Tests, among other challenges.

ASCP has been actively lobbying Congress to fix the flaws with PAMA by enacting the Saving Access to Laboratory Services Act and blocking cuts to the CLFS. As part of our goal of attaining a sustainable CLFS, ASCP will be working with our partners in the pathology and laboratory community to secure long-term PAMA reform as part of an end-of-year legislative package that Congress is expected to consider after the election. 

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ASCP Supports Legal Challenges to the FDA’s LDT Rule

The Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Final Rule on Laboratory Developed Tests (LDTs) continues to be the object of criticism from the medical laboratory community. In addition to the lawsuit filed by the American Clinical Laboratory Association (ALCA) in May, a new lawsuit against the FDA has emerged, this time from the Association for Molecular Pathology (AMP).  ASCP strongly supports the two cases challenging FDA’s legal authority to regulate LDTs. Read more.

Gregory N. Sossaman, MD, MASCP, Installed as 2024-2025 President of the American Society for Clinical Pathology

Gregory N. Sossaman, MD, MASCP, was installed Sept. 6 as 2024-2025 President of the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) during the Society’s Annual Meeting, Sept. 4-6, in Chicago, IL. Learn more about his leadership experience and background here. 

Applications Open for ASCP Forensic Pathology Rotation Scholarship Award Program

The ASCP Forensic Pathology Rotation Scholarship Award Program is now accepting applications! This initiative addresses the critical shortage of forensic pathologists in the U.S., where only 500-600 pathologists practice—far below the 1,200 needed to meet medicolegal death investigation standards. As a result, there is an unprecedented demand for forensic pathologists, driving attractive compensation, loan repayment options, and flexible career opportunities. Read more.

ASCP Seeks Changes to How CMS Pays for Pathology, Laboratory Services

ASCP recently submitted formal comments on the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) CY 2025 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) Notice of Proposed Rulemaking. In it, ASCP raised concerns about the sustainability of CMS's proposals to ensure patient access to quality patient services. ASCP also noted that this year's rule marks the fifth straight year of the agency proposing to cut payment rates overall. Read more.

ASCP Global Health Fellowship Application Opens

Applications are now being accepted for the 2024 ASCP Resident Global Health Fellowship, which allows pathology residents and fellows to engage in pathology practice in a low- to middle-income country. Eligible applicants must be Resident or Fellow-in-Training members of ASCP, currently training in pathology in the U.S. or Canada. The application deadline for this opportunity is November 1, 2024. Read more.

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ASCP is excited to announce the opening of applications for the 2024 ASCP Resident Global Health Fellowship. This prestigious opportunity allows pathology residents and fellows to expand their experience by engaging in pathology practice in a low- to middle-income country. Eligible applicants must be Resident or Fellow-in-Training members of ASCP, currently training in pathology in the U.S. or Canada. The application deadline for this opportunity is November 1, 2024.

The fellowship offers $5,000 in travel and stipend support for one resident to travel to the Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre (KCMC) in Moshi, Tanzania, and participate in the Coalition for Implementation Research in Global Oncology (CIRGO) grant research. Under the guidance of Dr. Alex Mremi, MD, PhD, Head of the Department of Pathology at KCMC and principal investigator, the selected fellow will contribute to the ongoing research project on prostate cancer awareness, barriers to screening, and correlations with PSA levels among men in Northern Tanzania.

The fellowship includes a one-month in-country stay in Moshi, to take place between January and June 2025, as well as virtual collaboration on the project before and after the visit.

To access the full application, eligibility criteria, expectations for the resident, and more information about the project, click here.

Don’t miss this unique chance to enhance your global health experience!

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The Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Final Rule on Laboratory Developed Tests (LDTs) continues to be the object of significant criticism from the medical laboratory community. In addition to the lawsuit filed by the American Clinical Laboratory Association in May, a new lawsuit against the FDA has emerged, this time from the Association for Molecular Pathology (AMP). The AMP lawsuit was filed on August 19.

