CERTPCLN2505 - CME/CMLE - Pathology Clinics Certificate Program [Module 5: Training Pathologists for Effective Direct Patient Communication ]

Course Description

This module focuses on developing essential communication skills for pathologists and laboratory professionals engaging directly with patients. Learners will explore strategies for effective team collaboration, structuring meaningful patient interactions, and delivering serious news with empathy and clarity. The module also emphasizes culturally responsive communication, equipping participants to address the diverse cultural, linguistic, and educational needs of patients through inclusive dialogue and thoughtful use of technology.

Faculty/Authors

Jeffrey Myers, MD, MASCP
Anne Buckley, MD, PhD, FASCP
Aysegul Sahin, MD, FASCP
Cathryn J. Lapedis, MD, MPH
David Li, MD, FASCP
H. Cliff Sullivan, MD, FASCP
John Groth, MD
Kamran Mirza, MD, PhD, MLS(ASCP)
Kene Ojukwu, MD
Lija Joseph, MD, FASCP
Michele Mitchell, MS, PMP
Shuli Waitzman, M(ASCP)
Tom Cummings, MD, FASCP

CME or CMLE Credit: 2.0
Estimated Completion Time: 2 hours
Format: Online Educational Activity

Physician Competencies: Patient Care, Medical Knowledge, Interpersonal and Communication Skills, Professionalism, Practice-Based Learning and Improvement, and Systems-Based Practice

Accreditation Statement: The American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education (CME) for physicians. This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the Essential Areas and Policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME).

Credit Designation Statement: The American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) designates this enduring material for a maximum of 2 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Instructions

Review the Technical Considerations.
Click Go to Course to view an overview of the modules in this course.
Click Access to begin the course.

To claim CME/CMLE credit:

Review the Educational Activity.
Complete Educational Activity
Submit the course Evaluation.
Enter the maximum number of credits offered and click Claim CME/CMLE to register credit.

Faculty Disclosures

Technical Considerations

Release Date: 10/27/2025
Review Date:
Expiration Date: 10/27/2028

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this activity, you will be able to:

Develop communication skills to strengthen teamwork, collaboration, and patient outcomes

Establish clear communication to support collaboration, information sharing, and team efficiency

Apply continuous improvement practices to refine communication, teamwork, and patient care

Discuss the evolving role of pathologists in patient care and ways to enhance trust and engagement

Identify how to prepare for and conduct a patient-centered pathology consultation

Demonstrate effective and empathetic communication skills with patients

Gain insights from the experience of current pathology clinic practitioners

Apply evidence-based communication techniques to deliver serious news with patient-centered care

Evaluate the impact of structured communication training based on current research and program outcomes

Identify challenges and common pitfalls in difficult patient conversations

Apply strategies for fostering culturally responsive and equity-centered pathology clinics

Identify how patient stories reveal communication barriers, trust gaps, and cultural factors impeding equitable care

Implement equity-focused communication training for pathology clinics

Summary

Availability:

On-Demand

Credit Offered:

2 CME/CMLE Credits