Committee Application FAQS

Does everyone who applies get appointed?

No. The CAP enjoys a robust applicant pool, which means we receive many more applications than there are open positions each year. In addition, the number of open positions on a committee varies from year to year.

The website says 2021 applications are due May 1, 2020. Can I still apply for 2020?

We are accepting applications for 2021 because the 2020 appointment cycle is complete. Though applying for 2021, please note that openings may occur on committees and/or project teams for various reasons throughout the calendar year. When these vacancies arise, your application will be considered. If appointed to fill a vacancy, you would be notified immediately following Board approval.

How long are committee appointments?

All committee appointments are for one year and are done annually. Members are eligible for reappointment based on term limits for each role as defined by CAP policy.

When would my appointment begin?

Committee appointments are on a calendar year beginning January 1 and ending December 31.

When/how will I know if I've been appointed?

The annual appointment cycle commences on April 1. Final approvals by the Board of Governors are done each fall with confirmations sent to those appointed in October.

Will I be notified if I have not been appointed?

Yes. All applicants not appointed to a committee will be notified in November/December.

How can I increase my chances of being appointed to a committee?

The CAP enjoys a robust applicant pool annually which means we have many more applicants than we have positions in a given year. Like anything else, networking is key! Reach out to the committee’s chair and/or staff to introduce yourself and let them know you’ve applied.

How long is my application kept on file?

Applications are maintained through the first quarter of the appointment year for which you are applying. Applications should be submitted annually.

Do I have to be a CAP member or an MD to participate on a committee?

The CAP does welcome nonmember applicants to apply. Nonmembers are those individuals who are not eligible for CAP membership (ie, PhDs, non board-certified pathologists, medical technologists, etc).

I'm a pathology resident so does that mean I am a nonmember?

No. Pathology residents should activate their Junior Member status through the website. Membership is free.
Learn about CAP membership.

I am still in a Fellowship program. Can I still apply to sit on a committee as a Junior Member?

No. Junior Member positions are reserved for those residents who have not yet passed their boards. Once you pass your boards, you are automatically re-classified as a CAP Fellow and are therefore ineligible.

I'm currently a resident but plan on passing my boards before the committee appointment year for which I am applying. Can I still apply as a Junior Member or what should I do?

If you anticipate having your board-certification before the appointment year begins, you cannot apply as a Junior Member. Please indicate "CAP Fellow/Emeritus Member" on the application.

The website says residents must upload a letter of recommendation from their program director but I don't see an option on the application.

If you are a resident who anticipates being board-certified for the appointment year for which you are applying, you’ve likely indicated "CAP Fellow/Emeritus Member" on the application. By doing so, you have bypassed this requirement.

Are there other ways to get involved with the CAP beyond committees?

Yes. Following are some of the other ways you can get involved:

CAP Members

• CAP House of Delegates (HOD) – The CAP House of Delegates is an excellent way to become involved on both the local and national levels. Through the HOD, CAP members link directly to a strong network of CAP leaders, help define and drive the CAP agenda of issues and initiatives, and ensure that the CAP is meeting the needs of its members. The HOD is our largest volunteer body and, as such, the HOD is often looking for CAP Fellows to get involved. To learn more or join the CAP HOD, please contact Steve Hansen.
• CAP Market Research Panels – These panels allow CAP members and non-members an opportunity to quickly and easily give crucial feedback to the CAP. We use this valuable information to make more informed and strategic decisions. Panel members participate for a two-year term and are asked to complete no more than two electronic surveys per quarter (each survey requiring no more than 15 minutes to complete). To learn more or sign up for this engagement opportunity, please contact Barbara Barrett.
• CAP Engaged Leadership Academy (ELA) – The Engaged Leadership Academy (ELA) is a CAP member benefit designed to enhance pathologists' professional development by developing essential communication and presentation skills necessary to become ambassadors for advancing the specialty. This program develops current and future pathologist leaders by teaching them to articulate and demonstrate their value to clinical colleagues, health care executives, media professionals and elected officials and to secure influential roles in their own practice and facilitate adoption of change. To learn more or apply for this unique program, please contact Ellen Fox.

Non-Members

• CAP Market Research Panels – These panels allow CAP members and non-members an opportunity to quickly and easily give crucial feedback to the CAP. We use this valuable information to make more informed and strategic decisions. Panel members participate for a two-year term and are asked to complete no more than two electronic surveys per quarter (each survey requiring no more than 15 minutes to complete). To learn more or sign up for this engagement opportunity, please contact Barbara Barrett.

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