The two lawsuits are very similar. Both challenge the FDA’s May 6, 2024, Final Rule, claiming the authority to regulate professional laboratory testing services as medical devices under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetics Act (FDCA). In both cases, the parties seek summary judgment, meaning they urge the court to decide in their favor on the basis of the record and legal argument, without the need for a trial. This should help speed up a decision in the cases.

ASCP strongly supports plaintiffs ACLA and AMP in their cases challenging FDA’s legal authority to regulate LDTs. As a result, ASCP is working with several other concerned pathology and laboratory medicine organizations to jointly seek leave to submit an amicus brief supporting ACLA and AMP’s challenges to the FDA’s statutory authority.

ASCP has retained Jane Pine Wood from the law firm McDonald Hopkins to assist with its efforts. Ms. Wood has significant expertise as an attorney focused on legal issues facing the pathology and laboratory medicine community. ASCP has worked with Ms. Wood on many occasions.

In the amicus brief, ASCP as one of several amici curiae argues that the FDA’s rule is already undermining the ability of clinical laboratories to develop and use LDTs and that this is negatively impacting patient care. ASCP notes that FDA’s grant of enforcement discretion for certain tests creates significant uncertainty for laboratories and that this will create a powerful disincentive to innovate and create new tests to address patient care needs. ASCP also argues that FDA’s oversight is unnecessary and redundant as LDTs are already regulated under the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) of 1988, which provide the flexibility necessary for laboratories to adjust tests to the needs of individual patients. Under the FDA’s approach, such flexibility would not be possible.

ASCP recently submitted formal comments on the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) CY 2025 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM). In it, ASCP raised concerns about the sustainability of CMS’s proposals to ensure patient access to quality pathology services. ASCP noted that this year’s rule marks the fifth straight year of the agency proposing to cut payment rates overall. ASCP raised concern that physician payment rates have fallen significantly since 2001—approximately 26%—because the PFS lacks an inflationary adjustment.

As a result, ASCP urged CMS to work with Congress to address Medicare sustainability. ASCP outlined several bills Congress should enact to address the Medicare payment issues, such as the Strengthening Medicare for Patients and Providers Act (H.R. 2474,) to provide an annual inflationary adjustment for physician service; and the Saving Access to Laboratory Services Act (S. 1000/H.R.1835), to reform how the federal government sets laboratory fees.

ASCP’s comments also addressed CMS’s recent updates to its clinical labor costs. CMS recently updated the PFS direct expenses for technical services performed by non-physician laboratory personnel—including histotechnologists and cytologists. In doing so, CMS adopted data from ASCP’s 2021 Wage Survey, a policy change that significantly reduced cuts CMS had proposed for pathology and independent laboratories.

ASCP’s comments also address the inability of the Medicare Quality Payment Program and the Merit-based Incentive Payment System to adequately recognize the critical contributions of pathologists. 

ASCP will continue working with AMA and other medical specialty societies to advocate for appropriate payment reform from Congress.

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The ASCP Forensic Pathology Rotation Scholarship Award Program is now accepting applications! This initiative addresses the critical shortage of forensic pathologists in the U.S., where only 500-600 pathologists practice—far below the 1,200 needed to meet medicolegal death investigation standards. As a result, there is an unprecedented demand for forensic pathologists, driving attractive compensation, loan repayment options, and flexible career opportunities.

In collaboration with George Mason University and the National Institute of Justice, the ASCP has already awarded 19 scholarships to pathology residents, enabling them to gain hands-on experience in Medical Examiner-Coroner (ME-C) offices across the country, including in rural and underserved regions. These one-month forensic pathology rotations have provided invaluable exposure to the medico-legal system and career incentives, including hybrid models and multi-jurisdiction coverage.

For the final round of this scholarship program, ASCP is expanding eligibility to include medical students alongside pathology residents. Applications are due by October 11, 2024, and rotations must occur by June 30, 2026. Interested applicants can apply at https://forms.gle/4UmRWgaNoVE6gSzi6.

