Paul A. VanderLaan, MD, PhD, has been awarded the Excellence in Education Award by the American Society of Cytopathology

Paul A. VanderLaan, MD, PhD, an associate professor at Harvard Medical School and BIDMC, and director of Surgical Pathology, has been awarded the Excellence in Education Award by the American Society of Cytopathology. He will receive this honor on November 8, 2025, during the ASC’s 73rd Annual Scientific Meeting in St. Louis, Missouri.

The Excellence in Education Award recognizes a pathologist for their contributions to the field of education in cytopathology. Dr. VanderLaan is dedicated to advancing cytopathology, having published numerous significant research articles over the past year. His work covers a wide range of topics, including the comprehensive characterization of pericardial effusions, investigations into pleural effusion genomics, and analyses of gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) in fine needle aspiration (FNA) biopsies, among others. He played a pivotal role in the ASC’s ancillary studies task force, which focused on cytology and small biopsy processing. Additionally, he authored an innovative editorial in the Journal of the American Society of Cytopathology (JASC) regarding fine-needle aspiration and core needle biopsy reporting in surgical pathology.

Dr. VanderLaan is also deeply committed to enhancing cytopathology knowledge by supporting the publications of others. He serves as Editor-in-Chief of JASC, which is thriving under his leadership. Furthermore, he is an active member of numerous professional societies, including the American Society of Cytopathology and the International Academy of Cytology. His exceptional contributions to the field were previously honored with the 2024 ASC President’s Award.

Dr. VanderLaan has delivered many impactful lectures both within and outside of BIDMC, including multiple sessions at last year’s ASC Annual Scientific Meeting and the Molecular Cytopathology Congress. His ability to engage an audience is unparalleled, and his presentations consistently provide a wealth of up-to-date information in a clear and understandable manner. Despite his extensive responsibilities as a pathologist and department director, he always makes time to assist anyone in need, regardless of their department or professional title.

Founded in 1951, the ASC is a distinguished national professional society comprising physicians, cytologists, and scientists dedicated to the detection and early diagnosis of nearly all forms of cancer. The ASC is the largest medical society focused exclusively on recognizing cellular abnormalities for the benefit of patients. Its diverse membership includes over 3,000 individuals, including international representatives who share a commitment to education, research, and continuous improvement in
patient care standards.