As such, they should be widely available to physicians to promote optimal patient care, medical training, and medical research. The research, development and practice of genetic testing in academic and other medical centers is essential to medical progress, the training of physicians, researchers and health-care professionals, and the continued improvement of the quality of medical care. Most discoveries of human or pathogen genes can be effectively translated into gene-based diagnostic test services without the incentives provided by patents or exclusive license agreements. When patents, exclusive license agreements, or excessive licensing fees are used to prevent physicians and clinical laboratories from providing gene-based diagnostic test services, this limits access to medical care, jeopardizes its quality, and raises its cost. College members practice their specialty in community hospitals, independent clinical laboratories, academic medical centers and federal and state health facilities.
Pathologists play an integral role in the primary health team.
They are physicians who obtain and interpret data as the result of examination of tissues, blood, and other body fluids for diagnosis and patient care. The mission of the College of American Pathologists is to represent the interests of patients, the public, and pathologists by fostering excellence in the practice of pathology and laboratory medicine worldwide. We are in the midst of a scientific revolution in genetics that promises extraordinary advances in clinical medicine. As the medical specialists in the diagnosis of disease, CAP members recognize that genetic testing is an area of growth and change for pathology and medical practice in the decades to come. Pathologists therefore have a keen interest in ensuring that gene patents do not restrict the ability of physicians to provide quality diagnostic services to the patients they serve.