ASCP will continue to follow up with scholarship recipients to assess the program’s impact on entry into the forensic pathology workforce. Don't miss this exciting opportunity to jumpstart your career in this high-demand specialty!

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Chair of Pathology at Ochsner Health takes reins of premier medical association serving pathologists and laboratory professionals

Gregory N. Sossaman, MD, MASCP, was installed Friday as 2024-2025 President of the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) during the Society’s Annual Meeting, Sept. 4-6, in Chicago, IL. Dr. Sossaman is System Chair of Clinical Pathology and Service Line Leader of the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at Ochsner Health in New Orleans, LA.  

Dr. Sossaman earned his medical degree from Louisiana State University (LSU) School of Medicine in New Orleans, LA. He completed his internship and residency in anatomic and clinical pathology at LSU Medical Center and served as Chief Resident. He then completed fellowship training at LSU Medical Center in Cytopathology.

After fellowship, he entered private practice in New Orleans until Hurricane Katrina in 2005 led to the closure of multiple area hospitals. In December 2005, he joined Ochsner Clinic Foundation, practicing anatomic pathology. In 2006, Dr. Sossaman was named section head of clinical pathology and became department chair in 2010. His professional practice is primarily in clinical pathology (including pathology informatics) along with leadership and management responsibilities.

A longtime member of ASCP, he has served on the ASCP Fellows Council, on various ASCP committees and commissions, and the Board of Directors. In addition, he has been very active in Louisiana medical societies, serving on numerous committees and the governance boards of both the state and local medical societies. Currently, he serves  on the ASCP Board of Directors and as a member of the ASCP Commission on Science Technology and Policy. 

“I am honored to have been elected as an officer of ASCP, a society that represents the entire medical laboratory team and impacts health care around the globe,” he says. “ASCP has a strong cadre of dedicated volunteers and staff whose vision and commitment ensure the Society will remain at the forefront of laboratory medicine and pathology in the future.”

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The clinical laboratory is critical to promoting and managing the delivery and use of healthcare resources. ASCP—a proponent of patient-centered care and evidence-based medicine—will host a Choosing Wisely Champions session during the ASCP 2024 Annual Meeting on September 6, at 2:30 p.m. (CT) to showcase successful efforts to carefully steward laboratory resources. Elise Occhipinti, MD, FASCP chair of ASCP’s Quality and Patient Safety Steering Committee, will introduce the two 2024 Choosing Wisely Champions and discuss the transition of the Choosing Wisely program from the American Board of Internal Medicine to ASCP. 

Choosing Wisely Champions

Kathryn Golab, DCLS, MLS(ACSP)^CMSH^CM is the clinical specialist in hematology, coagulation and urinalysis with Sentara Healthcare. She is recently finished her studies as a Doctor of Clinical Laboratory Science through Rutgers School of Health Professions at Froedtert and the Medical College of Wisconsin (F&MCW) and worked with multiple interdisciplinary teams throughout her final academic year to improve laboratory ordering and utilization at the point of impact on patient care teams. Choosing Wisely guidelines, as well as other nationally recognized consensus guidelines, provided the backbone of her utilization recommendations to clinicians on patient care rounds.

Dr. Golab participated in the Enterprise Laboratory Stewardship Committee at F&MCW as a laboratory representative and led the development of an initiative to reduce over-ordering of heavy metal blood screening panels in collaboration with the enterprise medical toxicology division. As part of her final academic year, she also performed utilization-based research focused on the ordering and use of peripheral blood flow cytometry.

Using the ASCP Choosing Wisely Guideline related to peripheral blood flow cytometry, she developed a clinical decision support tool within the electronic medical record system that led to a 47-percent reduction in unnecessary peripheral blood flow cytometry requests for patients without a history of hematolymphoid malignancy and increased appropriate utilization from 47 percent to 80 percent. This work was presented as a poster presentation at the ASCP national meeting in September 2024, with plans to publish a journal manuscript with these and additional findings in the near future.

