New Initiative Empowers Women and Underrepresented Individuals in Pathology and Laboratory Medicine

Why are pathology/laboratory medicine not representative of the communities they serve? With the high percentage of women in pathology and laboratory medicine, why do so few hold leadership roles? 

ASCP has launched an initiative focusing on diversity and empowering women and underrepresented individuals in the medical laboratory. The Society is working to advance diversity, inclusion and empowerment of women and underrepresented populations by developing related strategies in the areas of awareness, recruitment, talent development, and encouraging inclusive and equitable workplaces.

Women hold fewer than 20% of healthcare leadership roles. Within the pathology profession, 2.1 percent are African American, 4.4 percent are Latin American, and Native Americans make up 0 percent of the workforce. Meanwhile, in the laboratory profession, African Americans make up 7.6 percent of the workforce, followed by 6.1 percent of Latin Americans and .7 percent Native Americans.¹

The Society plans to address this through a multi-pronged strategy that includes:

- Build awareness around pathology and laboratory medicine as career opportunities, leveraging ASCP Career and Pathology Ambassador volunteer networks.
- Establish partnerships with programs and other associations to promote and advance this strategic initiative.
- Create mentorship opportunities to provide support, learning and development.
- Develop educational content and training solutions that address such issues as implicit bias and cultural competency.
- Assemble a workgroup to ensure lasting change and sustainability.

“As we address the workforce pipeline issue—increasing the number of qualified individuals entering the profession—it is essential and critical that we target underrepresented individuals,” says ASCP President Gene Siegal. “In doing so, we all grow and succeed, and we support laboratories in reflecting the communities they serve. Having a diverse workforce not only allows staff to learn more about patients’ cultures, but also teaches us how to practice cultural competency.”

The strategies that ASCP is developing, focusing on underrepresented populations, will provide the opportunity to enhance awareness of pathology and the medical laboratory professions, while creating a support system to facilitate their success.

“We look forward to sharing more information about this new initiative in the coming year, as well as ways that our members can get involved,” Dr. Siegal says.

Resources

1. US Census Bureau, 2017 Wage Survey, Medscape Lifestyle Report and Korn Ferry Consulting.