NORTHFIELD, Ill. (April 27, 2026) —The College of American Pathologists (CAP) has been recognized with a 2026 Gold Circle Award from the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) for its 2025 media relations campaign focused on seasonal infectious diseases and laboratory readiness. The award in the Media/Public Relations category recognizes outstanding association communications and public relations programs that demonstrate strong strategy, execution, and measurable results.
In 2025, the CAP launched its first infectious disease media briefing series to connect reporters with pathologists as infectious disease stories—from measles outbreaks to back-to-school illness risks and emerging public health threats—were unfolding in real time.
“When public health concerns are moving quickly, accurate information matters,” said CAP President Qihui “Jim” Zhai, MD, FCAP. “As pathologists, we see firsthand what is happening in the laboratory and how it connects to what patients and communities are experiencing. It’s important that we are part of these conversations and help put that information into context for reporters and the public.”
Across the series, the CAP engaged national, regional, and trade reporters, including outlets such as CNN, NBC, FOX, and NPR. The briefings resulted in more than 70 TV and radio segments from coverage of measles alone. As back-to-school illness concerns emerged, the August briefing drew strong engagement—48 registrations, more than 30 attending reporters, and more than 30 resulting stories across broadcast and digital outlets.
Together, the briefings gave reporters direct access to CAP experts while infectious disease stories were actively developing, helping shape coverage of laboratory medicine across broadcast, digital, and print outlets.
More information about the 2026 Gold Circle Awards is available on ASAE’s website.
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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.