CAP TODAY Pathology/Laboratory Medicine/Laboratory Management
Gene N. Herbek, MD
February 2014—I wrote in recent columns about CAP Surveys, laboratory accreditation, and other laboratory improvement programs. These are core activities tied to some of our most important goals—timely, efficient, patient-centered, cost-effective care that yields optimal outcomes.
This month I’ll talk about a few more CAP services, learning options, and practice tools that enable us to grow our skills, provide cutting-edge services to patients, partner more closely with other clinicians, and advance our specialty. Most are accessible via download from the Web site, and many are free to members. Because even those who use cap.org routinely may not always have time to explore it properly, I have included tips on Web site navigation.
Dr. Herbek
The CAP home page toolbar is a good place to begin. The calendar of events tab incorporates links to CAP webinars, which fall into five categories: health care policy, genomic medicine/molecular pathology, new roles, quality assurance, and professional development. Under reference resources and publications, you’ll find practice guidelines, cancer protocols, reports, newsletters, and white papers. The learning portal offers links to courses and guidance on structuring your continuing education. The portal’s launch page currently highlights the CAP Advanced Practical Pathology Programs as well as genomics and molecular medicine. The members tab will link you to our practice management site and other benefits. And the CAP advocacy page reflects a robust effort to keep all of us not just informed but also active in ensuring that we continue to protect our patients’ best interests.
Let me offer a few examples: