Since its founding in 1922, the ASCP has been the leader in pathology and laboratory medicine. Its influence has extended throughout the evolution and maturation of this specialty of medicine. ASCP is unique among pathology organizations in that its inclusive membership brings both pathologists and nonphysician laboratory professionals together for the advancement of the specialty. The ASCP has never strayed from its founding goal to "achieve greater scientific proficiency in clinical pathology, and to maintain the status of clinical pathologists on an equal plane with other specialists."
Today, just as in 1922, "clinical pathologists" are "clinician" specialists whose medical practice encompasses the whole of pathology (both anatomic pathology and laboratory medicine). Through the ASCP's educational courses, through the certification activities of the ASCP Board of Registry, and through the ASCP's influence to found the American Board of Pathology, the College of American Pathologists, and the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences, the ASCP has shown the way and led the way for the advancement of pathology and laboratory medicine.