CAP@YourService – January/February 2012

The CAP Spokespersons Network—Class of 2011

On December 3–5, 2011, the College of American Pathologists marked its 10th anniversary of the CAP Spokespersons Training Program with a record-breaking number of participants—46 CAP members—who participated in the intensive communications workshop.

The CAP Spokespersons Network now adds to its roster two new Board of Governors: Elizabeth A. Wagar, MD, FCAP, and Patrick E. Godbey, MD, FCAP; as well as ACO expert Donald S. Karcher, MD, FCAP; molecular oncologists Iris Schrijver, MD, FCAP, and Lawrence J. Jennings, MD, PhD, FCAP; and Raj C. Dash, MD, FCAP; New York Times-reviewed author of the book Red Sunshine, Kim H. Allison, MD, FCAP; experts in concussion awareness; as well as Residents Forum Executive Committee members Ricardo Mendoza, MD, and Erin N. Consamus, MD. All graduates sign a three-year agreement to promote the role of the pathologist in their institution, in their community, and with patients and the media.

During their training, CAP members had the opportunity to learn and practice presentation and communication skills. The courses were taught by several professional media trainers, as well as long-time members of the CAP Spokespersons Network—Rebecca L. Johnson, MD, FCAP; Kim A. Collins, MD, FCAP; and Ronald P. Spark, MD, FCAP—and Sandra B. Grear, the CAP’s vice president of Membership and Professioal Development. CAP President-elect Gene N. Herbek, MD, FCAP, served as host of the program.

On Saturday at the start of the program, Nora Bowers, a cervical cancer survivor, and member of CAP stuff shared her personal story with the group about how she was diagnosed with cervical cancer and the important role that her pathologist played in that diagnosis. Greg J. Davis, MD, FCAP, spoke with the group on Sunday and shared his experiences with the media as a CAP spokesperson. On Sunday night, December 4, the host of Chicago Tonight WTTW-11, Phil Ponce, who hosted the CAP ’10 Transformation Plenary, shared tips about how pathologists can become a “go-to” expert for reporters.

Throughout the weekend, CAP members recorded radio and television interviews, honed their presentation skills, and posed in their lab coats for professional portraits. Many members are already using their new skills with seven attendees submitting letters to the editor on cholesterol testing in children to their local papers, two leading presentations with clinicians, and three signing up for Peer2Peer conversations.

All members received flash sticks with their professional portraits. Many are already using their professional pictures for books they are writing, promotions for CAP Learning events, and sharing with their media relations staff.

The CAP Spokespersons Network, now 368-members strong, represents major media markets in the United States and Canada. The training program has consistently rated as one of the highest-valued CME courses that the CAP offers.