MINUTES OF THE WASPaLM BUREAU MEETING

Attendance:

Bureau Members:
Dr. Henry Travers, President
Prof. Michael Oellerich, President-elect
Dr. Paul Raslavicus, Secretary-Treasurer
Dr. Marilene Melo, Past president
Dr. Robby Bacchus
Dr. Mario Flavio Alcantara
Dr. Yoshi Ito
Prof. Dr. Lai Meng Looi
Prof. Gamzey Mocan Kuzey
Dr. Murilo Melo
Dr. Utz Merten, WPF Presodent. ex officio
Dr. Masami Murakami
Prof. Roberto Verna

Guests
Dr. John Ball, ASCP Executive Director
Ms. Suzanne Ziemnick, ASCP VP for Education
Dr. Jagdish Butany, President, Canadian Association of Pathologists

Dr. Henry Travers, President, called the meeting to order at 7:26 am on August 1.

Report from Ms. Eve Propper, Meeting Planner for the Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia in respect to the preparation for the March 2009 Sydney was received telephonically. She reviewed the preparations for Pathology Update 2009 and World Congress, including the times and venues for WASP programs and social events. She urged that all Societies do the utmost through their national meetings and websites to provide information to their membership about the upcoming meeting. (Click here to see the complete report)

The telephonic report from Dr. Stewart Bryant, Director for Australasia emphasized the worsening workforce situation in Australia. He also reported on New Zealand’s changing of funding of pathologists that is now the responsibility of municipalities rather than the national government. This is likely to have an adverse effect on the specialty. (Click here to see the complete report)

President Henry Travers presented his report. He emphasized the changes in WASPaLm since the 1990’s that have resulted in the maturation of it as a Learned Society. It has been formally incorporated as a charitable organization in the United States, and has grown in the last decade from 29 to 41 societies.

He identified the major need of the Society to have the member Constituent Societies be involved in sponsoring specific components of WASPaLM’s activities. He cited the failure of his call to take the leadership position in the Pathology Special Interest Group of the International Health Terminology Standards Development Organization as a most distressing example of passivity when this significant international opportunity was offered to us. It is not too late to take the helm of this international effort and it is open to any of our Constituent Societies.

He then focused on the issue of financial stability of the Association. The finances of WASPaLM have been rebuilt by the hard work and enthusiasm of our Japanese colleagues who have been able to raise significant funding from a number of industry sponsors. Broadening of sponsorship to companies in Europe and the USA is needed to enlarge our base and provide more operating funds.

He concluded by stating that despite all the accomplishments, there are many challenges ahead; he cited his strong conviction that the present Bureau is up to the challenge. (Click here to see the complete report)

The report of Professor Michael Oellereich, the President-elect (Click here to see the complete report), focused on the specific issue of improvements in our website, “Our Window to the World.” As the website is the most important communications tool that we have, he emphasized that the website needs much improvement in content and appearance to foster the recognition of WASPaLM as a dynamic society representing the needs of all pathologists and laboratory physicians worldwide. Professor Oellereich asked Dr. Murilo Melo to put together a register of meetings related to pathology and laboratory medicine and post them on our website. Further discussion on valuable website additions included the posting of regulations affecting the profession in various countries, the efforts on harmonization, advances in the science, and on newly developed and/or approved products. The more effective use of the “Forum” portion of the website was also discussed.

The President-elect described his conversations at the recent meeting of the American Association for Clinical Chemistry with Mr. Robert McGonnagle, publisher of CAP Today and his recommendations for increasing the visibility of WASPaLM within the laboratory medicine world. To foster the effort to make the website the “calling card” for the Society he proposed that CAP Today be posted on our website as a centerpiece attracting visitor attention. Since WASPaLM is an association incorporated in the US we must seek industry sponsorship of our activities in the corporations headquarter in this country and that such efforts be made at the highest corporate level. One of the most significant tools that we have to increase the visibility of WASPaLM is a dynamic website with a large number of links and close working relationships with our Constituent Societies.

