CytopathPod

Our interview with the winner of the ASC Cytologist (Cytotechnologist) Scientific Presentation Award

Presented by the ASC Research and Current Concepts Committee 
Vicki Jo, MD, Chair & Amy Ly, MD, Vice Chair

Dr. Catherine Bammert interviews Ms. Courtney Hoang, the winner of the ASC Cytologist (Cytotechnologist) Scientific Presentation Award. This interview delves into the steps that led to this award-winning abstract.

Poster 94 The Performance of Molecular Tests for Selected Indeterminate Thyroid Nodules (AUS and FN) in an Academic Medical Institution

Courtney Hoang, CT, ASCP
Houston Methodist Hospital
Houston, Texas

Our interview with the winner of the ASC Warren R. Lang, MD Resident Physician Award

Presented by the ASC Research and Current Concepts Committee
Vicki Jo, MD, Chair & Amy Ly, MD, Vice Chair

Dr. Danielle Elliott Range interviews Dr. Melanie Kwan, the winner of the ASC Warren R. Lang MD Resident Physician Award. This interview delves into the steps that led to this award-winning abstract.

Platform 13 Revisiting the Performance of Cyst Fluid Carcinoembryonic Antigen as a Diagnostic Marker for Pancreatic Mucinous Cysts: A Comprehensive 20-Year Institutional

Melanie Kwan, MD
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, Massachusetts

The Future of Cytology: A Review of the Updated Standards, Name Change, and Transition to Master’s

Presented by the Cytology Programs Review Committee
Charles Sturgis, MD, Chair, & Jenna LeBlanc, MS, CT(ASCP)CM, Vice Chair
Michele Smith, MS, SCT(ASCP) & Sean McNair, MPH, CT(ASCP) are members of the CPRC.

Title: The Future of Cytology: A Review of the Updated Standards, Name Change, and Transition to Master’s  

Host Mr. Sean McNair joins Ms. Jenna LeBlanc, Ms. Michele Smith, and Dr. Charles Sturgis in this enriching episode to discuss the updates of the new Standards and Guidelines for the Accreditation of Educational Programs in Cytology, the rationale behind the profession’s name change, the transition to master’s degree, and the future of Cytology. This podcast pulls back the curtains to show the dedication of the CPRC and the changes they are excited to share with you.

For additional information, please visit the Cytology page on the CAAHEP website (includes all four sponsors and emails, Standards, FAQs, and Curriculum Implementation Strategies):

https://caahep-public-site-5be3d9.webflow.io/committees-on-accreditation/cytology

Our interview with the winner of the 2023 ASC Advances in Thyroid Cytology Award

Presented by the Research and Current Concepts Committee
Vickie Y. Jo, MD, & Chair Amy Ly, MD, Vice Chair

Dr. Savitri Krishnamurthy interviews Dr. Lily Mahler, the winner of the ASC Advances in Thyroid Cytology Award. This interview delves into the steps that led to this award-winning abstract.

Poster 89 Repeat Fine Needle Aspiration for Thyroid Nodules Classified as Follicular Neoplasm: Evaluation of Cytologic, Molecular, and Histologic Outcomes

Lily Mahler, MD 
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center 
Boston, Massachusetts

 

Improving Cytology Education in the Spanish Communities

Join us in our exciting first Spanish-speaking episode!

In this first ASC Spanish-speaking episode, Drs. Nora Morgenstern, Cecilia Gimenez, and Glorimar Rivera discussed a new initiative to boost cytology education in Spanish-speaking communities. The program, developed by the Professional Development, Mentoring, and Diversity Committee, aims to make cytology lectures accessible and free for the entire Spanish-speaking community. The committee gathered feedback from members of the Spanish-speaking community to adapt their approach and create a comprehensive educational plan. The program consists of cytology lectures in Spanish, considering the community members' work, social, and family commitments.

Enjoy this informative and exciting endeavor.

En este primer episodio de ASC en Española. Las doctoras Nora Morgenstern, Cecilia Gimenez y Glorimar Rivera discutieron una nueva iniciativa para impulsar la educación en citología en las comunidades hispanohablantes. El programa, desarrollado por el Comité de Desarrollo Profesional, Mentoría y Diversidad, tiene como objetivo hacer accesibles y gratuitas las charlas de citología para toda la comunidad hispanohablante. El comité recopiló opiniones de miembros de la comunidad para adaptar su enfoque y crear un plan educativo integral. El programa consiste en charlas de citología en español, teniendo en cuenta los compromisos laborales, sociales y familiares de los miembros de la comunidad.

Disfruten de este esfuerzo informativo y emocionante.

 

Click here for more information and check out their article in the 2024 July issue of The ASC Bulletin titled Introducing the New initiative from the Professional Development, Mentoring and Diversity Committee.

