Dr. Ronald Balssanian - 2026 American Society of Cytopathology (ASC) Community Service, Outreach, and Advocacy Award

2026 COMMUNITY SERVICE, OUTREACH, AND ADVOCACY AWARD

The American Society of Cytopathology (ASC) is pleased to announce that Ronald Balassanian, MD, Professor of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), is the recipient of the 2026 ASC Community Service, Outreach, and Advocacy Award. This honor recognizes individuals whose work advances patient advocacy, health equity, and access to care within cytopathology and the broader medical community.

Dr. Balassanian’s career reflects a sustained commitment to patient-centered care, global health equity, and professional inclusivity. A nationally recognized leader in cytopathology, he has enhanced diagnostic access and patient experience through innovative clinical programs, international outreach, and mentorship of future healthcare professionals.

At UCSF, Dr. Balassanian has played a key role in advancing patient-focused diagnostic services through the Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) Biopsy Clinic, where rapid, minimally invasive procedures reduce delays in diagnosis and improve clinical outcomes. He is also the founder of the “Ask Your Pathologist” program, an innovative initiative that enables patients—particularly those with breast cancer—to meet directly with pathologists to review pathology findings. This program promotes transparency, understanding, and patient empowerment in the diagnostic process.

Dr. Balassanian’s commitment to service extends well beyond the United States. For more than a decade, he has provided leadership within the UCSF Global Cancer Program, contributing to the development of sustainable diagnostic training programs in low-resource settings. His longstanding collaborations with cancer centers in Peru and academic institutions in Tanzania have strengthened local pathology capacity, expanded access to breast cancer screening and diagnosis, and emphasized long-term sustainability through education and mentorship.

In addition, Dr. Balassanian is widely recognized for his advocacy and mentorship in support of LGBTQ+ inclusion in medicine. Through institutional leadership, community outreach, and professional engagement, he has helped foster welcoming environments for trainees, colleagues, and patients. His dedication to mentoring individuals from underrepresented backgrounds reflects a deep commitment to building a more diverse and inclusive medical workforce.

Through his combined efforts in patient advocacy, global outreach, education, and equity, Dr. Ronald Balassanian exemplifies the mission and values of the ASC Community Service, Outreach, and Advocacy Award. His work has had a lasting impact on patients, communities, and the future of cytopathology.

Dr. Balassanian will be formally honored during the ASC 74th Annual Scientific Meeting, to be held on November 7, 2026, in Seattle, Washington.