Dr. Carey August Discusses Impact of Foundation Donations

As a member of the Engaged Leadership Academy faculty and the CAP Foundation Board of Directors, I see the power of pathologists coming together for a common cause every day.

At last year’s Engaged Leadership Academy, I witnessed the powerful story of Tomeka Harps, a young woman whose Stage II cervical cancer was found and diagnosed at a See, Test, and Treat® program. The story of her successful treatment moved me to turn my energy to the CAP Foundation’s work and join the Board of Directors.

It is no surprise that Engaged Leaders Network members have received support from the CAP Foundation for a wide variety of activities. Some, like Eva M. Wojcik, MD, FCAP, and Michael B. Prystowsky, MD, PhD, FCAP, have led See, Test & Treat events to bring life-saving cervical and breast cancer screenings, as well as health education, to women who otherwise would not have access. In 2017, 13 programs were hosted with over 900 women screened. Those with a diagnosis were connected with health care providers for guaranteed follow-up and given a fighting chance for complete cure.

But the CAP Foundation is so much more than just See, Test & Treat. The foundation offers pathologists new and exciting opportunities to advance the practice of pathology.

In 2017, Jerad M. Gardner, MD, FCAP, and Xiaoyin “Sara” Jiang, MD, FCAP, were awarded the CAP Foundation’s Keitges Fund for Medical Ethics. As two of the most followed pathologists on Twitter, they taught a course at CAP17—“Get Tweeting!”—to teach fellow pathologists how to advocate publically for their roles in patient care.

Sharon K. Bihlmeyer, MD, FCAP, received the CAP Foundation Leadership Development Award. She has managed the See, Test & Treat program at St. Joseph Mercy Ann Arbor for the last four years. Without the help of Dr. Bihlmeyer and See, Test & Treat, a 50-year-old real estate agent wouldn’t have had a mammogram that saved her life.

I have seen the commitment and drive pathologists possess when it comes to articulating and demonstrating the value that our profession brings to patients and our clinical colleagues. I see how each and every dollar is making a difference in the lives of pathologists and patients. And I see how satisfying it is when you hear the good that the foundation does and know you were a part of that success.

Please consider a contribution to the CAP Foundation. It is a simple act that makes a lasting impact.