In July 1936, the American Board of Pathology held its first official business meeting, marking the beginning of a shared commitment to advancing standards in pathology. Later that year, ABPath administered its first certification examinations and certified its first 60 Diplomates. That commitment continues today through the work of pathologists, educators, volunteers, specialty societies, training programs, and other stakeholders dedicated to supporting excellence in the specialty.

Over the past 90 years, pathology and laboratory medicine have evolved dramatically, driven by scientific discoveries, technological advances, and new areas of specialization. What has remained constant is the profession’s commitment to maintaining high standards in support of quality patient care.

As the specialty has advanced, certification programs have evolved as well. New subspecialty certifications were introduced to reflect emerging areas of expertise. The Continuing Certification (CC) Program, formerly known as Maintenance of Certification (MOC), was implemented.to maintain standards necessary to provide quality care throughout a physician’s career. Assessment methods progressed from written and oral examinations to computer-based testing and longitudinal assessment through ABPath CertLink®. Together, these programs support lifelong learning and professional development throughout a physician’s career

The work of advancing standards in pathology is made possible through the dedication of volunteers who contribute their time, expertise, and leadership in support of the profession. As ABPath marks its 90th anniversary, the milestone offers an opportunity to reflect on a longstanding commitment to serving the public, supporting the profession, and sustaining the trust that patients, health care organizations, and the public place in board-certified pathologists.