The second Choosing Wisely Champion is the PLUGS^® (Patient-centered Laboratory Utilization Guidance Services) Informatics Committee. It is a laboratory stewardship collaborative whose mission is to improve laboratory test access, ordering, retrieval, interpretation and reimbursement. PLUGS^® is led by a team of experts within Seattle Children’s Hospital & University of Washington who serve as the leaders for the collaborative. PLUGS’s membership comprises a diverse group of laboratory stewardship stakeholders representing hospitals, health systems, laboratories, patient advocacy groups, health and biotechnology companies, and payers.

Allison Chambliss, PhD, DABCC, FADLM will present on behalf of the PLUGS Informatics Committee, which has focused on two important considerations related to practical application of benchmarking: accounting for patient population differences and resource requirements for gathering, collating, and sharing laboratory utilization data across different institutions. Criteria for selecting metrics were defined and three initial benchmarks were developed: vitamin D, thyroid testing, and iron deficiency workups. Practical guidance on retrieving data and calculating the actual metric was included.

A pilot study using these benchmarks revealed significant variations in performance across participating institutions. Institutions with established interventions showed better outcomes against the relevant metrics, highlighting the effectiveness of targeted interventions in improving stewardship. Using these metrics, individual institutions can compare their calculated metrics to the proposed benchmark goals to assess the potential for improvement. The approach and findings were disseminated to the PLUGS® membership at the 2023 and 2024 PLUGS® Summits. They have also spread awareness beyond PLUGS® members through the Clinical Laboratory News Quarterly Focus on Laboratory Stewardship. 

Be sure to add this important session to your schedule. Learn more by clicking here.

 

ASCP 2024 will host several renowned thought leaders at the named lecture series who will share their knowledge to help advance pathology and laboratory medicine and inspire you to make a difference in serving your profession. Here is a list of the guest speakers for the 2024 named lectures:

Cindy S. Johns Lecture

Speaker Patricia Ellinger will present “Cindy’s Work is Never Done” on Friday, Sept. 6 from 9:15-10:15 a.m. This lecture pays tribute to the memory of longtime ASCP member Cindy Johns who passed away in December 2017 after a lengthy battle with cancer. A champion for laboratory medicine, Ms. Johns worked tirelessly as an ASCP volunteer for more than 30 years.  

Ms. Ellinger, a tireless leader for more than 50 years, has forged new pathways in the education and certification of medical laboratory professionals, elevating the stature of the profession. A nationally recognized medical laboratory leader, she exemplifies a commitment to service—as an educator, supervisor of a major blood bank laboratory; and as a 35-year ASCP volunteer.

Even after she retired more than a decade ago, she returned to full-time work developing an innovative new program—the Medical Laboratory Technician-to-Medical Laboratory Scientist degree at St. Cloud State University, in St. Cloud, Minnesota—to address the workforce shortage. Now retired, Ms. Ellinger advises colleague to “get outside our comfort zone and share our talents in our communities.” 

Michele D. Raible Lecture for Residents

Speaker Kurt Schaberg, MD, associate clinical professor at UC Davis Health, will present “Learning Anatomic Pathology and Preparing for the Boards” on Thursday, September 5, from 9:15 to 10:15 a.m. The Michele D. Raible Lecture honors Dr. Raible’s commitment to delivering superior medical education and creating a lasting impact on the lives of medical students during her career.

In his presentation, Dr. Schaberg will discuss methods for learning anatomic pathology, with an emphasis on list learning, effortful study, and the importance of clinical knowledge. The faculty will discuss studying strategies for residency, the boards, and for practice.

