ABOUT

30 Years of Innovation

 

To celebrate AMP's anniversary, we've compiled a timeline of notable events and initiatives that made us the vibrant society we are today. Thank you to our members and dedicated volunteers for your service to our society and field. 

AMP was founded at the 3rd UAREP-sponsored Molecular Diagnostics Workshop held in November 1994 in Bethesda, Maryland.

An action committee was set up to formally establish the association and create a framework for the future growth and development. The committee members were: David Cooper (Chair), Carleton Garrett (Vice-Chair), Jeffrey Cossman, Tom Frank, Jeffrey Kant, Anthony Killeen, Mark Lovell, Ronald McGlennen, Mark Sobel, Steven Thibodeau, Cheryl Willman with Frances Pitlick as the liaison with UAREP.

In 2002, Peggy Gulley offered this recollection:

“At that time, none of the large pathology societies had much interest in promoting molecular pathology, so we decided that a free-standing society was preferable to affiliation with an established group. Although we were all Americans, we chose the name Association for Molecular Pathology so that it specifically did not contain the words 'national' or 'American' and would thus represent an international effort, and an organization without borders.

"Mark Sobel, Jeff Kant, Cheryl Willman, Jeff Cooper, Ron McGlennen and colleagues mapped out the organizational chart for the society and asked people to sign up for any of several committees that would develop bylaws and establish structure for the society.

"I remember signing up for several of these committees. To facilitate sign-up, huge pieces of white paper were ripped from one of those easel-based flip charts, and then about eight of these huge white papers were taped to the wall of the hotel corridor outside the meeting room. At top of each paper was a committee name, such as 'Bylaws Committee.' Many of us scrawled our names to these papers and we were thus immediately put to work and then later recruited to run for office once the bylaws and mechanisms for voting were established. Thus was born the Association for Molecular Pathology.” 

 

1995

Chair of Action Committee: David L. Cooper, MD

Annual Meeting: Hyatt Regency Minneapolis, MN, November 10–12, 1995

Meeting Highlights:

  • Society Bylaws adopted November 12, 1995.
  • "Youthquake" for those who were there.
  • Social event at Speakeasy Cave in St. Paul where "Guido" (aka David Cooper) was the star.

Society Highlights:

  • The association's Listserv bit.listserv.mxdiag-l facilitated internet communication prior to CHAMP.
  • Ron McGlennen, Editor of the first AMP Newsletter.
  • Fran Pitlick, Executive Officer of UAREP and ASIP, AMP’s first Executive Officer. 

1996

President: Jeffrey A. Kant, MD, PhD

Annual Meeting: Omni Inner Harbor Hotel, Baltimore, MD, November 14–17, 1996

Meeting Highlights:

  • "Even with the best planning, there always seems to be the odd thing that's overlooked. This year it was thumb tacks for the posters! Thanks to Tim O'Leary for accompanying me to the local Kinko's to purchase 600 of these at 9 p.m. the night before the conference began!" — Tony Killeen, AMP Newsletter, January 1997
  • The Saturday evening dinner was at the B&O Railroad Museum, organized by Jeff Kant and Fran Pitlick.
  • Bomb scare at Baltimore Washington International Airport.

Society Highlights:

  • CHAMP (CHat AMP) was launched in May 1996 and administered by Jeff Kant.
  • Year of the first Test Directory and Membership Directory.
  • Ad hoc committee (Chair, Peggy Gulley) established to evaluate possible journal affiliation.
  • Dan Farkas succeeded Ron McGlennen as editor of AMP Newsletter.

1997

President: Margaret "Peggy" Gulley, MD

Annual Meeting: Wyndham Emerald Plaza Hotel, San Diego, California, November 13–15, 1997

Meeting Highlights:

  • First special session for medical technologists.
  • First corporate workshops.
  • Meeting program expanded to 2 workshops per subdivision.
  • First Welcome Reception.

Society Highlights:

  • The first AMP logo was adopted.
  • AMP went electronic with a homepage managed by Tony Killeen.
  • Jeff Kant spearheaded corporate sponsorship of the AMP Award for Excellence in Molecular Diagnostics.

