CytopathPod

ASC Foundation Patient Advocacy Grant Recipient 
In this episode, Dr. Swikrity Baskota talks with Mr. Hector R. Gracia, who worked tirelessly with SewHope, this year’s Patient Advocacy Grant recipient, and with their work in Santa Ana, Petén. Hector shares the stories behind the mission—meeting women who have never had access to screening, training local healthcare workers, and witnessing the powerful impact of prevention and education.
This heartfelt conversation highlights the real meaning of advocacy and the difference one person can make.
"We got the GRANT now let's get to work!" - Mr. Hector R. Gracia
 
Apply for an ASC Foundation Patient Advocacy Grant - American Society of Cytopathology Foundation - Advocacy #Savinglivesonecellatatime #cyto #cytopath

In this episode of the ASC 73rd Annual Scientific Meeting Series, we speak with Todd Vanden Branden, Senior Director at GRUNDIUM US.  Todd shares his perspective on participating with the ASC community through exhibiting at the ASC Annual Scientific Meeting. Learn how these efforts help foster collaboration and create meaningful connections within the profession. 
Swikrity Upadhyay Baskota, MBBSChair, The ASC Bulletin and CytoPathPod of the Editorial Board
Todd Vanden BrandenSenior DirectorGrundium US

In this episode of the ASC 73rd Annual Scientific Meeting Attendee Series, we talk with Dr. Paul VanderLaan about his experience at this year’s meeting and his ongoing involvement with ASC. Dr. VanderLaan reflects on what makes the meeting so fantastic and educational, from cutting-edge sessions to the vibrant exchange of ideas. He also shares the joy of reconnecting with familiar faces and meeting new colleagues.
Swikrity Upadhyay Baskota, MBBSChair, The ASC Bulletin and CytoPathPod of the Editorial Board
Paul VanderLaan, MD, PhDBeth Israel-Deaconess Medical CenterBoston, Massachusetts

In this episode of the ASC 73rd Annual Scientific Meeting Attendee Series, we sit down with Dr. Swati Mehorta to explore her first-hand experience at the meeting. She shares the highlights that stood out, the value of participating in scientific sessions, and how the event fosters a strong sense of community among cytopathology professionals. Whether you’re a seasoned attendee or considering joining for the first time, this conversation offers insights into why the ASC Annual Meeting is such a meaningful and collaborative experience.
Swikrity Upadhyay Baskota, MBBSChair, The ASC Bulletin and CytoPathPod of the Editorial Board
Swati Mehotra, MDEdward Hines Jr., VA HospitalHines, Illinois

In this episode of our ASC 73rd Annual Scientific Meeting Attendee Series, we feature Ms. Taylor Kurcsak, a cytologist from the Cleveland Clinic, who attended the meeting for the very first time. Taylor shares her impressions of the event, highlights from the sessions, and how this experience is shaping her professional journey. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to attend the ASC Annual Scientific Meeting as a First Timer, this conversation offers an authentic and inspiring perspective.
Swikrity Upadhyay Baskota, MBBSChair, The ASC Bulletin and CytoPathPod of the Editorial Board
Taylor Kurcsak, CT(ASCP)Cleveland Clinic

Join us for an exclusive attendee interview from the ASC 73rd Annual Scientific Meeting. In this episode, we sit down with Ms. Sydnee Webb, an ASC Voting Cytologist, to discuss her experience at the meeting, key takeaways from the sessions, and insights into the evolving field of cytopathology. Whether you attended the meeting or want to stay connected with the latest trends and innovations, this conversation offers a unique perspective from the front lines of cytology practice.
Swikrity Upadhyay Baskota, MBBSChair, The ASC Bulletin and CytoPathPod of the Editorial Board
Sydnee E. Webb, BS, CT(ASCP)The Cleveland Clinic

Presented by the Cytopathology Program Directors Committee
 
Diva Salomao, MD, Chair & Frida Rosenblum, MD, Vice Chair
 
Dr. Kim Ely interviews Dr. Sara Monaco, the upcoming President-Elect and current Vice President of the American Society of Cytopathology, regarding her experience with implementing tele-cytology for rapid on-site evaluation. Together, they demystify the technology by introducing the listener to the necessary equipment and explaining the different platforms. Learn ways to incorporate the trainee into these remote evaluations and novel ways to assess their competency.
 
