LIVE - From Checking Boxes to Changing Outcomes: The Power of Quality-Focused Thinking

This activity is part of the 2026-2027 Cyto-econference Series. Registration to the series is required to obtain the access code. You can register for the series by clicking the link below.

 

Vanda F. Torous, MD
Associate Professor of Pathology
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, Massachusetts

 

This webinar emphasizes shifting from a mindset of meeting minimum compliance requirements to actively leveraging quality management and improvement tools for meaningful impact in the cytopathology laboratory. Participants will learn how to go beyond “checking the box” by applying these tools to identify inefficiencies, enhance diagnostic accuracy, and strengthen overall laboratory performance. Through practical examples, the session demonstrates how quality initiatives can drive staff engagement, streamline operations, and ultimately improve patient outcomes, transforming regulatory obligations into opportunities for true laboratory excellence.

Target Audience

This educational activity is designed for pathologists, cytopathologists, cytotechnologists, students and other members of the cytopathology community.

Learning Objectives

  • Describe key quality management and improvement tools applicable to cytopathology laboratories beyond basic compliance requirements.
  • Demonstrate how to use data-driven approaches to identify workflow inefficiencies and enhance diagnostic accuracy.
  • Apply strategies to integrate quality initiatives into daily laboratory practices to improve system performance and patient care outcomes.
Course summary
Available credit: 
  • 2.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™
  • 1.00 California Credits
  • 2.00 CMLE
  • 2.00 Florida Credits
  • 2.00 Participant
Course opens: 
05/18/2026
Course expires: 
07/31/2026
Cost:
$0.00

Presenter(s):
Vanda F. Torous, MD

DISCLOSURE OF RELEVANT FINANCIAL RELATIONSHIPS
The faculty, committee members, Executive Board and staff who are in position to control the content of this activity are required to disclose to the ASC and to learners any financial relationships that have occurred within the last 24 months with ineligible companies whose primary business is producing, marketing, selling, re-selling, or distributing healthcare products used by or on patients. The ASC has reviewed the disclosures and mitigated all relevant financial relationships.

The following individuals have reported financial relationships:
Christopher J. VandenBussche MD PhD: Ad hoc advisory board panel and Consultant – Roche

The following individuals have reported no relevant financial relationships:
Donna Armylagos, BA, CT(ASCP), Kristen Atkins, MD, Catherine Bammert, PhD, CT, MB(ASCP), CT(IAC), Christine Booth, MD, Bonnie Choy, MD, Amy Clayton, MD, Jacqueline Cuda, BS, SCT(ASCP), Fang Fan, MD, PhD, Beverly Haigler-Daly, BS, CT(ASCP), Michael Henry, MD, Zaibo Li, MD, PhD, Steven Long, MD, Lorena Marcano-Bonilla, MD, PhD, Erin McCarthy, MPH, CT(ASCP)IAC, Sean McNair, MPH, CT(ASCP). Rachelle Mendoza, Sara Monaco, MD, Michiya Nishino, MD, PhD, Judy Pang, MD, Melissa Randolph, BS, SCT(ASCP), Michelle Reid, MD, MSc, Sinchita Roy-Chowdhuri, MD, PhD, Divya Salibindla, MD, Momin Siddiqui, MD, FIAC, Madison Swaney, MD, Michael Thrall, MD, Vivian Weiss, MD, PhD, Ashley Zucker, MS, CT(ASCP)

The ASC staff associated with the development of content for this activity reported no relevant financial relationships.

Presenter:
The presenter has no conflicts of interest or financial relationships to disclose.

ACCREDITATION AND DESIGNATION STATEMENTS

Continuing Medical Education (CME) Statement
The American Society of Cytopathology is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.  The American Society of Cytopathology designates this enduring educational activity for a maximum of 2.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

American Board of Pathology Continuing Certification (CC)
This product can help fulfill the CME requirements mandated by the American Board of Pathology Continuing Certification (CC) process.  Earn up to 2.0 Credit Hours.

Continuing Medical Laboratory Education (CMLE)
The ASC designates this activity for a maximum of 2.0 Continuing Medical Laboratory Education (CMLE) credit hours for non-physicians.  The CMLE credit hours meet the continuing education requirements for the ASCP Board of  Certification Maintenance Program. Participants should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Cytologists with Licenses in Florida and California
This program is approved for 2 continuing education credits in the State of Florida and 1 in the State of California. The credit on each link is good for three years from the live presentation date.

Available Credit

  • 2.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™
  • 1.00 California Credits
  • 2.00 CMLE
  • 2.00 Florida Credits
  • 2.00 Participant

Price

Cost:
$0.00
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