1998

President: Cheryl Willman, MD

 Annual Meeting: Hyatt Regency Crystal City, Crystal City, VA, November 5–8, 1998

Meeting Highlights:

  • First recipient of Award for Excellence in Molecular Diagnostics (sponsored by Visible Genetics, Inc.) was Francis Collins, MD, PhD.
  • First session on “Technical Topics."
  • Additional plenary session featured the best abstracts.

Society Highlights:

  • Major goal of AMP accomplished: new specialty of Molecular Genetic Pathology created and approved by American Board of Medical Specialties.
  • AMP Test Directory updated.
  • AMP signed a memo of understanding with the American Society for Investigative Pathology to create The Journal of Molecular Diagnostics (JMD) as part B of The American Journal of Pathology; the Joint Journal Oversight Committee was formed.

1999

President: Mark Sobel, MD, PhD

Annual Meeting: Adams Mark Hotel, St. Louis, MO, November 4–7, 1999

Meeting Highlights:

  • Abstracts from meeting published in the first issue of The Journal of Molecular Diagnostics (JMD).

Society Highlights:

  • First issue of AMP's official journal, The Journal of Molecular Diagnostics, American Journal of Pathology Part B.
  • Appointment of Karen Kaul as senior editor of JMD.
  • Official financial separation from UAREP (Articles of Incorporation of AMP filed in Maryland).
  • Launch of AMP website (then ampweb.org), including Membership Directory accessible by members of AMP only.
  • AMP’s first published paper: “Association for Molecular Pathology Statement: Recommendations for In-House Development and Operation of Molecular Diagnostic Tests” in the American Journal of Clinical Pathology 1999;111:449-463.
  • AMP co-sponsored overseas molecular diagnostics meeting in Zwolle, The Netherlands.

2000

President: Debra Leonard, MD

Annual Meeting: Denver Hyatt Regency Hotel, Denver, CO, November 9–12, 2000

Meeting Highlights:  

  • Dan Farkas spearheaded corporate sponsorship for trainee awards (Young Investigator Awards).
  • First Young Investigator Awards.

Society Highlights:

  • JMD now online.
  • AMP plays a role in new efforts to bring oversight to genetic testing through Secretary Advisory Committee on Genetic Testing (SACGT), CDC Forum and the FDA.
  • Jeff Kant organized AMP’s application for a Companion Meeting at the United States and Canadian Academy of Pathology (USCAP) Annual Meeting.

2001

President: Karl Voelkerding, MD

Annual Meeting: Loews Philadelphia Hotel, Philadelphia, PA, November 15–18, 2001

Meeting Highlights:

  • Discussion group on Connexin 26 testing meets.

Society Highlights:

  • Two ad hoc committees established: AMP Policy Committee (Andrea Ferreira-Gonzalez, PhD, as first chair). 
  • Inaugural AMP Companion Meeting at USCAP, organized by Marc Ladanyi. Standing room only!
  • JMD fully indexed in MEDLINE and Index Medicus.
  • JMD no longer listed as Part B of AJP.
  • Mark Sobel succeeded Fran Pitlick as AMP’s executive officer.
  • CHAMP server moved from Pittsburgh to Yahoo!Groups.
  • Terry Dunn succeeded Jeff Kant as CHAMP moderator.
  • AMP and ASIP signed a new memo of understanding, effective January 2002, to continue publishing JMD.
  • Karen Kaul became editor-in-chief of JMD, effective January 2002.

 

2002

President: Karen Kaul, MD

Annual Meeting: Adams Mark Hotel, Dallas, TX, November 14–17, 2002

Meeting Highlights: 

  • First AMP Technologists Awards (sponsored by Third Wave Technologies Inc).
  • First College of American Pathologists Inspector Training Session.
  • First workshop on ACGME Accreditation for Molecular Genetics Pathology: A Workshop and Discussion for Fellowship Program Directors.

Society Highlights:

  • Establishment of AMP Web Library (Editor: Jan Nowak).
  • First audio conference (Topic: cystic fibrosis), organized by Karl Voelkerding.
  • Creation of position for Junior Member in Training and Education Committee.
  • Establishment of Professional Relations Committee as a standing committee (formerly the ad hoc AMP Policy Committee).

2003

President: Daniel H. Farkas, PhD, HCLD

Annual Meeting: Wyndham Palace Resort & Spa Orlando, FL, November 19–23, 2003

Meeting Highlights:

  • HSV and CMV working groups formed.

