Pathology is not just about samples and slides—it’s about people, communities, and the stories behind every diagnosis. Beyond the Test: Connecting Communities Through Pathology, brought to you by the CAP Foundation, shines a light on how pathologists are advancing health equity and shaping the future of care.

New episodes drop monthly—because beyond every test, there’s a story worth telling.

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Episode #3: The Visibility Gap: Part 3

This episode explores the vital role of pathologists in patient care, emphasizing the importance of visibility and communication. Dr. Lija Joseph and Dr. Michael Misialek discuss their innovative patient consultation programs that empower patients by providing them direct access to their pathology reports and the opportunity to engage with their pathologists. They highlight the transformative moments that occur when patients see their own slides and understand their diagnoses, fostering a sense of agency and advocacy in their healthcare journey. The discussion also touches on the challenges faced by pathologists in stepping out from behind the microscope and the need for greater community engagement and collaboration within the healthcare system.

Featured Guests

• Michael J. Misialek, MD, FCAP – Dr. Misialek currently serves as Chair of Pathology at Newton-Wellesley Hospital, Newton, MA, part of the Mass General Brigham system. He is the Medical Director of chemistry, point-of-care testing, central processing and phlebotomy. He is a clinical assistant professor of pathology at Tufts University School of Medicine where he regularly instructs medical students and pathology residents. He is a Visiting Scientist at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He is the immediate past president of the Massachusetts Society of Pathologists. Dr. Misialek is a strong advocate for pathology and is very active in the College of American Pathologists, having served on numerous committees. His passion is to make widely known the value that pathologists bring to the health care team. Follow him on social @DrMisialek.
• Lija Joseph, MD, FCAP – Dr. Lija Joseph is the chief of Pathology at Lowell General Hospital, an affiliate of Tufts Medicine system based in Boston MA. She is also an adjunct associate professor at Tufts University and Boston University medical schools. Having completed her medical school in India and postgraduate studies in Pathology, there, her AP/CP residency training in US was at the University Of Missouri Columbia. Her fellowship training in Hematopathology was at the University of Arkansas where she stayed on as faculty before her move to Boston University. She has been at Lowell since 2010. An active member of the College of American Pathologists and the American Society for Clinical Pathologists, She is the current president of Massachusetts society of Pathologists.

Resources and Links

• Donate to support the CAP Foundation: https://foundation.cap.org/donate/
• Learn more about the CAP Foundation: https://foundation.cap.org
• Learn more about See, Test & Treat: https://foundation.cap.org/see-test-treat/
• Steps to Start a Patient-Pathologist Consultation Program: https://www.cap.org/member-resources/articles/steps-to-start-a-patient-pathologist-consultation-program
• Creative Giving Lights Our Fire: https://foundation.cap.org/ourstories/creative-giving-lights-our-fire/
• See, Test & Treat Gives Pathient Crucial Diagnosis Care: https://foundation.cap.org/ourstories/see-test-treat-gives-patient-crucial-diagnosis-care/