Dr. Schaberg, who is also director of the Pathology Residency Program at UC Davis Health, is an anatomic pathologist with specialized training in surgical pathology of the gastrointestinal tract. He also practices general cytopathology and performs ultrasound-guided fine needle aspirations, and has a special clinical interest in inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, particularly ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. Dr. Schaberg's research focuses on gastrointestinal surgical pathology and cytopathology, particularly of the liver and pancreas.

Castleberry: it is about a voyage with her work, focus on indigenous population, culturally signif, underserved population. Learn how her voyage thru has allowed her to bring health to underserved population. Very unique and how it has informed her perspective on the lab profession in a way to support underserved populations.

Barbara M. Castleberry Lecture for Laboratory Professionals

Speaker Susan Johnson, MSTM, MLS(ASCP)SBB^CM will present Oh! The Places You May Go! on Wednesday, September 4, from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. This lecture is named in honor of Dr. Barbara Castleberry, who served for 18 years as vice president of the Board of Registry (now known as the ASCP Board of Certification). Through her innovative leadership, Dr. Castleberry strategically positioned the BOC for the competitiveness of the 21st century.

Ms. Johnson is the director of Clinical Education at Versiti as well as the director of the Transfusion Medicine Program at Marquette University and associate director of the Indian Immunohematology Initiative. Prior to this, Sue worked in an immunohematology reference laboratory for 25 years, developing a special interest in autoimmune hemolytic anemia, particularly drug-induced immune hemolytic anemia. In her presentation, she will share her journey because of her involvement with professional societies and talk about how attendees may become involved in their own professional societies. .

Ms. Johnson has a lengthy history of volunteer services, including active involvement with the ASCP Board of Certification. From 2014 to 2023, she has served on the ASCP Board of Certification Board of Governors, including as Chair from 2019 to 2021. More recently, she has taken the lead on the BOC’s Nomenclature Task Force. She continues in her role as Task Force Chair and leads the campaign to encourage everyone to use MLS(ASCP) credential instead of MT(ASCP), as well as working to heighten awareness that we should be using the terms cytology and cytologist instead of cytotechnologist and cytotechnology.

Arthur Purdy Stout Lecture for Pathologists 

Speaker John Hart, MD, will present “Steatohepatitis Diagnosis for the Surgical Pathologist: New Developments in 2024” on Wednesday, Sept. 5, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Dr. Hart is a professor of pathology and professor of medicine at the University of Chicago, Department of Pathology. He is a gastrointestinal and hepatic pathologist with expertise in the full range of neoplastic and non-neoplastic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and liver. His clinical interests include Barrett’s esophagus, IBD-related cancer, liver cancer, pancreatic cancer and stomach cancer.

Please mark your calendar for these informative lectures! For more information, visit https://www.ascp.org/annualmeeting/2024

Skateboarding and medicine are two passions for Viharkumar Patel, MD, FASCP, a surgical neuropathologist and a Top Five honoree for ASCP’s 2024 40 Under Forty program. So much so that skateboarding was his inspiration to pursue neuroscience and neuropathology, and he co-founded the Skaters Advancing Brain Education and Research Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness of brain health and disease and advocating for the youth.

Dr. Patel is one of five high-achieving pathologists, pathology residents, and medical laboratory professionals under age 40 who have been named to the prestigious ASCP 2024 40 Under Forty Top Five list. 

ASCP's 40 Under Forty program shines a spotlight on 40 highly accomplished pathologists, pathology residents, and laboratory professionals under age 40 who have made significant contributions to the profession and stand out as the future of laboratory leadership. 

The pathologists, pathology residents, and laboratory professionals who applied for the 2024 ASCP 40 Under Forty program were asked to submit a resume and write a personal statement addressing how they see themselves as a leader or becoming a leader within the profession.