Society Highlights:

  • Ad hoc Strategic Planning Committee chaired by Jeff Kant was established and presented recommendations to AMP Council.
  • Debra Leonard appointed to Secretary’s Advisory Committee on Genetics, Health and Society.
  • Test Directory online: Infectious Diseases, Solid Tumors and Hematopathology.
  • CHAMP moved from Yahoo!Groups to new listserv, CHAMP@lists.asip.org. No more commercial advertising!
  •  JMD ranked 5th out of 64 pathology journals.
  • Teresita Cuyegkeng Redondo and Marlene Sabbath-Solitare succeeded Dan Farkas as editors of the AMP Newsletter, which was redesigned.

2004

President: Angela M. Caliendo, MD, PhD

Annual Meeting: Century Plaza Hotel and Spa, Los Angeles, CA, November 10–14, 2004

Meeting Highlights:

  • AMP Celebrates 10th anniversary
  • First-time online abstract submission.

Society Highlights:

  • AMP hires a new director of scientific programs, Mary Williams.
  • AMP office moved to expanded quarters.
  • AMP gets a new logo.
  • AMP acquired two new website domains, www.molecularpathology.org and www.amp.org.
  • Election of officers now done online.
  • Karen Kaul appointed to a second term as editor-in-chief of JMD, effective January 2005.

2005

President: Mark A. Lovell, MD

 Annual Meeting: Scottsdale, AZ, November 11–13, 2005

Meeting Highlights:

  • Growing pains: Attendees very much enjoyed the Westin Kierland, but the meeting had outgrown the venue.
  • First time abstracts are rejected.

Society Highlights:

  • Jeff Kant receives first AMP Leadership Award.
  • Advocacy regarding gene patents begins; input provided for NAS document on gene patents and amicus in LabCorp v Metabolites.
  • First tech reps on Program Committee.
  • CMS begins MUE (Medically Unbelievable Edits) initiative; AMP joins CAP, ACMG, et al., with strong response.
  • Incoming volunteers begin attending committee meetings at annual meeting (orientation).
  • JMD expands to five issues/year.

2006

President: Barbara A. Zehnbauer, PhD

Annual Meeting: Orlando, FL, November 17–19, 2006

Meeting Highlights:

  • Shuji Ogino gives his first nomenclature early bird.
  • PGx on the program.

Society Highlights:

  • First Community Pathology Outreach Course.
  • JMD CME program begun.
  • Strategic Planning Committee (SPC) – later renamed the Strategic Opportunities Committee (SOC) – made a standing committee, with the president-elect as a voting member.
  • Technologist Travel Award established.
  • AMP joins amici in LabCorp v Metabolite case.
  • AMP joins the AFIP Coalition and supports the preservation of the core functions of the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology (AFIP).

2007

President: Andrea Ferreira-Gonzalez, PhD

Annual Meeting: The Hyatt Regency Century Plaza Hotel, Los Angeles, CA, November 7–10, 2007

Meeting Highlights:  

  • Attendance breaks 1,000.
  • Council decides to standardize the annual meeting days, Thursday through Saturday, beginning with the 2010 meeting.

Society Highlights:

  • Molecular Genetic Pathology Review Course launched with Kevin Halling as the first director.
  • AMP writes a letter of support for GINA to U.S. Sen. Ted Kennedy’s staffer, Jennifer Leib, who becomes AMP’s government relations consultant in 2009.
  • PRC begins advocacy regarding oversight of LDTs; U.S. Sens. Ted Kennedy and Barack Obama each introduce legislation.
  • Streamlined publications policy adopted.
  • Council establishes the Membership & Professional Development Committee (MPDC) as an ad hoc committee to address membership issues, volunteer management and leadership development.

2008

President: Gregory J. Tsongalis, PhD

Annual Meeting: The Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center, Grapevine, TX, October 29–November 2, 2008

Meeting Highlights:

  • Social event reintroduced.
  • Trick-or-treating in the Exhibit Hall.

