In 2006 the American Society of Cytopathology (ASC) appointed a "New Profession for Cytotechnologists Task Force" to address ASC members’ concerns regarding emerging trends that threaten to reduce Pap test volumes.
The ASC hired The Forbes Group to assess market forces that would support a new cytology profession. The report opened up the discussion and forced the ASC’s Executive Board to focus on the changes occurring in the field, not just cytotechnology but cytopathology.
The Multidisciplinary Steering Group was formed and has developed eight topics that will be discussed on The Future of Cytopathology Forum (Bulletin Board). The invited individuals, as well as the membership, are encouraged to participate in the discussions on the Forum.
I am co-chairing the Global Medicine/Telemedicine committee with Dr. David Wilbur, Director of Cytopathology and Associate Professor of Pathology at Massachusetts General Hospital. The group is headed by Dr. Barbara Crothers, Chief of Cytopathology and my former Chief of Anatomic Pathology at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. She and Dr. Wilbur helped co-author a publication on internet-based gynecologic telecytology. As developments occur
At this year’s ASC’s 56th Annual Scientific Meeting in Orlando, the Multidisciplinary Steering Group will give a presentation on the findings in The Forbes Report and the responses on the Forum. In November 2009, the Group would like to sponsor an all-day forum at the ASC’s 57th Annual Scientific Meeting in Denver to discuss the outcomes and develop a strategic look into the future of cytopathology. For more information, please contact the ASC National Office at (302) 429-8802.
