2018 CAP Distinguished Patient Care Award

Established in 2006, the CAP Distinguished Patient Care Award recognizes and honors a member of the College of American Pathologists who has made an outstanding contribution to patient care. It represents behavior that when emulated enhances the practice of pathology. In addition, this award reflects the mission, vision, and values of the CAP. The CAP presents the award when merited, not necessarily on an annual basis.

The College of American Pathologists honors Kalisha Ashara Hill, MD, MBA, FCAP, with the CAP Distinguished Patient Care Award in recognition of her dedicated contributions to patient care and service for the advancement of pathology. A former vice chair of the CAP’s Cancer Committee, Dr. Hill remains engaged on behalf of the CAP, serving as a member of the Council on Membership and Professional Development, the PathPAC board of directors, and the Pathology Electronic Reporting Committee, and as a cancer protocol author. Dr. Hill also serves as a delegate to the CAP’s House of Delegates and as treasurer for the Illinois Society of Pathologists.

Throughout her medical career, Dr. Hill has been actively engaged in activities related to community health. She has sponsored various community events, including the Cancer Support Center, the Speaking of Women’s Health conference, and the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life. Further, Dr. Hill has pursued a role in public relations activities by serving as a physician panelist for nursing education, speaker for student career events, judge for the Chicago Public Schools student science fairs, annual speaker for the National Youth Leadership Forum, and creator of “ask the pathologist” group forums for Cancer Support Center patients.

Inspired by the dedication of female physicians and mothers who sacrifice much of their family lives for their patients, she also founded the Lady Docs, a venue for these women to experience fellowship and share ideas, resources, and patient care initiatives. As the only pathologist, Dr. Hill’s interaction with and feedback from this diverse group of clinicians provides insight into how she can better serve patients and meet clinician needs through the practice of pathology.

Deeply committed to improving patient health outcomes, Dr. Hill is the chief medical officer and hospital patient safety officer for Presence St. Mary’s Hospital (PSMH) in Kankakee, Illinois. She chairs the Department of Pathology, serves as its laboratory medical director, and chairs several hospital committees. Dr. Hill is the executive sponsor for the PSMH breast center of excellence accreditation effort.

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