Medical Student Engagement Special Session Debuts at ASCP 2025

• ASCP Patient Champions and pathologists share patient perspectives and discuss real-life clinical scenarios in a special session at the 2025 ASCP Annual Meeting. 

 

At this year’s ASCP Annual Meeting, a new session dedicated to illuminating the essential role of pathologists—“Pathologists and Patients: A Career Exploration for Medical Students”—made its debut, spearheaded by Dr. Vihar Patel. Over the course of two days, ASCP Patient Champions Patricia Ellinger, Daryl Baker, Courtney Campbell, and Elise Occhipinti shared their stories, providing in-depth real-world patient perspectives through the diagnostic process to an audience of medical students, pathology residents and pathologists. This was complemented by pathologist-led case studies by Dr. Vihar Patel, Dr. Danielle Fortuna, and Dr. Jeanne Hendrickson, highlighting the diagnostic journey and interdisciplinary collaboration.  

Advocacy and outreach are a core part of ASCP’s mission to support patients, pathologists, and laboratory professionals. This session is part of ASCP’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the pathologist and laboratory professional workforce. Increasing exposure and recognition of active patient participation in their diagnosis and treatment process is vital to both empowering patients and deepening understanding of pathology’s contributions to patient care. Learn more about ASCP’s Patient Champions program