Robert Christian, MD, MS as 2026–2027 ABMS Scholar
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ABPath Sponsors Dr. Robert Christian as 2026–2027 ABMS Scholar
TAMPA, Fla. — September 24, 2026 — The American Board of Pathology (ABPath) is pleased to announce its sponsorship of Robert Christian, MD, MS, as a 2026–2027 American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) Scholar. Dr. Christian will study the feasibility and effectiveness of a competency-based assessment tool for hospital autopsy training.
Dr. Christian is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU). He specializes in transfusion medicine and serves as Medical Director of the Transfusion Medicine Service. He also provides coverage for the autopsy and electrophoresis services and holds leadership roles in graduate medical education as Associate Program Director of the OHSU Transfusion Medicine Fellowship and Associate Program Director of the OHSU Pathology Residency Program.
Robert Christian, MD, MS
His research project, “Feasibility and Efficacy Study of a Competency-Based Hospital Autopsy Assessment Tool,” will examine an assessment tool designed to evaluate pathology resident performance across the full spectrum of hospital-based autopsy tasks and training milestones.
The project addresses an important area of pathology training: how to assess residents’ developing competence in the complex, multidisciplinary work involved in performing and completing a hospital autopsy. By studying the feasibility and effectiveness of a competency-based approach, Dr. Christian’s research may help inform how pathology training programs evaluate resident performance and provide meaningful feedback throughout the learning process.
The ABMS Scholars Program is a one-year, part-time scholarship and leadership development program focused on research related to initial and continuing board certification. Scholars are selected based on the quality of their proposed research, its relevance to the certification community, and the potential to make meaningful progress during the program year. Each Scholar receives a $15,000 financial award.
Dr. Christian is one of a record 23 physicians selected for the 2026–2027 ABMS Scholars cohort. Throughout the year, Scholars remain at their home institutions while working with mentors and participating in monthly sessions with fellow Scholars, research mentors, co-sponsoring ABMS Member Board leaders, subject matter experts, and program alumni.
The 2026–2027 cohort began its term in September 2026. Scholars will present their research findings to a national audience at the ABMS Conference in 2027.
Dr. Christian’s research interests include graduate medical education, transfusion medicine, and autopsy pathology.