Dr. Merten commented that one additional way to increase cooperation is to have Bureau meetings in which Constituent Societies are invited to attend in order to discuss mutual interests, problems and opportunities. Dr. Murilo Melo felt that regional meetings of the Bureau with Constituent Societies would be of much value.

Dr. Bacchus commented that funds for WASPaLM needs could be raised from philanthropic organizations and focusing on world wide needs, such as the need to spread breast cancer awareness. Dr. Butany commented that specific programmatic plans could be very worthwhile. Several Members commented in further discussion that the lack of administrative staff was one of the chief reasons for both the lack of effective programmatic development, and the relatively feeble website.

Dr. Oellerich reported further on a request from the Technical Forum on Diagnostics and Bioanalytical Devices, which is sponsored by the German Association of Biotechnology Companies in association with the DGKL and other professional associations, for an official cooperating partner position for WASPaLM. Two representatives of WASPaLM could attend the Techforum at no cost.

ACTION. The Bureau approved the cooperating partner position for WASPaLM in the Technical Forum of Diagnostic and Bioanalytical Decices, and endorsed the use of the WASPaLM logo for the Congress of 2008.

Dr. Oellerich further indicated that the Forum would be interested in a speaker for the Forum program to address Point of Care Testing (POCT). Dr. Ball of the American Society of Clinical Pathology indicated that they could provide such a speaker. This information will be transmitted to Dr. Andreas Scriba of Forum for information.

The report of the Secretary-Treasurer, Dr. Paul Raslavicus began with the induction of two professional societies as Constituent Societies of WASPaLM. (Click here to see the complete report)

The American Society for Clinical Pathology has requested to change its status from Corresponding Society to Constituent Society, a previously held status. The ASCP has an active membership of 130,000 individuals with an active pathologists membership of 9200 Board certified physicians. The majority of the Board of Directors of the Association are physicians.

The Bulgarian Society of Clinical Laboratory has requested membership as a Constituent Society. The majority of the membership of this society is physicians (250 MD; 25 Ph.D). The BSCL has been the leader in the creation of a National Quality Assurance System, and the translation to Bulgarian of ISO 15189 to help develop the standards of clinical laboratory operation.

ACTION. The Bureau unanimously approved the acceptance of the American Society for Clinical Pathology, and the Bulgarian Society of Clinical Laboratory to membership as Constituent Societies.

Dr. Raslavicus then reported on the activities of the Secretary-Treasurer since the last Bureau meeting in Kuala Lumpur. This included the preparation of the new Directory updated to the current time. He indicated that as soon as it is published it is already partly out of date because of constantly changing addresses of involved individuals.

ACTION. The President recommended that the Directory be published again soon after the next World Congress, but that the addresses be put only on the website and that the Secretary-Treasurer constantly update the addresses as changes occur. A motion to that effect was approved.

The next edition should have a statement in it that the most recent address and contact information is on the website.

Dr. Raslavicus then made the financial reports. He showed that there is a recurring deficit of 25000 to 30000 yearly; this will be especially evident in the next twelve month period as two Bureau meetings and a World Congress take place within 9 months. It was noted that the income from the Sydney meeting and increased number of sponsors will help alleviate the size of the deficit. The Bureau accepted the financial discussion as informational.

Dr. Oellerich responded to the suggestion for increasing the dues paid by each Constituent Society by indicating that only a relatively small amount of increased income would be generated in that way and that we want to increase the number of participating Societies by all means possible, rather than turn off some of the less affluent ones. He as well as other members of the Bureau felt that a better approach would be to ask the Constituent Societies for voluntary contributions beyond the required dues.

ACTION. Dr. Raslavicus moved that because of the recurring deficits that the dues of Constituent Societies be raised to $ 600 USD per annum. The recommendation to increase the Constituent Society dues was defeated.

ACTION. Dr. Raslavicus then made a motion that in order to have sufficient funds in the US based operating budget that a USD 50,000 transfer be made by September 1, 2008 from our Japanese account to the Wells Fargo Bank. This motion was approved without dissent.

