The ICPI Pathology Honor Society (PHS) aims to recognize exceptional medical students
who have demonstrated outstanding achievement, commitment, and leadership in pathology, regardless of whether they plan to pursue pathology as their specialty. This rubric ensures an equitable, inclusive, and evidence-based approach to selecting honorees. There is no limit to the number of students who may apply from any given institution, nor the number of times a rejected applicant may reapply.
To be considered for the PHS, students must:
– Be enrolled in an allopathic or osteopathic medical school in the United States or
Canada that is accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME),
the Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation (COCA), or the Committee on
Accreditation of Canadian Medical Schools (CACMS).
– Demonstrate a sustained interest in pathology through coursework, research, advocacy, or clinical activities.
– Exhibit leadership, professionalism, and commitment to pathology education, research or service.
Guidance for Submitters: Strengthening Your Pathology Honor Society Nomination
To support a clear, equitable, and comprehensive review process, we encourage nominators, letter writers, and applicants to use this guidance when preparing application
materials for the ICPI Pathology Honor Society.
Applications will be reviewed by the ICPI Board, who will evaluate them based on the
nominee’s accomplishments in the five areas below. Strong applications may show depth in a few domains rather than superficial involvement across all.
· Research Contributions to Pathology – Citing first-author or co-author publications, posters, abstracts, or other active involvement in pathology research.
· Educational Contributions in Pathology – Creating or leading teaching initiatives, tutoring peers, or developing educational content in pathology.
· Leadership and Advocacy in Pathology – Founding or leading student pathology groups, organizing events, national engagement, or institutional initiatives.
· Contributions to Diversity, Inclusion, Culture, and Equity (DICE) – Participating in activities or programs advancing equity, representation, and inclusive culture in pathology or healthcare broadly.
· Professionalism and Commitment to Pathology – Through letters of reference, demonstrating reliability, teamwork, ethics, and sustained interest in pathology.
How to Use This Guidance:
This is not a checklist for reviewers, but rather a resource for submitters to help ensure that all relevant accomplishments are clearly documented and aligned with the review criteria noted above. Strong applications provide specific, verifiable, and well-documented evidence across as many categories as possible.
Tips for Applicants and Nominators:
1. Personal Statement (500 words max)
· Clearly describe your sustained interest in pathology.
· Provide concrete examples of your involvement in research, education, advocacy,
leadership, or DICE initiatives.
· Reflect on your growth, motivation, and commitment to the field.
2. Curriculum Vitae (CV)
· Highlight pathology-related activities under dedicated headings if possible.
· Include dates, roles, and outcomes (e.g., publications, presentations, teaching
experiences).
3. Letters of Recommendation (two required; one must be from a pathologist)
· Choose referees who know you well and can speak directly to your professionalism,
engagement, and contributions in pathology.
· Consider sharing the rubric with your letter writers so they can directly address
specific categories.
4. Supporting Documents
· Include PDFs or links to abstracts, teaching materials, event programs, or other
evidence that substantiates your research, educational, or leadership work.
· These are optional but highly encouraged.
Final Tips:
· Strong applications often show depth in a few domains rather than superficial involvement across all.
· Be concise but specific. Quality of impact matters more than quantity of
activities.
· Reach out to your faculty mentor or department representative early to help you frame your nomination materials.
Questions? Please contact the ICPI team at icpi@academicpathology.org
