Pathology News Roundup: November 2025

CAP Win at the AMA. The American Medical Association (AMA) House of Delegates has adopted a resolution introduced by the College of American Pathologists (CAP) to protect physicians’ medical judgment in pathology and laboratory referrals.

Now official AMA policy, the resolution targets insurance “steering” tactics that pressure physicians to use a single “preferred” in-network laboratory—often limiting patient access and undermining clinical discretion.

Health plan steering has become increasingly common in products such as Medicaid managed care plans, where restrictive policies can interfere with appropriate testing, continuity of care, and timely diagnosis. The new AMA policy commits the organization to support state and federal efforts to prohibit insurer steering and to advocate for physicians’ right to refer specimens to any in-network pathology or laboratory provider.

This achievement reflects a strong coalition effort by the Pathology Section Council, whose members represent major diagnostic organizations including the CAP, ASC, ASCP, ASDP, and NAME.

The resolution was advanced during the AMA’s 2025 Interim Meeting in National Harbor, Maryland (November 14–18), where CAP was represented by President Qihui “Jim” Zhai, MD, FCAP; President-Elect Kalisha Hill, MD, FCAP; and the CAP delegate and alternate delegate teams.

API's December Events. The Association for Pathology Informatics is hosting two free, high-impact virtual events in December for the pathology informatics community.

On December 8, API’s Meetup Monday features a special Fireside Chat with Dr. Matthew Hanna, Vice Chair of Pathology Informatics at UPMC. Moderated by Dr. Kareem Hosny of the University of Washington, the session will explore “AI Potpourri: QC, diagnostic algorithms, prognostic models, and more!” Pre-register online.

Then on December 10, API hosts the free webinar “AI in the Trenches: How Labs Monitor What Matters.” Speakers include Dr. Chris Garcia (Mayo Clinic) and Dr. Nicholas Spies (University of Utah/ARUP), with moderation by Dr. Amrom Obstfeld (Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia). Pre-register online.

Both sessions offer timely insights from leaders at the forefront of AI in pathology, so be sure to save the dates and sign up early.

2025 Power List. The Pathologist magazine has released its 2025 Power List, spotlighting 50 “Leading Voices” shaping the future of laboratory medicine.

This year’s list takes a new direction—focusing less on traditional notions of success and power, and more on the ideas and actions propelling pathology forward. Instead of the usual nominations, entrants were invited to share insights on one of five critical questions facing the field, and all submissions were judged blind by an expert panel.

The result is a collection of bold thinkers and trailblazers whose leadership, innovation, advocacy, and mentorship are driving meaningful change. From confronting emerging challenges to inspiring new approaches to patient care, the 2025 honorees represent the principles and progress defining the next era of pathology.

Read the full essays from all 50 winners online.