As political turmoil threatens to devalue science and medicine, The Pathologist team is busy contemplating the value of pathology and laboratory medicine. We feel privileged to have access to the community’s opinions and ideas. Our people-led stories highlight the great work happening in the laboratory and beyond it. And our in-depth interviews allow you to know the people behind the names – hopefully taking inspiration from their successes.
Picking up on that theme of inspiration, one original objective of The Pathologist was to throw the spotlight on individuals who are leading the way. In the past, we borrowed a concept conceived by our sister publication (The Analytical Scientist), publishing our own annual Power List. In 2025, with greater uncertainty over funding for research and disease surveillance, we recognized the need for change. Perhaps it’s time to shift the focus from the (slightly sinister) concept of “power” towards the value of laboratory medical professionals and their work.
Let’s consider that it’s not necessarily a rundown of people’s achievements that inspires but the oft-untold stories behind them; that’s where we want to focus. What hurdle was leaped, what walls were broken down to achieve the goal? What did the individual learn about themselves along the way? What were the unanticipated benefits? How do people feel about those achievements?
In short, we’ve come to the conclusion – with the help of deep conversations with our valued partners at the ASCP – that having a voice can be more powerful than, well, having power. Strong voices can ask big questions: What comes next? What needs to change? Strong voices, especially when combined, can shake the foundations and spark new discussions. And when these voices are loud enough to be heard outside of the community, we raise the profile not only of the individual but the whole profession.
And that’s why, for 2025, we’ve decided to turn the Power List on its head. Instead of the usual nominations process, we’re asking entrants to describe their opinions and actions on one of the following crucial questions:
Why should pathology be repositioned as the leader of modern medicine, and what have you done to raise the profile of the speciality?
What’s the biggest challenge facing your specialty right now, and how are you addressing it via leadership?
What are the key lessons you have learned during your career, and how are you using those learnings to mentor others?
What gaps in technology/training/processes concern you most, and how are you addressing them via innovation?
What needs to change in order to maximize pathology’s impact on patient care, and how has your work advanced patient impact?
This year’s Power List will share the most original thoughts and compelling arguments – and celebrate the individuals behind them. Plus, for the first time, we’ll be accepting both written and video submissions.
The deadline for entries is Tuesday, July 15.
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