I am deeply honored to serve as the President of the Papanicolaou Society of Cytopathology (PSC) for the term 2024-2026. I invite you to join us in advancing our mission to advocate for cytopathology globally.
As we look ahead, we face both exciting technological advancements and significant challenges in pushing cytopathology to the forefront of digital pathology and artificial intelligence. Following in the footsteps of my predecessors and mentors, who have propelled our discipline forward, I am reminded of the PSC’s founding principles. Initiated in response to the USCAP’s call, the PSC was envisioned as the first Companion Cytopathology Society, aiming to bridge the gap between cytology and small biopsy.
Central to our mission of “Cytopathology without Borders,” the PSC has hosted the “Cells Without Borders” meeting for over a decade, fostering global practices and addressing challenges in cytopathology. We maintain a strong presence in national and international conferences, advocating for new technologies and standardizing guidelines across various organ systems such as pancreaticobiliary, thyroid, body fluids, and breast, etc.
I joined the PSC driven by a commitment to advance cytopathology, mentor future generations, and uphold the legacy of Dr. Papanicolaou, whose pioneering work in cervical cancer prevention has had a profound global impact.
My involvement in various committees and two terms on the Executive Board has significantly shaped my professional growth, providing opportunities to collaborate with pathology experts worldwide. I encourage fellow pathologists, especially our future leaders, to engage with the PSC and contribute to its initiatives.
As we navigate complexities in healthcare, including staffing shortages and global crises like the COVID-19 pandemic, we recognize both challenges and opportunities. Technologies such as digital pathology and AI offer new possibilities in education and remote healthcare delivery, transcending geographical barriers.
Under my predecessor’s leadership, the establishment of a dedicated “Social Media Committee” underscores our commitment to remote education and global outreach. Collaborating closely with the Education and Training Committee, this initiative aims to expand our remote learning capabilities, ensuring accessibility worldwide.
Despite recent global challenges, science remains a unifying force, offering solutions amidst political unrest and societal changes. With the adoption of digital technologies, we are poised to reshape the future of cytology and medicine, facilitating global knowledge sharing and support.
I invite you to join us in shaping this future with optimism and determination. Together, we can leverage new avenues and technologies to strengthen cytopathology for generations to come. Join the PSC, engage with our community, and become part of our collective effort to propel our discipline into the future.
Sincerely,
Aziza Nassar, M.D., M.P.H., MBA
Vision:
To become the leading organization for cytopathology globally through strategic partnership, members’ engagement, and global outreach.
Strategic priorities and initiatives:
