Third Report of the ASCP/CAP/APC Joint Task Force on Pathology Manpower

This report concerns the results of pathology manpower surveys encompassing responses from four groups of pathologists: (1) solo and group practitioners; (2) training program directors; (3) house staff; (4) diplomates seeking positions. The rate of response by all four groups is judged highly satisfactory. The results show an approximate balance between supply and demand with respect to manpower in pathology. Comparison with the results of two similar surveys conducted by the Joint Task Force shows the following trends: (1) a continued marked reduction of foreign medical graduate (FMG) trainees; (2) a continued increase in the proportion of women entering pathology; (3) an increase in the size of the average practice and a corresponding decrease in the proportion of pathologists in solo practice; (4) a decreased tendency of practicing pathologists to relocate; (5) an increase in pathologists lost to the profession because of death, disability and retirement; (6) a slight decrease (approximately 50) in the number of funded fulltime positions and a slight increase in the number of part-time vacancies.