Mohamed Abdelmonem and Marion Carrillo preview an upcoming round table session at the ASCP Annual Meeting. The interactive session will explore how to design culturally responsive, cross-border mentorship models that support meaningful professional development for both US and international members.
The following transcript has been edited for clarity.
Mohamed Abdelmonem: Hello, my name is Mohamed Abdelmonem. I'm a clinical laboratory supervisor in transfusion medicine at Stanford University School of Medicine and Stanford Healthcare. And I have here my colleague Marion.
Marion Carrillo: Hi, I'm Marian Curillo from Trinidad and Tobago and I'm an international member of ASCP. If you're an international member of ASCP or a pathologist or laboratory professional working outside of the United States, these conversations are especially for you.
Mohamed Abdelmonem: Being part of an international professional community can be extremely valuable. But we also know that the experience of an international member can be very different from that of a member practicing in the United States. Financial considerations, access to education, language barriers, technology, professional recognition, local regulations, and differences in healthcare systems can all affect how we participate in, and benefit from, a professional organization – and sometimes our voices and experience are not fully represented.
Marion Carrillo: That is why our first round table is “Pathology without borders redefining global membership value in ASCP.” We want to have an honest conversation about what international members need from a professional organization.
What makes membership valuable to you? What barriers make it difficult to participate? How can education, networking, leadership opportunities and professional recognition become more accessible and relevant across different countries? This is not simply a discussion about membership. It is a conversation about belonging, access, and opportunity.
Mohamed Abdelmonem: Our second round table is about mentorship across borders – how ASCP can foster global professional growth. Many international professionals are looking for mentors, career guidance, leadership opportunities and connection with colleagues who understand their professional journey. But effective mentorship across borders requires more than simply matching two people. It requires understanding of culture, language barriers, professional expectations, career pathways, and the realities of practicing laboratory medicine in different countries.
Marion Carrillo: So if you've ever asked, “How can I get more involved with ASCP from my country? How can I access opportunities that are relevant to my professional environment?” Or even, “How can my voice help shape the future of ASCP globally?” then we want you in these conversations.
Mohamed Abdelmonem: These are round tables, not traditional lectures. We want to hear from your experience. We will use discussions, real-world examples, audience polling, and open dialog to identify challenges and, more importantly, develop practical solutions.
Experience matters. Your perspective matters. And your voice matters.
Marion Carrillo: ASCP's global community is growing. The question is how can we make sure every member has an opportunity to grow, contribute, and lead.
Mohamed Abdelmonem: Please join us for this two-conversation round table and help us shape the future of global mentorship and membership. Because professional growth should have no borders.
Marion Carrillo: We look forward to hearing from you and we hope to see you in November in Montréal.
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