Society Highlights:

  • JMD begins publishing six issues a year.
  • Emeritus membership category established.
  • First government relations consultants (Jennifer Leib and Robert Wells of HealthFutures) hired; 501(h) election; begin lobbying.
  • Online education initiated with webinars and case studies.
  • Economic Affairs Committee begun as the CPT subcommittee of the PRC.
  • CPT coding initiative begun.
  • Process for non-U.S. affiliates established.
  • Council notes there is no widely accepted definition of “clinical utility.” It was recommended that AMP design a process that includes a definition, e.g., “Does the evidence support the claims being made?”
  • AMP issues new statement opposing gene patents and the exclusive licensing of genetic discoveries.
  • Volunteer terms of service begin at conclusion of the annual meeting.

2009

President: Jan A. Nowak, MD, PhD

Annual Meeting: The Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center, Kissimmee, FL, November 19–22, 2009

Meeting Highlights:

  • AMP celebrates its 15th anniversary
  • JMD celebrates its 10th anniversary

Society Highlights:

  • SAMs credits initiated for MGP review course with online pre- and post-tests.
  • AMP becomes the primary plaintiff in gene patent lawsuit AMP et al. v USPTO et al.
  • Economic Affairs Committee made a standing committee
  • AMP Council notes the loss of U.S. Sen. Edward Kennedy and his contributions to civil rights, healthcare (including GINA) and to pathology. He was the driving force behind legislation to preserve the core functions of the AFIP. 
  • Prioritized list of needed Standardized Reference Materials for molecular tests given to NIST.
  • AMP publishes white paper that outlines new molecular pathology CPT codes as a potential solution to the lack of transparency associated with the current "stacking" codes. AMA later establishes new codes, which CMS implements in 2013. 

2010

President: Karen Mann, MD, PhD

Annual Meeting: San Jose McEnery Convention Center, San Jose, CA, November 17–20, 2010

Meeting Highlights:

  • First meeting held in a convention center instead of a hotel.

Society Highlights:

  • Council approves Elsevier managed publishing for JMD.
  • AMP begins advocacy opposing FDA oversight of LDTs.
  • Whole Genome Analysis Working Group formed.
  • Process established to select USCAP moderators from pathologist members.
  • New strategic planning process begun. Steering Committee Karen Mann, Jan Nowak, Tim O’Leary, Barbara Zehnbauer, Jennifer Hunt and Iris Schrijver, plus the 2011 SPC Chair Karen Kaul. Consultant is John Ball, recently retired ASCP EVP.
  • Lung biomarkers guidelines begun with CAP & IASLC.
  • Subdivision Chairs made voting members of Council.
  • First International Membership Grants awarded.

2011

President: Timothy O'Leary, MD, PhD

Annual Meeting: Gaylord Texan Hotel & Convention Center, Grapevine, TX, November 17–19, 2011

Meeting Highlights:

  • First meeting to offer PACE credits.
  • Specialty lunches initiated.

Society Highlights:

  • Membership exceeds 2,000.
  • First formal strategic plan approved. Areas: Advocacy, Education, Innovation & Improved Patient Care, Management, Governance.
  • AMP joins amici in Prometheus v Mayo.
  • AMP and other organizations working on new molecular pathology CPT codes form coalition to pursue legislation to deem PhDs as Qualified Healthcare Providers.
  • Mary Williams named executive director; Mark Sobel named executive officer emeritus.
  • Council approves governances changes recommended in the strategic plan (“AMP governance shall be by a Board of Directors and its Executive Committee”), established a Finance Committee and renamed the Strategic Planning Committee the Strategic Opportunities Committee (primary charge to consider the external environment).
  • CHAMP 2.0 on HigherLogic platform launched.
  • Rami Mahfouz organized AMP’s first co-sponsored non-U.S. conference: outreach course in conjunction with meeting of the Arab division of the IAP. AMP sent three speakers; 23 attendees joined AMP.

2012

President: Iris Schrijver, MD

 Annual Meeting: Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center, Long Beach, CA, October 25–27, 2012

Meeting Highlights:

  • Attendance grows to 1,500.
  • Early bird sessions so full that some attendees watch through the door.

Society Highlights:

  • Subdivision representatives to the Program Committee elected.
  • AMP mourns the loss of Jeff Kant, and the Jeffrey A. Kant-AMP Education Fund established.
  • Anticipating at least some molecular pathology CPT codes will be placed on the PFS, AMP-led multisociety coalition lobbies Congress to deem PhDs as Qualified Healthcare Providers.
  • CMS places new molecular pathology CPT codes on the CLFS, eliminating PhD legislation argument; CMS designates gapfill method to price the new codes.
  • ASIP notifies AMP that it will not renew the management agreement ending Dec. 31, 2013. After considering researched options, the board decides that AMP will manage its own office and will apply to join FASEB.
  • Formal annual board orientation and training instituted.