The ASCP 40 Under Forty Top Five honorees were selected through a combination of public voting and committee selection. Each of the five will receive a stipend to attend the ASCP 2024 Annual Meeting, to be held Sept. 3-6, in Chicago. The Top Five also receive recognition at ASCP 2024. Here’s a look at this year’s Top Five honorees:

Kaleel al-Obaidy, MD, FASCP, MBBS, D-ABP

Dr. al-Obaidy is a senior staff pathologist specializing in genitourinary, head and neck, and molecular pathology at Henry Ford Health in Detroit, MI, and a clinical assistant professor at Michigan State University. He earned his medical degree from the University of Dammam, Saudi Arabia, in 2012 and soon began an anatomic pathology residency. In 2015, he moved to the United States for pathology residency training, followed by head and neck focused-surgical pathology and genitourinary pathology fellowships at Indiana University, and a molecular genetics pathology fellowship at the Cleveland Clinic. His focus is on genitourinary tumor diagnosis and research, particularly renal neoplasm classification. During his residency, under the guidance of his mentors, Dr. Al-Obaidy identified the first renal tumor with a novel recurrent KRAS mutation, they named "papillary renal neoplasm with reverse polarity," and discovered a novel molecular alteration in thyroid-like follicular renal cell carcinoma, EWSR1:PATZ1 fusion."

Brittany Bell, MS, MBA, MLS(ASCP)^CM, MB^CM

Ms. Bell is the vice president of the Commercial Pharma Services division at NeoGenomics Laboratories. She oversees the Pharma Services Business Development, Scientific Affairs, and Alliance Management teams, encompassing her commercial responsibilities. In her role, she emphasizes the critical role of laboratories in supporting clinical trials for drug development, particularly in oncology. She is enthusiastic about promoting the laboratory field and has mentored young professionals, helping them launch their careers in laboratory science. Ms. Bell’s passion is to elevate the visibility of laboratory professionals. She has served on the ASCP Council of Laboratory Professionals and led initiatives that significantly enhanced NeoGenomics' commercial engagement and operational efficiencies. Ms. Bell holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Pittsburgh, a master's degree in Medical Laboratory Science from Thomas Jefferson University, and an MBA from Temple Fox School of Business.

Kimberly Flock, PhD, QBRS^CM

Dr. Fiock is the founder and director of the Iowa Neuropathology Resource Laboratory, a human brain tissue biorepository and histology core at the University of Iowa. She is also the technical director of the Histology Research Laboratory at the same institution. Dr. Fiock holds a Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience and Psychology from the University of Texas, Dallas, and a Master of Science and PhD in Pathology from the University of Iowa. Her research interests center on the tau protein in neurodegeneration, focusing on the role of astrocytes in determining disease patterns. An active member of ASCP, Dr. Fiock works to promote diverse role models in science and supporting equitable science education through her partnership with Reinvented Magazine, a non-profit dedicated to reinventing the perception of women in STEM, and her outreach to schools in rural Iowa. Through her social media platform, ThePathPhD, Dr. Fiock educates more than 28,000 followers about research and careers in neuropathology and reaches more than 2,000,000 people.  

Viharkumar Patel, MD, FASCP, is an assistant professor at the University of California, Davis, and is a surgical neuropathologist who enjoys teaching. He holds a unique appointment as the biochemistry co-discipline lead for the UC Davis Medical School. He completed his pathology residency at the University of Wisconsin, Hospital and Clinics and neuropathology fellowship at Brigham & Women’s Hospital, in Boston. He received his bachelor’s degree in biological sciences at University of California, Davis, and is a graduate of St. George’s University, School of Medicine. Dr. Patel serves on the ASCP Pathologist Council, is involved in ASCP’s Mentorship Program and is a Pathology Ambassador.  

Steven Springer, MLS(ASCP)^CM, PA^CM, MB^CM is the senior director of laboratory operations and the site head at Foundation Medicine in San Diego, CA. He holds a BS in Clinical Laboratory Sciences from the University of Iowa and dual master’s degrees Pathologists’ Assistant Studies and Healthcare Administration from Rosalind Franklin University, in North Chicago, IL. He has demonstrated a passion for innovation and entrepreneurship within the medical laboratory field. His contributions include participating in focus panels for early-stage companies developing cutting-edge pathology devices, running a consulting firm that advises innovative biotech companies, mentoring students transitioning into the workplace, and guest lecturing at universities on business aspects of laboratory medicine. He is vice chair of the American Association of Pathologists’ Assistants Legislative Committee and a member of ASCP’s Council of Laboratory Management and Administration. 