Our interview with the 2023 Winner of the ASC Quality Improvement in Cytology Award

Presented by the Research and Current Concepts Committee
Vickie Y. Jo, MD, & Chair Amy Ly, MD, Vice Chair

Dr. Heather Chen Yost interviews Dr. Robert Post, the winner of the ASC Quality Improvement in Cytology Award. This interview will take you on a journey with this award-winning poster.

Using Natural Language Processing and Machine Learning Techniques for Cytology-Histology Correlation Saves Cytotechnologist Time without Compromising Quality
Robert Post, DO
Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Unveiling the Secrets Mastering GYN Pap Test with Expertise – A Journey through GYN Cytology Tips Tricks!

Join host Dr. Dina Zenezan and Dr. Israh Akhtar in this enriching podcast episode as they illuminate the fascinating domain of cytopathology with a particular focus on the GYNPAP test. Pulling back the curtains on complex cytological concepts, Dr. Akhtar offers an invaluable guide to the liquid-based preparation systems predominantly employed in the US - the thin prep and short path.

Dr. Akhtar leaves no questions unanswered, simplifying the complexity of cytopathology and its immense relevance to overall human health. Further your learning by exploring the suggested reading materials for a more profound examination of candida, trichomonas, and squamous cell conditions.

To view this presentation with slides click here.

Resources

A View Inside AI & Digital Cytopathology

In this fascinating episode, delve into the unique and significant discussion on AI and Digital Cytopathology.

Dr. Uma Krishnamurti and Dr. Sara Monaco discussed the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in cytopathology. They explored AI's potential to improve efficiency and accuracy and the challenges in adopting AI, including standardization across laboratories and the complexities of reimbursement. The conversation also touched on the financial implications, legal concerns, and the need for transparency in billing practices, with a focus on the emerging field of AI and its application in cytopathology. And much more!

Uma Krishnamurti, MD

Sara Monaca, MD

The Power of Mentorship in Cytopathology

Dr. Natalie Banet interviews Drs. Lowe, Graham, and Reyes about the power of the ASC Mentorship Program. Dr. Reyes will also introduce a new facet of the mentorship program.

In this revealing episode, our intriguing guests Dr. Ali Lowe and Dr. Ashleigh Graham, offer a candid discussion on their integral roles in the American Society of Cytopathology (ASC) Mentorship Program led by the ASC's Professional Development, Mentorship, and Diversity Committee, which launched July 2023. Both share their unique perspectives and experiences acquired through this program focused on supporting underrepresented groups in cytopathology.

Dive into the structure and blueprint of the mentorship program, observing how it pairs mentors and mentees based on their interests, backgrounds, aspirations, and expertise. 

Mentorship Program Launch and Focus

Drs. Banet and Lowe then introduced a second phase of the mentorship program set to debut September 2024. The program aims to foster connections and professional development among members. Dr. Reyes, who will lead the program, explained that participants in this year-long cohort mentoring program will meet monthly in small groups for gently guided discussion on a chosen topic, with the initial topic being wellbeing.

By the end of this episode, discover the life-changing benefits of the ASC's mentorship program, epitomizing the value of networking and fostering a sense of belonging within professional circles.

The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee Mentor application: https://cytopathology.org/page/DEIMentor 

Professional Development, Mentorship Committee Mentee Form application: https://cytopathology.org/page/Menteeform 

Cohort application (for small group mentorship program to start 9/2024): https://cytopathology.org/page/CohortSmallGroupApplication 

 

News from the American Medical Association (AMA) House of Delegates

Sarah Sprinkle, MHPTT, CT(ASCP)CM, Vice Chair of The ASC Bulletin and CytoPathPod Editorial Board, interviews Drs. Margaret Compton, Current Delegate for the ASC to the AMA House of Delegates; Swati Mehrotra, Past delegate and current alternate delegate for the ASC to the AMA House of Delegates; and Mark Synovec, Chair of the Pathology Section Council.

The insightful panel discussed the various roles and impact of the American Medical Association (AMA), with a focus on its House of Delegates component and the importance of representation for different societies and individuals. They also addressed current issues such as a proposed rule by the FDA on laboratory-developed tests, the impact of HPV-associated cancer prevention, and the need for fair reimbursement for digital pathology services. Lastly, they emphasized the importance of younger physicians getting involved in their State Medical Societies as well as participating in national advocacy efforts. The AMA plays a significant role as the voice of medicine in Washington on a broad spectrum of issues ranging from regulatory matters to reimbursement through the RUC and CPT advisory processes, so it is critical for cytopathology to have representation.

Apply to the AMA Today! https://member.ama-assn.org/join-renew/member-search [member.ama-assn.org].  And https://www.ama-assn.org/amaone/ama-general-group-membership [ama-assn.org]

One important thing that we want to highlight is that in order to maintain HOD representation, we need a certain percentage of physician ASC members to also be AMA members. There are also opportunities for resident and fellow members to participate in the resident and fellows section. 

Click here for Dr. Margaret Compton's informative article Updates from the 2023 AMA House of Delegates Interim Meeting in the January issue of The ASC Bulletin.