The Texas Society of Pathologists: molded by the legacy of pathology and focused on excellence in medicine for 100 years and beyond

Figures & data

Figure 1. Logos of the TSP Centennial: (a) TSP centennial meeting logo, (b) TSP Onward logo.

Table 1. Selected events relevant to Texas medicine and pathology

Year	Event
1836	Texas Revolution leads to independence.
1845	Texas becomes the 28th state of the USA.
1853	TMA is formed.
1881	Texas voters authorize establishment of UT in Austin and UTMB in Galveston (Texas’ largest city).
1889–91	George Dock, MD, and Allen J. Smith, MD, are appointed as first full-time pathology professors in Texas.
1891	Texas Medical College closes and UT Medical Department is established.
1900	Hurricane devastates Galveston.
1900–04	Baylor University College of Medicine is established in Dallas.
1910	The Flexner Report leads to reform of medical education.
1919	George T. Caldwell, MD, commences position as professor and chairman of pathology at Baylor University College of Medicine in Dallas.
1921	Texas pathologists form the State Pathological Society of Texas (later the TSP) on May 9 during the meeting of the TMA in Dallas.
1941	Texas legislature authorizes UT to establish the state cancer hospital in Houston with the name of M. D. Anderson Cancer Center.
1943	Baylor College of Medicine moves to Houston and Southwestern Medical School is reconfigured in Dallas and becomes affiliated with UT.
1945	The Texas Medical Center is founded.
1949	Houston physicians form the Houston Society of Clinical Pathologists.
1962	Texas attorney general rules that pathology is the practice of medicine.
1963	On November 27, President Kennedy is assassinated, which leads to strengthening of the medical examiner system in Texas.
1965	Medicare and Medicaid programs are established by the federal government.
1970s	New medical schools are opened: UT Houston, UT San Antonio, Texas Tech, Texas A&M, University of North Texas.
1971	TSP celebrates its 50th anniversary.
1972	TSP declares the “year of pathology.”
1996	TSP celebrates its 75th anniversary. Celebratory meeting marred by ice storm in Dallas.
1998	Houston Society of Clinical Pathologists celebrates 50th anniversary.
2003	TMA celebrates its 150th anniversary.
2003	Texas tort reform begins.
2004	North Texas Society of Pathology is formed.
2011	TSP celebrates its 90th anniversary.
2010s	More medical schools open.
2018	Goal achieved of 1000 active and junior members of TSP.
2021	TSP celebrates its centennial year.

TMA indicates Texas Medical Association; TSP, Texas Society of Pathologists; UT, University of Texas; UTMB, University of Texas Medical Branch.

Table 2. Vision, mission, goals, and objectives of the Texas Society of Pathologists

Category	Statement
Vision	To promote optimal health and medical care of all Texans through the contributions of pathology to medical practice.
Mission	TSP advances the cause of Texas pathologists by providing proactive solutions to the challenges they encounter in the provision of pathology expertise for the physicians and patients they serve.
Goals and objectives	TSP is strongly committed to fulfilling its vision and mission by: Educating members on current issues that impact the practice of pathology. Advocating for members in the Texas legislature. Providing a community of peers that enrich members’ professional lives. Preserving the history of the practice of pathology in Texas. Giving back to the pathology community through the Educational Foundation. Supporting future pathologists through the Young Pathologists’ Section program.

Figure 2. (a) George T. Caldwell, MD, (b) John J. Andujar, MD, and (c) Vernie A. Stembridge, MD.