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Hello AAPA Members,
As you may know, we launched our first few pilot Special Interest Groups (SIGs) in 2023. Since then, the program has grown to include six groups, with nearly 150 members participating across the board. Many members are active on more than one SIG, sharing their unique perspectives, interests, and questions with PA peers through regular virtual meetings and communications. Additionally, SIG members have used their specialized knowledge to present several continuing education webinars and held in-person meetings at our last Annual Conference (with more on the schedule for the upcoming Annual Conference in Fort Lauderdale).
We are so excited to see how this program has been embraced by members seeking to connect with like-minded professionals and explore new areas of interest. If you would like to get involved, please consider joining an existing SIG (or proposing a new topic – perhaps there is even a group that you would like to lead!). Current groups and their leads include:
- Autopsy: Darryl Kinnear and Erica Price
- Congenital Heart Disease *NEW*: Diane Spicer
- General Grossing (formerly GU Pathology) : Sara Mirisciotti
- Management & Lab Safety: Brad Skilton
- New & Emerging Technology *NEW* : Ryan Schniederjan and Aaron Wallace
- Teaching Responsibilities: Sabrina Innes
We’re proud to introduce our newest SIGs – Congenital Heart Disease and New & Emerging Technology – which are now open to all AAPA members. Learn more about them below. Additionally, the former GU Pathology SIG is becoming the General Grossing SIG, which will have a broader focus to begin and will evolve based on member feedback. You can view full descriptions of all current SIGs here.
We look forward to continuing to grow the AAPA SIG program to meet the changing needs and interests of our members! Please send any questions and comments you may have to [email protected].
Thank you!
AAPA Membership Committee
JOIN AAPA SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS
Congenital Heart Disease Special Interest Group
Pathologists’ Assistants play an important role in overall medical education and at many institutions are responsible for teaching medical students, residents, and fellows. This important role extends outside of the pathology department and often involves educating those associated with cardiology and cardiac surgery, including nurses, physician assistants, and echocardiography technicians. Those of us involved in and passionate about congenital heart disease have a very important role within our field – to assist our colleagues who do pediatric and fetal autopsies, along with cardiac explants on the surgical bench, with getting the job done correctly and arriving at the correct diagnosis. The passion amongst those of us who do this type of work needs to be percolated to our colleagues so that new trainees and those of us already practicing can maintain the existing archives and serve as educators. Mentoring and teaching those who are in training or already practicing, whether in pathology or other departments, is an important role.
Congenital Heart Disease SIG goals include:
- To create a collaborative environment where AAPA members can share knowledge related to congenital heart disease.
- To build connections, within the AAPA, with those who care for and teach with the cardiac archives at their respective institutions. Members who practice within this small niche, and within our profession, can collaborate and share teaching strategies and tools. Also, sharing ideas on specimen storage and issues with maintaining specimen integrity are important for long-term maintenance of these important archives.
- To establish a mentorship between experienced practicing members and those who want to increase their knowledge of congenital heart disease.
Our goals and objectives can be adapted to fit the educational needs of those participating.
VIEW THE GROUP PORTAL
New & Emerging Technologies Special Interest Group
This SIG is dedicated to AAPA members who are passionate about exploring the latest technological advancements and their impact on the field of pathology, with an emphasis on the role of the Pathologists’ Assistant. Here, you can connect with like-minded colleagues, share knowledge and experiences, and delve into critical discussions surrounding policies and procedures related to these evolving technologies.
New & Emerging Technologies SIG goals include:
- Foster Collaboration: Create a platform for AAPA members to share their expertise and insights on new and emerging technologies relevant to pathologists’ assistants.
- Knowledge Exchange: Facilitate discussions and presentations on the latest advancements in areas like digital pathology, artificial intelligence (AI) applications, and other new and emerging products.
- Policy & Procedure Exploration: Discuss the evolving landscape of policies and procedures surrounding the implementation of new technologies in pathology practice. This could include data security, workflow integration, and standardization.
- Building Connections: Provide opportunities for AAPA members to network and build connections with colleagues who share their interest in the future of pathology.
This SIG offers a valuable space for AAPA members to navigate the exciting and ever-changing world of technology in pathology. Join us and be part of shaping the future of the profession!
VIEW THE GROUP PORTAL
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