The senior pathologist
Donald S. Karcher, MD
May 2024—You may have read my column in the March issue about how the CAP is taking care of the next generation of pathologists by helping and engaging our new-in-practice colleagues. If you’re a more seasoned pathologist, you may be wondering: What about me?
The CAP is positioned to meet the needs of pathologists from the very start to the very finish of our careers, and even beyond that. This organization—this community—is here for you throughout your practice as a pathologist. We recognize that people’s needs change over time. As our members gain seniority, there are CAP leadership tracks available to you, as well as a broad range of helpful tools and important activities you can access. For example, the CAP offers continuing education programs to make it as easy as possible to earn your CME credits, from live courses at our national meetings to online learning modules to no-cost, bite-size educational exercises you can hold in your hand (the FastFive Challenges on the MyCAP app). After all, lifelong learning is what medicine is all about. Even at my own rather advanced age, I’m continuing to learn new things every day that help me take better care of my patients.
One of my favorite things about being a CAP member is that it provides a wealth of opportunities for those of us who are more senior to share our experiences and wisdom with our fellow pathologists. Senior members often serve on CAP councils and committees, working side-by-side with younger members and providing the perspective of seasoned pathologists in the work of these groups. In addition, our more experienced members frequently serve as CAP laboratory accreditation inspectors, an essential role in our peer-based accreditation system. The more than 1,400 pathologists who serve as CAP inspectors are volunteers who rely on their expertise to help ensure that clinical laboratories are compliant with best practices. With early-career pathologists often working longer hours and raising young families, it’s the more senior members of the CAP who may be in the best position to take on this role. Even retired pathologists—who can continue to contribute to the CAP as emeritus fellows with a no-cost emeritus membership—can stay involved by serving as inspectors.
Senior pathologists also tend to have more authority in their institutions and more stature in their communities, and that translates well to getting involved in the CAP’s advocacy efforts. While pathologists at any career stage are strongly encouraged to participate in these programs, we know it’s more likely for later-career pathologists to have the time and resources to take on the more demanding advocacy responsibilities. Pathologists who have been practicing for decades bring tremendous credibility when meeting with policymakers to make the case for what our community and our patients need most. They can be very effective in pushing for the kinds of fair payment and appropriate regulatory environment that help pathologists in all stages of our careers.
Speaking of time and resources, another terrific opportunity for more seasoned pathologists is getting involved in the CAP Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the CAP. The foundation aims to bring pathologists to patients in need through the See, Test & Treat program, to promote pathology best practices around the world, and to help young people pursue careers in pathology through scholarships and grants. More senior pathologists tend to have the financial resources needed to donate to the foundation, and the time to participate in its governance. I’m a huge fan of the foundation and know how personally rewarding it can be to support and participate in its programs.
Those of us looking to help the next generation can make the most of our own experiences by serving as a mentor. The CAP is currently running a pilot mentorship program, which I hope will be pushed out to the broader CAP community in the near future. When that happens, it will be a great opportunity for senior pathologists to use their deep expertise and trove of lessons learned to help younger pathologists find their footing and ensure the continued vitality of laboratory medicine into the future.
Throughout our careers, we pathologists face different needs at different stages of our development. In my view, it is the CAP that offers the best and most holistic resources to meet those needs for our entire career spectrum. If you have an idea for how the CAP can help address any challenges you’re experiencing, from just getting started in practice to capping off a long and productive career, please reach out and let me know.
Dr. Karcher welcomes communication from CAP members. Write to him at president@cap.org.