NORTHFIELD, Ill.—Health care evolves at a near-constant rate, but the past several years have seen a period of uncommonly rapid change and uncertainty that requires strong leadership to guide medical care professionals. Those leaders can often be found in the laboratory.
The College of American Pathologists (CAP), the world’s largest association of board-certified pathologists, honored three of its members for their tireless efforts in advancing the specialty of pathology through work with the organization, clinical partners, patients, and the public at large. The members accepted their awards at a ceremony during CAP16: The Pathologists’ Meeting in Las Vegas, September 24–28.
CAP Pathologist of the Year Award
Gene N. Herbek, MD, FCAP: Having recently served as the CAP president from 2013–2015, Dr. Herbek has not only dedicated his entire career to his patients, but also strengthened pathology for his fellow doctors. He has served on numerous committees within the organization, including the Finance Committee, Practice Management Committee, and New in Practice Committee, and has served in the CAP House of Delegates and on the Board of Governors. Dr. Herbek was also the driving force for the CAP Foundation’s See, Test & Treat® program, which is the CAP’s flagship philanthropy effort. "Choosing pathology as my specialty in medicine was a life-changing decision," said Dr. Herbek. "The impact on my life was amplified a thousand fold when I became a member volunteer for the CAP. It made me a better pathologist, creating countless opportunities—some formal and others back-of-the-napkin—to learn the science and art of pathology from giants in our field." Dr. Herbek currently serves as medical director of transfusion services at Methodist Hospital and medical director of Methodist Women’s Hospital Laboratory in Omaha, Nebraska.
CAP Pathology Advancement Award
Cordelia E. Sever, MD, FCAP: Currently serves as vice president and director of clinical pathology at Pathology Associates of Albuquerque, medical director of Presbyterian Hospital Laboratory and Presbyterian Branch Labs, and co-medical director of the clinical laboratory for hematology at Tricore Reference Laboratories in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Dr. Sever received this honor in recognition of continued work within the organization and in the laboratory, including her service on numerous committees and her involvement in improving the effective diagnosis of lymphoma. "As pathologists, we are getting closer to the zero-error zone and see many clinical areas with excellent patient outcomes," she said. "I leverage my knowledge of quality processes to pick the right battles and drive the passion for quality right to the front lines of patient care."
CAP Outstanding Communicator Award
Carey Zimmerman August, MD, FCAP: Currently serves as the director of anatomic pathology, associate chair for the department of pathology, and member of obstetrics and gynecology at Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center in Chicago. Outside the laboratory, Dr. August has served on several CAP committees while also completing CAP spokesperson training and participated in several CAP communication efforts such as videos, interviews, and speaking engagements. Her work advances pathology by highlighting its importance throughout the health care industry, and informing everyday patients about their diagnoses and the professionals who work to ensure accuracy and quality in the laboratory. Dr. August said a pathologist is more than someone who simply reads slides and continued, "There are so many ways in which we can use our talents and energy to help further the practice of pathology."
About the College of American Pathologists
As the leading organization for board-certified pathologists, the College of American Pathologists (CAP) serves patients, pathologists, and the public by fostering and advocating excellence in the practice of pathology and laboratory medicine worldwide. With 18,000 physician members, the CAP has led laboratory accreditation for more than 50 years with more than 7,900 CAP-accredited laboratories in 50 countries. Find more information about the CAP at CAP.ORG. Follow CAP on Twitter at @PATHOLOGISTS.