This practical course emphasizes the development of skills and practices of high importance in leading and directing an anatomic pathology laboratory or department. Content is drawn from a broad array of sources within and beyond medical and laboratory management, reflecting the most current "best practices" for laboratory leaders.

Case-based scenarios will be utilized to highlight principles and practices of broad-reaching value to individuals who currently, or may shortly direct all or a portion of operations in an anatomic pathology lab. Pathologists in training and those newly entering practice will particularly find a road-map for skill development and practice, while those established in practice and now in positions of leadership should also find the content useful in solving current problems in lab management. Interactive problem solving and other group participation processes will be used.

The course will center on three areas, roughly divided into a) development of a basic core set of skills for AP lab directors, b) how to evaluate and monitor operations in your laboratory, c) developing the personal, team and organizational characteristics to perform optimally and ensure long-term success. Written materials will be provided to the participants in the form of a syllabus at the meeting. After the course, all participants will receive web access to the PowerPoint material along with the text portion of the syllabus.

Upon completion of this educational activity, participants should be able to: 1) Design and conduct appropriate validation studies needful for AP; 2) Describe the purposes for and means of meaningfully accomplishing mandated focused and on-going professional practice reviews; 3) Evaluate and identify toxic traits in their organizational culture and suggest changes that might improve the health of that culture; and 4) Identify leadership traits they might work to develop to provide better outcomes in their practice setting.