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2025 CAP Outstanding Communicator Award

Established in Honor of William L. Kuehn, PhD

The College of American Pathologists (CAP) Outstanding Communicator Award, established in 1991, honors William L. Kuehn, PhD, and recognizes exceptional contributions in communication that strengthen the image of pathology. 

Swati Bhardwaj, MD, MBBS, FCAP

The College of American Pathologists presents Swati Bhardwaj, MD, MBBS, FCAP, with the 2025 CAP Outstanding Communicator Award in recognition of her exceptional service, leadership, and dedication to the CAP and the broader field of pathology, exceeding expectations even as a pathology trainee. Her efforts have strengthened the CAP’s connection to its next generation of members and have advanced its mission to support pathologists at every career stage.

As past chair and vice chair of the CAP Residents Forum, Dr. Bhardwaj played a key role in fostering professional development for trainees. She organized national webinars on residency and fellowship applications, helping residents across the country access valuable mentorship and career guidance.

In her role as an ex-officio Governor on the CAP Board of Governors, Dr. Bhardwaj represented pathology trainees at the highest levels of leadership. She also contributed to several key committees, including the Finance Committee, the Annual Meeting Strategy and Execution Steering Committee, and the Council on Membership and Professional Development. In these roles she shaped CAP policy, programming, and strategic direction for trainees and practicing pathologists.

Dr. Bhardwaj served as a CAP Foundation mentor for medical student awardees, offering influential guidance and inspiring future pathologists. Her passion for wellness and community building is reflected in her Pathology Art Contests, which promote resident engagement and well-being. As a CAP inspector, she demonstrates dedication to excellence in pathology practice.

Dr. Bhardwaj has received numerous accolades for her service and leadership. She was named to “The Pathologist Power List 2024” in the “Destined for Excellence” category and was recognized as a “40 Under 40” honoree by the American Society for Clinical Pathology in 2023. Her contributions to research and education are reflected in her extensive publications, including numerous peer-reviewed articles and book chapters.

As an ambassador for the Association for Molecular Pathology and in leadership roles in the International Society of Gynecological Pathologists and the Association for Academic Pathology, Dr. Bhardwaj has demonstrated her broad influence across multiple professional societies.

Dr. Bhardwaj completed her fellowship in genitourinary pathology at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland, and is currently pursuing a fellowship in gynecologic, placental, and perinatal pathology at Cedars-Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles, California.