ACTION. The Bureau approved retrospectively the increase that had been granted by the Officers following the Kuala Lumpur meeting for administrative assistant for the office of the Secretary-Treasurer. The stipend increase from USD 100 to USD 500 per month was approved unanimously.

The status of the action items from the Kuala Lumpur meeting was then presented. The incomplete items were addressed as follows:

1. The ASCP will assure that there will be Continuing Medical Education Credits available at the 2011 World Congress, and will develop methodologies to provide CME in all future Congresses.

ACTION ITEM. Modify article 4.1 of the Articles of Incorporation to add a new section c, to read, “Representatives to the meeting of the House of Representatives must be qualified physicians. After a vigorous discussion this item was voted down.

The President and others articulated an alternative, less divisive, strategy. Following the meeting, the President proposed the following changes to the Articles:

1. Article 4, section 2: Add a new paragraph (d) permitting electronic ballots by the House of Representatives:
   
   (d) The House of Representatives may act by electronic ballot in all matters that may be required or permitted to be taken at a meeting of the House of Representatives.
   
   
2. Article 4, section 5 regarding a quorum of the House of Representatives, modify the current wording to:
   
   Section 4.5 Quorum. Representatives of twenty-five percent (25%) of the Constituent Societies in good standing shall constitute a quorum for the consideration of all matters except amendment of the Bylaws and Articles of Incorporation at any meeting of the House of Representatives. For amendment of the Bylaws and Articles of Incorporation, representatives of eighty percent (80%) of Constituent Societies in good standing shall constitute a quorum.
   
   
3. Article 21 section 2, paragraph (c), a modification of voting for an amendment to the bylaws:
   
   (c) A duly proposed amendment shall be adopted by the affirmative vote of two-thirds of all the Constituent Societies of the Association in good standing, either at a meeting of the House of Representatives at which a quorum for amendment as specified in Article 4.5 is present, or when ballots are returned by 80% of Constituent Societies in good standing.

2. The status of WASPaLM as a convener of the International Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Work Group (IPaLM) of the International Health Terminolgy Standards Development Organization was discussed as an open item several times during the meeting, first as part of the President’s Report, then again as both a pending item, and as part of the report of the Informatics Secretariat. The Bureau appreciated the invitation for WASPaLM to be the convener of the IpaLM-SIG of IHTSDO and the President had invited the Constituent Societies to designate health care terminology oriented members to become part of this pathology/laboratory medicine terminology development working group. To date, no volunteers have emerged. Perhaps the upcoming IHTSDO meeting in late October in Denmark is our last chance for WASPaLM to participate as an organization in this worldwide endeavour.

Professor Looi then delivered The Report of the XXV Congress in Kuala Lumpur. This was a very successful Congress due to a great extent to the excellent cooperation of the sponsoring societies and the help of the Government of Malaysia. It featured a packed program with 90 international speakers with 835 attendees from 38 countries and all Continents. The exhibition hall was packed with 53 booths and 45 companies. The Gala Dinner raised USD 2257.60 for the World Pathology Foundation. The Congress was also financially successful, with USD 17,192.17 being the contribution forwarded to WASPaLM. (Click here to see the complete report)

Next, the Bureau heard from Dr. John Ball, the Executive Vice President of the American Society for Clinical Pathology and also from Suzanne Ziemick, Vice President for Education. Dr. Ball described the nature of the Association with emphasis on education of both physician and medical technologists and the certification of laboratory personnel, and advocacy for the profession. The well regarded medical technologist certification program has now been extended to other countries, notably the Philippines and South Korea, and a number of other countries with a focus on the Middle East. This international certification is now recognized for California registration, which is helping to alleviate the technologists shortage in that state The ASCP has also contracted with the Center for Disease Control of the US government to train the trainers in the developing countries.

