'Improving Health Around the World, One Lab at a Time': Advancing Health Equity Through Pathology Education

Every patient deserves accurate, timely lab results. No matter where they live. Yet, in many parts of the world, laboratories face significant challenges due to limited resources, training, and infrastructure, making it difficult to meet international standards. 

Quality initiatives are of great interest to those practicing in under-resourced countries outside of the US. That is where the College of American Pathologists (CAP) Foundation’s Global Pathology Committee (GPC) steps in, working to bridge health disparities and enhance outcomes globally by lowering the barriers to access quality pathology education and training through development and educational grants.

As chair of the GPC, I’ve seen firsthand how laboratory quality improvement can change lives. 

Building a culture of quality that endures

One of the most compelling examples of this work comes from Vinmec Times City International Hospital in Hanoi, Vietnam. In 2022, Vinmec became the first hospital laboratory in Vietnam to earn CAP accreditation through a close partnership with the GPC. 

Vinmec’s success didn’t happen overnight. It began in 2018, when the hospital decided to pursue both Joint Commission International (JCI) and CAP accreditation. Led by pathologists, the lab created a dedicated quality team (including members of the hospital administration), developed internal audits, strengthened documentation, and implemented regular staff training. Over time, their processes improved, and so did their confidence.

It was inspiring to watch the team move from aspiration to action. The lab professionals at Vinmec weren’t just checking boxes. They were building a culture of quality that would endure. CAP Laboratory Accreditation isn’t a finish line—it is a foundation for sustainable excellence.

Helping labs succeed on their own terms

Since its start in 2019, the CAP Foundation’s GPC has supported over 100 global pathologists in 45 countries offering opportunities for professional development, networking, and the expansion of pathology services via webinars, awards, and grants focusing on education/training, patient care, laboratory quality, or enhanced technology, and laboratory diagnostics.

"Stronger laboratories mean stronger health systems."

What I appreciate most about this work is the spirit of partnership. We don’t bring a one-size-fits-all solution. We bring experience, encouragement, and a commitment to help labs succeed on their own terms. That is where the real impact happens.

Stronger laboratories mean stronger health systems. Whether it is cancer, infectious disease, or maternal health, laboratory medicine plays a central role in every patient journey. Providing access to resources through the CAP and CAP Foundation helps to build pathology capacity leading to high-quality diagnostics, essential to delivering safe and effective care.

For me, this work is deeply rewarding. I’ve seen how much improvement can occur when a lab invests in quality and the confidence their programs take on knowing a guiding hand is available when needed. Whether it is in Vietnam or another corner of the world, I’m proud of our efforts to help make that change possible.

Help us to continue making impacts in lab quality and patient outcomes around the world by donating to the CAP Foundation Global Pathology Fund today.