2013

President: Jennifer L. Hunt, MD, MEd

Annual Meeting: Phoenix Convention Center, Phoenix, AZ, November 14–16, 2013

Meeting Highlights:

  • Members interested in forming an Informatics Interest Group meet together after the Welcome Reception. This interest group grows rapidly and soon becomes the Informatics Subdivision.

Society Highlights:

  • SCOTUS rules 9-0 in favor of the plaintiffs in the AMP v Myriad (gene patent) lawsuit. DNA sequences are no longer patent eligible!
  • First major multisociety clinical practice guideline published, “Molecular Testing Guideline for the Selection of Lung Cancer Patients for EGFR and ALK Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors,” by Neal Lindeman, et al. JMD, July 2013.
  • AMP welcomes its first three affiliate organizations: The Hong Kong Society for Molecular Diagnostic Sciences, The Molecular Pathology Association of India and The Korean Society for Laboratory Medicine.
  • Membership categories reorganized into World Bank income categories.
  • Board celebrates five-year strategic plan 73% implemented in 2.5 years and revises mission statement. 
  • AMP Leadership Award renamed Jeffrey A. Kant Leadership Award.
  • AMP becomes a sponsor of the IOM Translating Genomic-Based Research for Health Genomics Roundtable (“IOM Genomics Roundtable”).
  • New logo adopted.
  • AMP becomes a cooperating society of the American Board of Pathology.
  • Newsletter renamed AMPlifications. 

2014

President: Elaine Lyon, PhD

Annual Meeting: Gaylord National Hotel & Convention Center, National Harbor, MD, November 12–15, 2014

Meeting Highlights:  

  • AMP celebrates 20th anniversary. 
  • Advocacy day held on Capitol Hill with more than 70 AMP members participating.
  • AMP holds Capitol Hill briefing.
  • Standing-room-only session with FDA on LDPs. 
  • PETA protestors during Dr. Francis Collins' presentation. 

Society Highlights:

  • AMP introduces and defines the term “Laboratory Developed Procedures” in “Revisiting Oversight and Regulation of Molecular-Based Laboratory-Developed Tests” by Andrea Ferreira-Gonzalez, et al. JMD, January 2014.
  • Ad hoc Awards Committee begun with Debra Leonard as chair.
  • Board revises Vision Statement.
  • Leadership Fund renamed the Strategic Initiatives Fund. 
  • AMP begins self-management. 
  • New CHAMP platform (Socius) launched. 

2015

President: Janina A. Longtine, MD

Annual Meeting: Austin Convention Center, Austin, TX, November 5–7, 2015

Meeting Highlights:

  • Flooding shuts down Austin airport.
  • U.S. Rep. Michael Burgess, MD (R-Texas) speaks at session on CLIA modernization.
  • AMP Central, AMP's booth in the exhibit hall, makes its debut.
  • Meeting attendance exceeds 2,000.

Society Highlights:

  • AMP releases Molecular Diagnostic Perfect Storm white paper.
  • The German Society of Pathology (DGP) becomes AMP's fourth affiliate organization.
  • Planning begins for AMP's inaugural global congress.
  • AMP releases microcosting models to help laboratories estimate the cost basis of their genomic sequencing procedure CPT codes.
  • The International Affairs Committee is established with Lei Po (Chris) Wong as Chair. The IAC began in 2010 as a working group of the Membership Affairs Committee
  • T&E Committee releases popular NGS 101 webinar series.
  • Several AMP members are seated on the CMS Advisory Panel established by PAMA, with Vicky Pratt as AMP’s representative.
  • AMP releases CLIA Modernization Proposal.
  • AMP leads advocacy on opposing FDA draft guidance on oversight of laboratory developed testing procedures.
 

2016

President: Charles E. Hill, MD, PhD

Annual Meeting: Charlotte Convention Center, Charlotte, NC, November 10–12, 2016

Meeting Highlights:

  • First Medscape broadcast from AMP annual meeting.
  • Pre-meeting celebration at NASCAR Museum with race car simulators. 
  • AMP hosts patient and patient advocacy groups at first Lunch and Learn Event.