Urge Congress to Fix Medicare Fee Schedules
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services proposes to cut payment rates for physician services, including pathology services, by almost 3 percent, and additional cuts to hundreds of clinical laboratory services. Also, the Medicare Economic Index, which measures medical practice cost inflation, is expected to increase in 2025. ASCP urges our members to contact Congress and demand that they fix Medicare payment rates. Read more.

Resources for Imminent BD Blood Culture Media Bottle Shortage
BD Life Sciences, a leading manufacturer of blood culture media bottles (BD BACTECTM blood culture vials), has notified customers to expect an impending shortage in blood culture media bottles. BD has said the supply disruption associated with BD’s plastic bottle supplier, is more complex than initially predicted and will affect its ability to keep up with global demands. The impact of this shortage is expected to affect patient care and the ability to diagnose and treat bloodstream infections. Read more.

CMS Recognizes Specialist in Cytology Certification as CLIA Compliant
The ASCP and ASCP Board of Certification (BOC) are pleased to announce a significant milestone that underscores the value of ASCP BOC credentials in enhancing the professional landscape for laboratory professionals while elevating patient safety. The ASCP BOC developed an eligibility route for the SCT(ASCP) certification exam, specifically for graduates of master's level CAAHEP-accredited Cytology Programs within the past five years. The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention recognize the ASCP BOC Specialist in Cytology certification, SCT(ASCP), as CLIA compliant. Read more.

ASCP and Board of Certification Urge University of Maryland to Reconsider MLS Program Closure
The University of Maryland School of Medicine has announced it will not accept students into its medical laboratory scientist (MLS) training program this fall, and it will cease operations entirely in 2027. ASCP and the ASCP Board of Certification have written to the Dean of the Medical School highlighting the critical importance of the laboratory workforce and urged the school to reconsider its plans. Read more.

ASCP, BOC Support Veterans Affairs Proposal on MLS’s Scope of Practice
ASCP and the ASCP Board of Certification (BOC) urged the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to finalize a proposal to adopt the ASCP BOC’s scope of practice for medical laboratory scientists. The VA’s proposal would set a national standard of practice for medical laboratory scientists, which means medical laboratory scientists at VA locations could have the same scope of practice, regardless of state licensure laws. Read more.

Help ASCP Understand the Financial Realities of Laboratory Education. Your Insights Matter!
ASCP members are encouraged to participate in a new survey, set to launch on Sept. 9, to study the costs associated with laboratory education and training for professionals in medical and public health laboratories. The study is conducted by ASCP and the ASCP Board of Certification. Read more.

ASCP 2024: Discover How the LDT Ruling May Affect Your Practice
The Food and Drug Administration’s claim it has authority to regulate laboratory developed tests has been a hot topic for more than a year. ASCP will devote three hours of education to this topic, and how it may affect laboratory medicine and patient care, during a special three-part series on Sept. 5 and 6 at the ASCP 2024 Annual Meeting in Chicago. Read more.

CDC Virtual Reality Laboratory Expands Access to Training on Biosafety and Preparedness
A new Virtuality Reality Laboratory, from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s OneLab program, offers access to free training in biosafety, specimen handling, and preparedness. Read more.

ASCP 2024 Policy Session Puts Spotlight on ASCP’s Massive CLIA Win, the LDT Lawsuit, and More
Jonathan Genzen, MD, PhD, FASCP, clinical pathology professor at the University of Utah and chief medical officer and senior director of government affairs at ARUP Laboratories, and ASCP President-Elect Gregory N. Sossaman, MD, MASCP, clinical pathologist and service line lead for pathology and laboratory medicine at Ochsner Health, New Orleans, will lead a session, “Public Policies Impacting the Practice of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, on Friday, Sept. 6, at the ASCP 2024 Annual Meeting. The session will be moderated by Greg Davis, MD, FASCP, a member of the ASCP Board of Directors. Read more.