Sara E. Monaco, MDASC Vice PresidentGeisinger Medical CenterDanville, Pennsylvania
 
Kim A. Ely, MDMember, ASC Cytopathology Program Directors CommitteeVanderbilt University Medical CenterNashville, Tennessee

Dive into the minds behind the award-winning Cytology Shark Tank, which redefines innovation. This episode features behind-the-scenes insights and transformative ideas from creators who will make a lasting impact. This podcast turns achievements into lessons that spark change, perfect for thought leaders, dreamers, and doers. Listen, learn, and be inspired!
Dr. Taryn L. Waraksa-Deutsch interviews Ms. Michele Smith, 2024 Cytology Shark Tank winner, along with Ms. Donna Russell and Dr. Catherine Bammert, who were part of the award-winning team titled Merging Silos: Digital WSI Library Harvesting Technology for Education.
Michele A. Smith, MS, SCT(ASCP)Winner - 2024 Cytology Shark TankUniversity of Wisconsin-MadisonMadison, Wisconsin
Donna K. Russell MEd CT(ASCP) HT(ASCP)University of Rochester Medical CenterRochester, New York
Catherine E. Bammert, PhD, CT, MBASCP, CTIACUT MD Anderson Cancer CenterHouston, Texas
Taryn L. Waraksa-Deutsch, DHSc, SCT(ASCP), CFIACASC Research and Current Concepts Committee, MemberFox Chase Cancer CenterPhiladelphia, Pennsylvania

Presented by the ASC Research and Current Concepts Committee 
Vicki Jo, MD, Chair & Amy Ly, MD, Vice Chair
The Excellence in Cytomorphology in Honor of Dr. Bernard Naylor Award, formerly known as the Bernard Naylor Excellence in Cytomorphology Award, addresses a morphologic constituency that is not served by current ASC awards. The Award highlights one of the most important skills in the field of cytology practice: morphology observation.
Dr. Esma Ersoy interviewed Dr. Richard Cantley, the Excellence in Cytomorphology in Honor of Dr. Bernard Naylor Award recipient. This interview explores the steps that led to the development of this award-winning paper.
The 2023 Award is for Metastatic Prostate Cancer Diagnosed by Fine‐Needle Aspiration: Contemporary Cytopathologic andBiomarker Assessment with Clinical Correlates.
First Author: Richard Cantley, MDUniversity of Michigan HospitalAnn Arbor, Michigan
Esma Ersoy, MDMember, ASC Research and Current Concept CommitteeUniversity of ConnecticutFarmington, Connecticut
The Excellence in Cytomorphology in Honor of Dr. Bernard Naylor Award that promotes the morphologic studies and show that the ASC appreciated those individuals who pursue morphological studies to help the advancement of the field and better serve our patients.
THE DEADLINE TO APPLY - September 15, 2025 Click here  [cytopathology.org]
 

This episode of the ASC CytoPathPod podcast, hosted by Dr. Raza Hoda, featured a discussion about the Dyadic Mentorship Program, highlighting its impact on supporting underrepresented individuals in the field of medicine. The program, now in its third year, has grown from 11 to 14 mentor-mentee pairs and is open to cytopathology fellows, pathology residents, junior cytopathology attendings, cytology students, and early-career cytologists. Dr. Jeffrey Mito, Director of Cytology Service at Brigham and Women's Hospital, shared his motivation for becoming a mentor, emphasizing his belief in the value of diverse mentorship experiences. Meanwhile, Dr. Maxwell Akorli, a third-year AP/CP resident, expressed gratitude for the guidance and insights he gained from his mentor, Dr. Mito.
Dr. Maricel Reyes added that the program has been restructured, starting in September, and will feature a condensed 1.5-hour workshop at the ASC annual meeting designed by Dr. Evita Henderson-Jackson, which includes topics on mentorship roles, the differences between mentorship and sponsorship, communication in mentorship, and diversity in mentorship.  Additionally, new learning communities have been initiated to foster connections among participants, covering crucial conversations, feedback, and boundary-setting skills.
Scan the QR code or click here for more information on Mentor and Mentees.
Click here for more information on Learning Communities.
Jeffrey Mito, MD, PhDBrigham & Women’s HospitalBoston, Massachusetts
Maxwell Akorli, DOThe Medical University of South CarolinaCharleston, South Carolina
Maria Cecilia D. Reyes, MDThe Medical University of South CarolinaCharleston, South Carolina
Raza Hoda, MDCleveland Clinic FoundationCleveland, Ohio