By Julie Monzo

The College of American Pathologists (CAP) awarded Alfred Lui, MD, FCAP, a pathologist from Torrance, Calif., with the CAP Distinguished Service Award at a special ceremony Oct. 12, 2013, in Orlando, Fla., at CAP ’13: THE Pathologists’ Meeting.

Lui, a 1968 biology graduate of Andrews University, was recognized for his leadership in the successful promotion of private pathology practices and his ongoing contributions to organized pathology at the local, state and national levels.

"In these uncertain and turbulent times, it is easy to forget that our primary opportunity and responsibility is to provide each patient we diagnose or treat with the highest level of care,” Lui says. “I firmly believe that continually working to improve our own skills is the best route to ensuring that the value of pathology services is recognized and that our profession survives and thrives. I am honored and grateful to be recognized by my peers with the CAP Distinguished Service Award."

Among his many contributions to the pathology specialty, Lui has held multiple roles in professional societies, often simultaneously, all while developing one of the largest and most successful private medical practices in California. His leadership roles include service to the CAP Councils on Education, Membership and Professional Development and the CAP Publications Committee. In addition, he is past president of the California Society of Pathologists (CSP), where he currently serves on the CSP Education Committee.

Lui is currently chief medical officer and chairman of the board of Pathology, Inc., an independent anatomic and clinical laboratory in Torrance, Calif. He is the cofounder of four pathology and independent laboratory companies, two of which are still in operation. In addition to Pathology, Inc., Lui cofounded the Affiliated Pathologists Medical Group, which has grown from a two-person group to 37 pathologists providing services to 14 hospitals and three independent laboratory locations in California, Oregon and Arizona. Pathology, Inc. is the largest independent laboratory in California with close to 400 employees and a focus on women’s health testing.

Lui graduated summa cum laude from Andrews University. A member of the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society. Lui earned his medical degree at Loma Linda University and completed his pathology residency at Harbor–UCLA Medical Center. His particular professional interests are liver and gynecological pathology, as well as process and quality improvement. He is a certified consultant for the Birkman Personality Assessment method, which focuses on team building, executive coaching, leadership development and conflict resolution.

As the leading organization for board-certified pathologists, the College of American Pathologists (CAP) serves patients, pathologists, and the public by fostering and advocating excellence in the practice of pathology and laboratory medicine worldwide. With more than 18,000 physician members, the CAP has led laboratory accreditation for more than 50 years with more than 7,500 CAP-accredited laboratories in 50 countries. Find more information about the CAP at cap.org. Follow CAP on Twitter: @pathologists.