The ASCP has made a commitment to be the host of the XXVI World Congress at its annual meeting in the fall of 2011, and the logistics of this meeting were discussed. The venue is as yet undecided but the Bureau had some preference for a Las Vegas location. The ASCP was urged to maintain contact as it begins to develop the program for that meeting. They were requested to identify topics and subtopics as soon as possible so that WASPaLM could respond in time with their suggested international speakers. The ASCP was also familiarized with the needs of WASPaLM for meeting space, the Gala Dinner and the WPF Auction. An outline of a contractual agreement was provided to Dr. Ball. The next step will be to formalize the relationship and proceed with helping the ASCP to develop an educational program appropriate for a more international group of attendees. The increased number of participants was estimated to between 300 and 500 people.

Dr. Al Hartmann presented the North American Director report telephonically. His report focused on the contemplated cut in physician payments by the federal health program for the elderly. Implementation of even a small increase required the override of the veto by President Bush. He further reported on the growing efforts to develop a national approach to the electronic medical record and on the efforts of the College of American Pathologists to expand the scope of pathology practice to include the new technologies of molecular diagnostics, proteomics, and personalized genotherapeutics. Dr. Butany brought up the issue of Canada wide publicity of serious errors in pathology diagnosis. The Canadian pathologists are in discussions with the American CAP in respect to developing a proficiency testing program similar to that now in effect under CAP’s aegis in the USA. (Click here to see the complete report)

Dr. Hartmann further reported on the activities of the COWSA secretariat. The Secretariat communicated with all Constituent Societies informing them of COWSA activities and the mechanisms available to them for participation in the standards setting process. Little feedback has been received. In respect to ISO, while more and more countries are adopting the use of ISO 15189 as the basis for quality and competence in the medical laboratory, internal conflicts within ISO are evident. The issues include the harmonization of ISO 15189 with ISO 17015 and ISO 9001. The CAP has announced that it will offer an ISO 15189 compatible version of its accreditation program. He further briefly outlined the relationship of the Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute to its Global Health Partnership program which focuses improving laboratory practices in Sub-Saharan Africa, especially in regard to AIDS/HIV and other infectious diseases. (Click here to see the complete report)

Dr. Raj Dash presented the report of the Informatics Secretariat telephonically. The report focused primarily on two issues, the International Health Terminology Standards Development Organization (IHTSDO) and our website. IHTSDO, a Danish non profit organization, the membership of which is open to countries, is now the owner of SNOMED CT, the health care terminology formally endorsed by WASPaLM a few years ago. WASPaLM had been designated as the convener of the International Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Special Interest Group (IPaLM-SIG) which will have its next meeting in October in Denmark (Click here to see the presentation). Unfortunately a call to the Constituent Societies to become involved and send delegates to the IpaLM so far has not had any response. Unless there is interest by our Societies, WASPaLM continued involvement with IHTSDO is in question. (Secretary-Treasurer note: Since the end of the Bureau meeting a positive and enthusiastic response by the Brazilian Society of Clinical Pathology and Laboratory Medicine was received. The BSCPLM will designate Dr. Paula Tavora as their delegate). (Click here to see the complete report)

The statistics on the WASPaLM website was presented. Activity is relatively low and visitors spend little time at the site. Dr. Dash and others noted that while the website is our window to the world there has been relatively little fresh content, and very little active participation by WASPaLM members. It was noted that the home page is not particularly attractive and that the font size for such important topics as the Forums is too small. Even some of the Bureau members do not know their passwords.

Dr. Oellerich reported that Mr. Robert McGonnagle, the editor of CAP Today was willing to post this publication of the WASPaLM website which would immediately increase the world wide interest. To make the site truly attractive, it was agreed that an experienced website administrator is badly needed to stay on top of the Societies activities and meetings, post them in timely fashion on the website, remove the postings when the activities are completed, publish items of interest and maintain ingoing and outgoing links. Dr. Dash suggested that at least a day and a half of an experienced person’s time per week should be devoted to such website maintenance.

ACTION ON WEBSITE ISSUES:

1. How and where to find a website administrator and engage such an individual was left for further action by the Officers.
2. Dr. Raslavicus was asked to contact Dr. Mark Siegel of the Association for Investigative Pathology (ASIP) which has provided webservices to small pathology association on a contract basis.
3. Dr. Murilo Melo will address with Control Lab the matter of technical improvements in the appearance of the website, arrange for the posting of CAP Today, and will arrange the circulation of the password to the individual Bureau members.
4. President Travers will write a letter to our Societies asking them for links to our website and for timely posting of pertinent materials about their activities and meetings.

