On Feb. 6, 2025, the American Board of Pathology (ABPath) appointed Rajesh Dash, MD, to the ABPath’s Test Development and Advisory Committee (TDAC) for Management and Informatics. Individuals with experience in different specialties serve on various TDACs (see " About ABPath" below).
The TDACs are responsible for developing and reviewing the ABPath certification exam questions that assess and certify a physician’s education, knowledge, experience, and skills in order to provide high-quality care in the pathology profession. Dash’s appointment is a recognition of his expertise in anatomic pathology and informatics and his knowledge of the latest advances in the continually evolving field of pathology and patient care. It also demonstrates his ability to help ensure the integrity and relevance of board certification.
TDAC committee members develop and review examination questions for statistical performance and relevance to current practice. They contribute to the validity of examinations by determining the content and distribution of items on examinations (exam blueprints). The TDACs also advise the ABPath on issues in their subspecialty area of expertise.
“The members of our TDACs are experts in their respective fields,” said ABPath CEO Gary W. Procop, MD, MS, MEd. “These individuals are instrumental in developing assessment, setting standards, and providing guidance regarding the current state of Pathology.” Procop was a Duke resident in Anatomic and Clinical Pathology from 1992-1996 and chief resident from 1995-1996.
A complete list of ABPath committee members can be found here.
Dash, a professor of Pathology, serves as vice chair and director of Surgical Pathology at Duke, director of Laboratory Information Strategy, and medical director of Laboratory Information Systems.
In addition to pathology, his background includes computer science. He is passionate about bringing a combination of technical expertise and clinical knowledge to members and staff. His unique knowledge and expertise enable him to advocate for the optimal tools and resources that pathologists need in today’s digital world. He continues to position pathologists in leadership roles in the delivery of better and safer patient care.
In 2021, the College of American Pathologists (CAP) honored Dash with its Distinguished Service Award for his long-standing contributions to patient care and the advancement of pathology, as well as in recognition of his dedicated service to the CAP for more than 25 years.
About ABPath
Since 1971, the ABPath has appointed test committees for each specialty area of pathology. The committees consist of ABPath trustees and other pathologists or specialty physicians who are recognized experts in their respective disciplines. There are presently 14 ABPath TDACs. They are: Anatomic Pathology, Anatomic Pathology CertLink®, Blood Banking/Transfusion Medicine, Chemical Pathology, Clinical Pathology CertLink®, Management and Informatics, Cytopathology, Dermatopathology (with appointees from the American Board of Dermatology), Forensic Pathology, Hematopathology, Medical Microbiology, Molecular Genetic Pathology (with appointees from the American Board of Medical Genetics and Genomics), Neuropathology, and Pediatric Pathology.
The mission of the ABPath, as a member of the American Board of Medical Specialties, is to serve the public and advance the profession of pathology by setting certification standards and promoting lifelong competency of pathologists. Founded in 1936, the ABPath accomplishes this mission by establishing certification requirements, continuing certification standards, and assessing the qualifications of those seeking to obtain voluntary certification in the specialty of pathology. For more information on ABPath, visit abpath.org or call (813) 286-2444.