Society Highlights:

  • AMP members participate in a legislative hearing on laboratory-developed testing procedures.
  • Advocacy newsletter, The ChAMPion, is launched. 
  • Economic Affairs Committee holds its first Genomic Medicine Payer Summit in Chicago.
  • AMP submits eight new CPT code-change proposals.
  • AMP co-hosts Hill briefing with ACMG and IDSA on oversight of laboratory developed testing procedures.

2017

President: Federico A. Monzon, MD

Annual Meeting: Calvin L. Rampton Salt Palace, Salt Lake City, UT, November 14–16, 2017

Meeting Highlights:

  • AMP introduces Innovation Spotlight Stages in the exhibit hall.

Society Highlights:

  • Inaugural Global Congress on Molecular Pathology held April 3-5 in Berlin, Germany.
  • AMP welcomes two affiliate organizations: the Brazilian Society of Clinical Pathology and Laboratory Medicine (SBPC) and The Italian Society of Pathology and Translational Medicine (SIPMET). 
  • AMP Clinical Practice Committee and its working groups continue their production of influential clinical practice guidelines, with the publication of “Standards and Guidelines for the Interpretation and Reporting of Sequence Variants in Cancer,” by Marilyn Li, et al. JMD, January 2017, and “Molecular Biomarkers for the Evaluation of Colorectal Cancer,” by Antonia Sepulveda, et al. JMD, March 2017.
  • T&E Committee launches popular “Molecular in my Pocket” reference cards.
  • T&E Committee matures online education, with AMPEDTM Online, www.educate.amp.org.
  • AMP launches new website.

2018

President: Kojo S. J. Elenitoba-Johnson, MD

Annual Meeting: Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center, San Antonio, Texas, November 1–3, 2018

Meeting Highlights:

  • Halloween costumes on Corporate Workshop Day.
  • Live demonstration of an ultrasound using a mobile device during Jonathan Rothberg's keynote session.

Society Highlights

  • Inaugural AMP Europe Congress held April 30 to May 2, in Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
  • AMP welcomes seventh affiliate, the American University of Beirut Medical Center.
  • AMP wins its first grant funding for online education. 
  • Economic Affairs Committee leads outpouring of AMP member engagement regarding CMS-proposed National Coverage Determination for NGS for advanced cancer.
  • T&E Committee launches popular Fellow In Service Exam (FISE) Question Bank, in collaboration with the MGP Program Directors Council.
  • Professional Relations Committee continues to lead in advocacy regarding oversight of Laboratory Developed Testing Procedures (LDPs), educating hill staff on the negative impact on patient care of any FDA-centric approach.
  • AMP leads advocacy on National Coverage Determination for Next Generation Sequencing for Advanced Cancer

2019

President: Victoria M. Pratt, PhD, FACMG

 Annual Meeting: Baltimore Convention Center, Baltimore, MD, November 7–9, 2019

Meeting Highlights:

  • AMP celebrates its 25th anniversary and JMD’s 20th anniversary.
  • Instead of giving anniversary “tchotchkes” to meeting attendees, AMP donates $5,000 to Health Care for the Homeless, a Baltimore nonprofit.
  • Pilots “Short Course Day” with guest clinician society sessions by IDSA and ACMGG.
  • Advocacy Day held on Capitol Hill.

Society Highlights:

  • AMP welcomes eighth affiliate, Middle East Molecular Biology Sources (MEMBS).
  • Second Global Congress held May 16-18 in Hong Kong.
  • Number of users on AMPEDTM  Online Education surges to over 4,000. 
  • AMP Board approves program expansion to significantly increase production of clinical practice guidelines. 
  • AMP holds inaugural Molecular Pathology Economics Summit. 

 

2020

President: Karen Weck, MD

Annual Meeting: Virtual Meeting and Networking Experience, November 16–20

Meeting Highlights:

  • Due to COVID-19 pandemic, AMP holds its 26th Annual Meeting as a virtual event, with up to 59.5 CME and CMLE credits and 13.0 SAM credits available to attendees.
  • In response to the dramatic, unforeseen constraints on members' departmental budgets, AMP's Board of Directors approved the lowest member registration rates ever offered for an AMP meeting, including a $10 rate for trainee members.
  • Dennis Lo, FRS, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, was the keynote speaker and recipient of the 2020 AMP Award for Excellence in Molecular Diagnostics.

