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ASCP Past President Henry Rinder, MD, MASCP, says that as a pathologist, remembering that what is “turnaround time” to those in the lab is “worry time” to patients. “When patients are anxiously waiting for results, i.e., answers to ‘What’s wrong with me?’, our first priority is getting the correct answer and then ensuring that that answer is placed in the appropriate context, such that the value and/or interpretation are not only meaningful to their treating provider, but also to the patient,” Dr. Rinder says. Using clear, unambiguous language whenever possible, and adding recommendations and judgements can help further manage quality patient care.

Here, Dr. Rinder, Professor of Laboratory Medicine and Hematology, Vice Chair for Clinical Affairs in Laboratory Medicine, and Director of the Hematology Laboratory, shares more of his insight on life in the laboratory.

What are some of the lessons you've learned through the different volunteer roles you’ve taken on, in or out of ASCP?

Within ASCP, the lesson I have learned from every interaction is that our members are dedicated to their patients, to being as expert as possible in their profession, and to education in furtherance of outstanding medical care. When you combine those traits with ASCP staff who are equally passionate about promoting the profession of pathology and laboratory medicine, and carrying our educational priorities as far as possible, that is the best formula for success. #ASCP100+yearsandcounting

What does collaboration with clinicians and other healthcare providers mean to you in ensuring the best care for patients?

COMMUNICATION. This echoes what everyone says, but it cannot be emphasized enough. If we speak with our colleagues, if we constantly make that connection, wrong assumptions will go away, and patient care is optimized. Collaboration accommodates differences of opinion and debate; it is how we communicate in that context that makes patient care better.

Pathology often involves working with cutting-edge technologies and diagnostic tools. What excites you about incorporating these advancements into your daily practice?

We are so lucky to be in a profession in which we are always being introduced to amazing technologies. The real excitement can come from designing and carrying out studies to validate cutting edge diagnostics, thus determining if they are better than existing methods or will fill a diagnostic gap in our care. When the study is completed and the analysis demonstrates that the technology is a “winner,” that level of satisfaction is tough to beat.