The Panel of National Pathology Leaders (PNPL) — a think tank dedicated to advancing pathology and laboratory medicine — is committed to empowering leaders and elevating practices across the field. Through its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Focus Group, PNPL provides practical guidance to help pathology practices and laboratories integrate environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles into operations, strategy, and long-term value creation. The goal is to help organizations translate these concepts into actionable plans that strengthen both performance and stakeholder relationships.
- Transforming Corporate Responsibility into Competitive Advantage – During a December meeting of the CSR Focus Group, Mary T. Engvall, former Senior Director of Corporate Responsibility at Cigna, provided a practical framework for understanding corporate responsibility as a strategic business function rather than a peripheral activity. Her presentation emphasized that effective CSR initiatives are rooted in stakeholder engagement, risk mitigation, and opportunity identification, enabling organizations to create “shared value” that benefits both the business and the communities it serves. For pathology practices and laboratories, this includes initiatives such as workforce development, environmental safety, and operational efficiency—strengthening organizational performance while enhancing relationships with hospitals, payers, and other partners.
Click here for an overview of her presentation and key takeaways.
- Sustainability in Pathology: Insights from PNPL Leadership on ASCP’s Inside the Lab – Through PNPL’s ongoing collaboration with ASCP, sustainability in laboratory medicine was recently highlighted on the Inside the Lab podcast, featuring Dr. Ilyssa Gordon, former Medical Director of Sustainability at the Cleveland Clinic and Dr. Moira Larsen, Chair of PNPL’s CSR Focus Group. The discussion explored how “green labs” are transitioning from concept to operational reality, with laboratories increasingly incorporating data-driven approaches — such as lifecycle assessments — to measure environmental impact and guide decision-making. Importantly, sustainability efforts are most effective when aligned with financial and operational priorities, often supporting cost management, supply chain optimization, and health system alignment.
Click here for an overview of this podcast and key takeaways.
For more information on PNPL, including its Corporate Social Responsibility Focus Group, educational programming, and resources available through its collaboration with ASCP, visit www.pathleaders.org.