Society Highlights:

2021

President: Antonia R. Sepulveda, MD, PhD

Annual Meeting: Canceled and pivoted to the AMP 2021 Digital Experience, offering select live and onDemand programming November 15–19, while the full program became available in early 2022.

Meeting Highlights:

  • Nobel Laureate Jennifer A. Doudna, PhD, accepted the 2021 Award for Excellence in Molecular Diagnostics.
  • Access to the "Lite" Digital Experience free to all attendees.

Society Highlights:

  • AMP continued to play a pivotal role in advocating for both patients and the laboratory community amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. In January, we launched the AMP COVID Response Steering Committee (ACR) to lead the organization's cross-functional efforts to address clinical needs and ensure more Americans have access to testing.
  • Findings from AMP's Cancer Diagnostic Testing Amidst COVID-19 Pandemic Survey helped draw attention to a decline in routine testing during the early months of the pandemic. 
  • AMP's Economic Affairs Committee released its Analysis of Effort in Molecular Test Interpretation Report, demonstrating that current payment systems do not account for all of the time spent by qualified healthcare professionals to interpret and integrate results within the context of a patient’s diagnosis.
  • AMP's Economic Affairs Committee released its Analysis of Effort in Molecular Test Interpretation Report, demonstrating that current payment systems do not account for all of the time spent by qualified healthcare professionals to interpret and integrate results within the context of a patient’s diagnosis.

Daniel Sabath

2022

President: Daniel E. Sabath, MD, PhD

Annual Meeting: Phoenix Convention Center, Phoenix, Arizona. November 1–5

Meeting Highlights:

  • Nobel Laureate Carol W. Greider, PhD, accepted the 2022 Award for Excellence in Molecular Diagnostics.
  • First in-person meeting in three years culminated in better-than-forecasted attendance and exhibits.

Society Highlights:

  • AMP unveiled its updated Core Principles and new Diversity, Equity & Inclusion statement, which guide everything we do as a society.
  • AMP published three clinical practice guidelines.
  • Membership surpassed 2,990 for the first time, with members found in 60 countries.
  • AMP hosted its second Economic Summit on July 15 in Washington, D.C., bringing together attendees ranging from patient advocacy groups, pharmaceutical companies, diagnostic manufacturers, clinical laboratories, as well as trade and professional associations.

Laura J. Tafe

2023

President: Laura J. Tafe, MD

Annual Meeting: Salt Palace Convention Center, Salt Lake City, Utah. November 14–18

Meeting Highlights:

  • Celebrated 10th anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court ruling AMP v. Myriad.
  • Award for Excellence in Molecular Diagnostics to Huda Yahya Zoghbi, MD, for her pioneering work in pinpointing the underlying genetic causes of Rett syndrome and spinocerebellar ataxia type 1.

Society Highlights:

  • Following the announcement of longtime Executive Officer Mary Williams that she would retire at the end of 2023, the AMP Board of Directors undertook a nationwide search to find her replacement. 
  • Virtual Advocacy Day on July 27th.
  • VALID Act was removed from appropriations bill. 
  • The FDA released its draft final rule on regulatory oversight of LDTs, and AMP members responded with hundreds of comments against this burdensome regulation.

Maria E. Arcila

2024

President: Maria E. Arcila, MD

Annual Meeting: Vancouver Convention Centre, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. November 19–23

Meeting Highlights:

  • Award for Excellence in Molecular Diagnostics to Atul Butte, MD, PhD, for his groundbreaking work in advancing molecular diagnostics and computational health sciences.
  • AMP celebrates its 30th anniversary and JMD’s 25th anniversary 

Society Highlights:

  • AMP filed suit against the FDA and HHS to request permanent injunctive relief from the FDA final rule on regulation of laboratory-developed testing procedures (LDTs).
  • AMP’s fourth chief executive officer, Laurie Menser, CAE, takes reins. 
  • AMP welcomes its ninth affiliate, Associacion Iberoamericana de Patologia Molecular. 
  • The Patent Eligibility Restoration Act (PERA) was reintroduced in Congress, and AMP ramped up its efforts to oppose this legislation that would overturn the AMP v. Myriad Supreme Court ruling, which protects genetic sequences from becoming patent-eligible.

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