NORTHFIELD, Ill. (July 31, 2023) — The College of American Pathologists (CAP) was awarded the prestigious Profiles of Excellence Award in Communications by the American Association of Medical Society Executives (AAMSE). This recognition celebrates the exceptional multi-channel communications campaign that aimed to drive awareness to the CAP’s 2022 priority: advocating for the reduction of health disparities.
The CAP's innovative approach integrated select scientific, policy, and public health activities, strategically leveraging media relations, videography, community service, advocacy, and in-person meetings with legislative representatives. Through these efforts, the CAP successfully elevated awareness and spurred action toward reducing health disparities across diverse communities.
"We are honored to receive this award, which acknowledges the CAP's commitment to addressing this critical issue,” said CAP President Emily E. Volk, MD, FCAP. “The pursuit of equitable healthcare and the reduction of health disparities are essential. By fostering meaningful conversations and raising awareness, we strive to create a healthier and more inclusive society.”
The campaign's primary objective was to educate and empower individuals and communities to take action toward reducing these disparities. Key communication objectives included:
- Spotlighting laboratory expertise to drive United States laboratory adoption of a new kidney function testing equation that eliminates adjustment by race.
- Showcasing direct care through cancer screening and health education in medically underserved populations through the See, Test, & Treat® (ST&T) program.
- Utilizing a multi-channel communications approach to reach laboratories, legislators, patients, and the public-at-large.
“The success of the campaign is a testament to the collaborative efforts of members and staff across laboratory quality solutions, membership, advocacy, digital, the CAP Foundation, and more,” said La'Tonzia Adams, MD, MS, FCAP, member of the CAP Professional and Community Engagement Committee. “Their unwavering dedication in developing compelling messaging, impactful visuals, and engaging content, combined with leveraging various communication channels such as social media, press releases, and community events, enabled the CAP to reach diverse populations and amplify the message of reducing health disparities."
The awards were announced at the 2023 AAMSE Annual Conference held July 19-21 in Arizona. The Profiles of Excellence Awards honor medical societies and organizations that demonstrate outstanding achievements and best practices across various categories. The communications award showcases communications initiatives that disseminate an important message or promote a medical society's mission through effective content and delivery methods.
More information about the Profiles in Excellence Awards can be found on the AASME website.
About the College of American Pathologists
As the world’s largest organization of board-certified pathologists and leading provider of laboratory accreditation and proficiency testing programs, 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. For more information, visit the CAP Newsroom, CAP.org and yourpathologist.org to watch pathologists at work and see the stories of the patients who trust them with their care.