Cytopathology in focus: Three special reports capture a field in transition

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In the third special report, Friedlander and colleagues focus on educational needs related to the practice changes discussed in the first two articles.³ Educational needs reported by survey respondents included cell block methods, FNA adequacy assessment, IHC, and molecular diagnostics. With these needs in mind, the workgroup developed the Advanced Cytopathology Education (ACE) in-person conference and the online educational platform ACE University.³

This trio of articles nicely captures the current transitional state of the field of cytotechnology, as declining Pap tests give way to emerging roles for cytotechnologists both within cytology and beyond. These articles provide an excellent overview of key areas to watch as the future of the cytotechnology profession
evolves.

1. Roberson J, Ali AM, Clark J, Eltoum I, Ritter D, Soles R. Changing practice patterns for cytotechnologists: a comparative analysis of data from the 2009 and 2015 ASCP BOC Practice Analysis Surveys. J Am Soc Cytopathol. 2018;7(5):232–239.
2. Friedlander MA, Pineault LS, Roberson J, Wendel Spiczka A. Perspectives on expanded scope of practice in cytotechnology. J Am Soc Cytopathol. 2018;7(5):240–249.
3. Friedlander MA, Pineault LS, Donnelly A, Giroux S, Naik K. Voices from the field: supporting the educational needs of cytotechnologists. J Am Soc Cytopathol. 2018;7(5):250–260.

Dr. Sundling is faculty director of the cytotechnology program, clinical instructor, and cytopathologist, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison. Dr. Brainard is a staff pathologist and cytopathology section head, Cleveland Clinic. Dr. Sundling is a member and Dr. Brainard is vice chair of the CAP Cytopathology Committee.