Dr. Bacchus presented the report of the Education Secretariat. He reviewed the history of our educational programming and provided some details about our most recent activities. Our latest effort was in Pune, India where 255 participants learned selected aspects of hematology and anatomic pathology. A complete report will appear in the WASPaLM Bulletin. Our next educational program will be an Anatomic Pathology Update program this November in Penang, Malaysia in collaboration with the local hospital and the Ministry of Health. Requests for educational opportunities come in from Caribbean and African countries and in order to expand our activities funding is badly needed. (Click here to see the complete report)

In respect to the Council of International Organisations for Medical Science, Dr. Bacchus reported that he attended the 19th General Assembly of CIOMS. Topics of importance included guidelines for ethical epidemiological studies, better medicines for children, especially the question of effectiveness of current treatment of tuberculosis, and issue of appropriate pharmaceutical use in clinical trials in poorer countries.

Dr. Utz Merten reported on the 61st General Assembly of the World Health Organization at which WASPaLm was one of 76 Non Governmental organizations represented. Dr. Merten’s report included information that there was a vigorous discussion in respect to the admission of Taiwan as an observer at WHO. He suggested that WASPaLM may need to consider whether the presence of Taiwan among the Societies represented in WASPaLM inhibits our future growth within mainland China, in particular since little response from the Taiwanese society has been received. The consensus of the Bureau was that we are not in any way involved in political matters and we only want to assure that joining societies are medically qualified. We welcome the participation of any qualified Society from the People’s Republic of China.

ACTION. The President will contact Dr. Sun to inquire about possible WASPaLM membership of pathology and laboratory medicine societies from the People’s Republic of China.

Dr. Merten further reported on the serious issue of counterfeit medicines, especially in Southeast Asia where both clinical trials as well as indicated medical care is compromised. He also indicated that because of our NGO status we should be able to use the WHO logo for our educational programs and our Congresses.

ACTION: Dr. Travers will contact Dr. Groth at WHO to affirm that the use of the WHO logo is permitted at our programs.

Dr. Roberto Verna presented the report of the Director for Europe. He stated that his energies had been focused in getting the 2010 World Congress to take place in Italy. There were significant disagreements on program development, location and financial issues between AIPACMEM and SIMEL, and the Italian meeting is now only history with the hope of hosting a Congress in 2013. In addition, he is starting a vigorous program of solicitation of European, North African and Middle East Societies to join WASPaLM and become important members of our Society.

Dr. Mocan Kuzey informed the Bureau of the situation with the pathology societies in Turkey. There is now a Federation of pathology societies in Turkey and they are members of the European Societies of Pathology.

At this point the Bureau recognized that the following Countries are vying for the 2013 Congress. At the time of the Sydney meeting a decision should be made as to who should sponsor the 2013 Congress. In contention are Italy, Uruguay and Canada. The latter presented an impressive program including support of the Government for a meeting in Quebec City, Quebec, Canada. (Click here to see the complete report)

Dra. Marilene Melo presented the report of the Past President. Dra. Melo listed her activities during the past year on behalf of WASPaLM. This included promotion of our website and overseeing the Spanish version which is being created by Dr. Abraham of the Cuban Society. She also has been contacting past member societies urging them to return and also contacting them in respect in the provision of material for the WASPaLM Bulletin. She expressed thankfulness to the Bureau for recognizing her with the Gold Headed Cane award. (Click here to see the complete report)

Dr. Mario Flavio presented the report of Latin America. Besides indicating that the Uruguayan Society of Clinical Pathology wishes to sponsor the 2013 World Congress, Dr. Flavio summarized the educational activities in Central and South America. He particularly emphasized the 19th Latin American Congress of Clinical Pathology/Laboratory Medicine in La Habana, Cuba which is scheduled for March 31-April 3, 2009. The dates of this Congress were moved so as to not be in competition with the WASPaLM Congress in Sydney. (Click here to see the complete report)

ACTION. It was agreed that in view of the fact that the meeting was moved not to be in competition with the Sydney World Congress that WASPaLM contribute USD 2000 towards the support of speaker travel and hotel expenses for the 19th Latin American Congress of Clinical Pathology and Laboratory Medicine to be held in La Habana, Cuba starting March 31, 2009.

