CAP supports fellowship match effort, reinforces workforce commitment
A nationwide push to align pathology fellowship recruitment through a match or common timeline includes support from the College of American Pathologists (CAP), which has signed a new joint statement with other pathology organizations.
The statement, proposed by the Association for Academic Pathology (AAPath) Fellowship Directors Committee (FDC), calls for a fairer, more transparent recruitment process that supports trainees and strengthens the pathology workforce. It encourages eligible subspecialties to pursue participation in the 2027 match cycle, which would place fellows in programs for the 2028–29 academic year.
“Our residents and fellows deserve a recruitment process that puts their needs first,” said CAP President Donald S. Karcher, MD, FCAP, who coauthored one of the papers cited in the joint statement. “By supporting this match effort, we’re advancing fairness, transparency, and a more unified future for our profession.”
Several subspecialties, including Hematopathology, Molecular Genetic Pathology, Forensic Pathology, and Bone and Soft Tissue Pathology, have already committed to a match for the 2026–27 academic year. Others are expected to follow as more programs meet participation thresholds.
The CAP has made addressing workforce challenges a top priority, and this initiative builds on its broader advocacy to improve training, recruitment, and retention across the specialty, including efforts to ensure a fair and supportive experience for applicants.
Read the full joint statement here.
