A person who is interested in biomedical laboratory science or a related specialty of medical laboratory research may wonder, “What is the (ASCP) American Society of Clinical Pathology?” It is important to be aware of different professional organizations within one’s field of expertise. Understanding what this organization is and how it serves its members could help an individual decide if they want to pursue membership.
Essential Details About the American Society of Clinical Pathology
The American Society of Clinical Pathology is a professional organization headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. It was founded in 1922. Currently, the American Society of Clinical Pathology has a membership of more than 130,000 clinical laboratory pathologists and similar laboratory professionals. It has a charitable foundation for scholarships, a resources center, continuing education classes, printed resources and reference materials, networking opportunities and professional advocacy services for its members.
What the American Society of Clinical Pathology Does
The American Society of Clinical Pathology advocates for the profession and members. Its mission involves hastening the advancement of laboratory science and improving patient care through knowledge, collaboration and community. The American Society of Clinical Pathology also creates and distributes educational materials and resources for pathology students, residents, practitioners and laboratory directors. These resources help the professionals obtain required licensure, certification and continuing education credits. The organization also coordinates live, in-person events as well as online events for its members. Its certification programs and quality improvement programs are aimed at individuals as well as laboratories.
Who the American Society of Clinical Pathology Serves
According to The American Society of Clinical Pathology, the organization serves people in many roles of clinical pathology. One of their service groups is students. This includes undergraduate, graduate and medical school students. Another group served by the organization is residents. This includes people who hold a medical doctor degree and are in their pathology residency portion of their career. Laboratory professionals are another group served by the organization. This includes people who work as histotechnologists, hematologists, phlebotomists and pathology informatics specialists. Pathologists are also served by the American Society of Clinical Pathology. They include both clinical and medical pathologists in their membership community. Program directors may also join the American Society of Clinical Pathology. Program directors are the people who are training pathologists and other laboratory specialists. They include laboratory sciences and resident pathology program directors in their membership.
Special Events Promoted By the American Society of Clinical Pathology
The American Society of Clinical Pathology plays a large role in the promotion of National Medical Laboratory Professionals Week. This annual event is designed to recognize the important work performed by people who are employed as medical laboratory scientists, technicians, researchers and administrators. It is a chance for them to be celebrated by other professionals and to be recognized for their work in helping with the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of diseases and conditions. This annual event takes place during the last full week of April.
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Most professions have one or more organizations that coordinate continuing education, provide networking and encourage professional and personal growth. Joining one of those organizations could also help a person with references, resources and job leads. Knowing, “What is the (ASCP) American Society of Clinical Pathology?” could also help a person discover more about working as a clinical pathologist in a laboratory.