Medical Lab Directors, Residents, Fellows--This Test Utilization Course is Designed for You
ASCP’s long involvement and leadership in Effective Test Utilization (ETU) has led to the development of best practices to reduce unnecessary testing and waste, improve cost-effectiveness, and benefit patient outcomes using evidence-based testing. Now ASCP, through a cooperative agreement with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), has developed an eLearning course, “Case-Based Best Practices in Effective Test Utilization for Clinical Laboratories,” freely available through the ASCP Store. Read more.

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ASCP and ASCP Board of Certification (BOC) are conducting a study related to the costs associated with laboratory education and training for professionals in medical and public health laboratories, including students and program directors. This study aims to (1) identify deficiencies in existing student debt-reduction programs at federal and state levels and advocate for better support for laboratory professionals, and (2) propose solutions to address the educational and training needs of the laboratory workforce. By recognizing financial obstacles, the study will highlight the necessity of affordable education and provide insights into issues impacting career progression and job satisfaction.

We encourage you to participate in this survey, set to launch on September 23, 2024!

For more information on our workforce resources, please visit our workforce webpage.

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In a formal comment letter to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), ASCP and the ASCP Board of Certification (BOC) urged the agency to finalize a proposal to adopt the ASCP BOC’s scope of practice for medical laboratory scientists. The VA’s proposal would set a national standard of practice for medical laboratory scientists means that medical laboratory scientists at VA locations could have the same scope of practice, regardless of state licensure laws. In addition to commenting on the VA’s scope of practice proposal, the ASCP and ASCP BOC urged the VA to update the professional terminology it uses for baccalaureate-level medical laboratory professionals. We also urged the VA to update its professional nomenclature for this position and use the term, “medical laboratory scientists,” instead of the term, “medical technologist.”

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ASCP recently learned that the University of Maryland School of Medicine was planning to close its medical laboratory scientist (MLS) training program, the oldest and largest in the state. The University announced it will not accept students into its program this fall and will cease operations in 2027. In response, the ASCP and ASCP Board of Certification wrote to the Dean of the Medical School highlighting the critical importance of the laboratory workforce and urged the school to reconsider its plans. ASCP also noted that the loss of this program would adversely impact the ability of area medical laboratories to recruit and train staff to fill their needs for laboratory professionals, which in turn would impact patient care.

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The ASCP and ASCP Board of Certification (BOC) are pleased to announce a significant milestone that underscores the value of ASCP BOC credentials in enhancing the professional landscape for laboratory professionals while elevating patient safety. The ASCP BOC developed an eligibility route for the SCT(ASCP) certification exam, specifically for graduates of master's level CAAHEP-accredited Cytology Programs within the past five years. 

This initiative, alongside a recent advocacy win with the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), highlights the BOC's commitment to advancing the cytology field. As of July 2024, CMS and the CDC have recognized the ASCP BOC Specialist in Cytology certification, SCT(ASCP), as an approved board examination for meeting the CLIA personnel qualifications of 42 CFR 493.1483.

This approval includes all SCT(ASCP) credential holders, including those who tested under Route 3 before July 2024, ensuring that all CT(ASCP) and SCT(ASCP) credential holders are recognized under the CLIA personnel qualifications. This significant achievement benefits all ASCP BOC credentialed cytologists and the patients they serve. 

For complete information on the CT(ASCP) and SCT(ASCP) credentials, eligibility requirements, and application instructions, visit the BOC website at www.ascp.org/boc/ct and www.ascp.org/boc/sct. We extend our gratitude to everyone who contributed to this advocacy win and to our community of cytology laboratory professionals for their dedication to excellence.

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