Dr. Masami Murakami gave the report of the Tokyo Administrative Office. He stated that the search to replace Mr. Susumu Kanda as Administrative officer in charge of WASPaLM affairs continues. He also spoke of the important contribution to the financial welfare of WASPaLM by Japanese corporate sponsors. He expects that the contributions will be in excess of USD 40000 this year. The Bureau acknowledged that the support of Japanese industry and our Japanese colleagues has been invaluable. (Click here to see the complete report)

Dr. Yoshi Itoh gave the Director for Asia report. Dr.Itoh reported on the unfortunate cancellation of the 10th International Congress of the Asian Society of Clinical Pathology and Laboratory Medicine (ASCPaLM) in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. It was cancelled because of political unrest following elections. The meeting has now been rescheduled for 2009. Dr. Itoh suggested that both the Mongolian and Indonesian Societies be considered for Constituent Society status. (Click here to see the complete report)

Dr. Looi reported that in Malaysia there is a voluntary accreditation program based on the ISO 17025 standard, and ISO 15189 was adopted in 2004. Accreditation provides a marketing advantage for the laboratories that are accredited. The accreditation program although there is a movement toward ISO 15189. Accreditation provides a marketing advantage for the laboratories that are accredited. The accreditation program is run by the government, but the College provides the professionals for the accreditation process.

The report of Dr. Tajaart Erasmus for Africa was received in written form and was filed. (Click here to see the complete report)

SUMMARY OF ACTION ITEMS

ACTION-1. The Bureau approved the cooperating partner position for WASPaLM in the Technical Forum of Diagnostic and Bioanalytical Devices, and endorsed the use of the WASPaLM logo for the Congress of 2008.

ACTION-2. The Bureau unanimously approved the acceptance of the American Society for Clinical Pathology, and the Bulgarian Society of Clinical Laboratory to membership as Constituent Societies.

ACTION-3. The President recommended that the Directory be again be published soon after the next World Congress, but that the addresses be put only on the website and that the Secretary-Treasurer constantly update the addresses as changes occur. A motion to that effect was approved.

ACTION-4. Dr. Raslavicus moved that because of the recurring deficits that the dues of Constituent Societies be raised to $ 600 USD per annum. The recommendation to increase the Constituent Society dues was defeated.

ACTION-5. Dr. Raslavicus then made a motion that in order to have sufficient funds in the US based operating budget that a USD 50,000 transfer be made by September 1, 2008 from our Japanese account to the Wells Fargo Bank. This motion was approved without dissent.

ACTION-6. The Bureau approved retrospectively the increase that had been granted by the Officers following the Kuala Lumpur meeting for administrative assistant for the office of the Secretary-Treasurer. The stipend increase from USD 100 to USD 500 per month was approved unanimously.

ACTION-7. Modify article 4.1 of the Articles of Incorporation to add a new section c, to read, “Representatives to the meeting of the House of Representatives must be qualified physicians. After a vigorous discussion this item was voted down.

ACTION-8. ACTION ON WEBSITE ISSUES:

1. How and where to find a website administrator and engage such an individual was left for further action by the Officers.
2. Dr. Raslavicus was asked to contact Dr. Mark Siegel of the Association for Investigative Pathology (ASIP) which has provided webservices to small pathology association on a contract basis.
3. Dr. Murilo Melo will address with Control Lab the matter of technical improvements in the appearance of the website, arrange for the posting of CAP Today, and will arrange the circulation of the password to the individual Bureau members.
4. President Travers will write a letter to our Societies asking them for links to our website and for timely posting of pertinent materials about their activities and meetings.

- back -