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Resources, Advice, and Best Practices
Pathology student interest groups (SIGs) provide a valuable platform for medical students to explore the field of pathology through education, career development, and peer networking. By participating in a pathology SIG, students can gain exposure to various subspecialties, connect with experienced pathologists, and build a supportive community of like-minded peers.
If you're looking to start or enhance a pathology student interest group at your medical school, the College of American Pathologists (CAP) offers many resources to help you successfully establish and grow your community beyond the classroom.
How to Start a Pathology Student Interest Group
Identify Your Goals and Objective
Determine why you want to start the group. Are you aiming to provide educational resources, create networking opportunities, and advocate for pathology? If so, you're on the right track. Start by defining what you want the group to achieve, such as hosting lectures, organizing lab tours, or connecting students with practicing pathologists.
Research and Plan
Research your institution's procedures for starting a new student organization. This might include requirements for registration, governance, and compliance with university policies. Some groups may be eligible for funding opportunities for activities, meeting spaces, and materials. Oftentimes, this information can be found in your institution's Student Affairs office.
Gather Support
After you create a solid plan, find like-minded students interested in pathology who are willing to help with the setup and group management of your student interest group. Once you have a group of interested students, identify and approach faculty members who specialize in pathology or related fields to serve as an advisor for your group.
Finding the right advisor can be daunting, but the right person can provide valuable insights and guidance for your interest group. If you're unsure where to start, check out this article on finding a pathologist advisor.
Create a Constitution and Bylaws
Though requirements may vary by institution, many interest groups must have a constitution and bylaws to get started. Not sure where to begin? Download our Constitution and Bylaws template.
If you prefer to write the constitution and bylaws yourself, you should:
- Define your organization's name and purpose: State your group's name and goals, such as promoting pathology exposure, enhancing career understanding, and organizing relevant activities.
- Outline member criteria and process: Specify who is eligible for membership, how individuals can join, and that dues will not be collected for the group.
- Establish officer roles and responsibilities: Detail each position on the executive committee, its duties, election procedures, and terms of service. Include processes for removing officers if necessary.
- Set meeting guidelines: Define the frequency and notice requirements for general, executive, and special meetings.
- Include an advisor section: Specify the advisor's role, selection criteria, and responsibilities, emphasizing their supportive, rather than financial, role.
- Create procedures for amendments and dissolution: Describe how amendments to the constitution are proposed, approved, and filed, and outline the process for dissolving the organization and handling its assets.
Register the Group
Next, you'll want to make it official. Follow your institution's process for registering a new student organization. This may involve submitting your constitution, bylaws, and a list of founding members. Secure necessary approvals from student affairs or relevant university offices.
Plan, Promote, and Host Initial Events
It's time to get the word out! Start planning events such as introductory meetings, guest lectures, or networking mixers to attract members and raise awareness about the group. Check out this article for activity ideas. If your group needs an introductory-level presentation, the CAP has many webinar recordings to stream, such as Pathology 101 and Exploring Anatomic and Clinical Pathology. You can also check out the calendar of upcoming webinars and join live as a group.
Tap into social media, word of mouth, and the "Why Pathology" pamphlet to publicize your events and recruit members. You can access additional tools on the medical student resources page.
Sustain and Grow
Keeping your members engaged and your group active is critical to its success. Regular meetings, events, and opportunities for involvement are essential. Be prepared to adapt and refine your strategies based on feedback and changing needs. Promote your group to students interested in pathology via email lists, social media, or a dedicated website.
As students in your group progress through medical school, ensure there's a plan for leadership succession to maintain continuity and capture student interest.
Connect and Build Your Community
Congratulations on starting your pathology interest group! Keep the momentum going by advocating for the specialty and recruiting students to join your student interest group.
There are many ways to connect with pathologists outside your institution. Medical Student Members receive free registration for the CAP Spring and Fall Residents Forum meetings and the CAP annual meeting (students are responsible for air travel, hotel, and non-group meal functions).
Take advantage of free or discounted medical student memberships in other national pathology organizations, such as the American Society for Clinical Pathology, or subspecialty pathology associations, such as the National Association of Medical Examiners. Joining these organizations can provide you with access to a wealth of resources, networking opportunities, and a chance to learn from experienced professionals. Many states have pathology societies, as well.