Dr. Gene Herbek Honored as CAP Pathologist of the Year

The College of American Pathologists (CAP), the world’s largest association of board-certified pathologists, honored Dr. Gene Herbek for his tireless efforts in advancing the specialty of pathology through work with the organization, clinical partners, patients, and the public at large.

Dr. Herbek received CAP’s highest honor when he was named Pathologist of the Year by his colleagues from across the nation.  Dr. Herbek serves as medical director of the Methodist Women’s Hospital laboratory and medical director of the Transfusion and Coagulation Services for The Pathology Center at Methodist Hospital. 

The CAP Pathologist of the Year Award honors a CAP leader for outstanding contributions to the field of pathology and to the programs and activities of the College of American Pathologists. All honorees are nominated by fellow CAP members (there are over 18,000 board-certified pathologists who comprise the membership). Nominations are evaluated by representatives from CAP councils and are finally approved by the CAP Board of Governors.

Having recently served as the CAP president from 2013–2015, Dr. Herbek has not only dedicated his entire career to his patients, but also strengthened pathology for his fellow doctors. He has served on numerous committees within the organization, including the Finance Committee, Practice Management Committee, and New in Practice Committee, and has served in the CAP House of Delegates and on the Board of Governors.

Dr. Herbek was also the driving force for the CAP Foundation’s See, Test & Treat® program, which is the CAP’s flagship philanthropy effort. The program provides cancer screening to underserved and at-risk patients across the United States. Dr. Herbek brought the first See, Test & Treat program to Native American women in South Dakota.

There is an award named in honor of Dr. Herbek and his wife for their support of the program: The CAP Foundation Gene and Jean Herbek Humanitarian Award.

“After 37 years, I still enjoy going to work every day,” Dr. Herbeck said. “While I identify first and foremost as a husband and father, my third most-valued role in life is that of a community pathologist. In these three roles, I have been uncommonly blessed. Receiving this award is a humbling testament to all those who have supported me throughout my career, especially my wife, Jean, and our daughters, Sara and Emily. Without their love, support, and patience, I would not have been able to engage so fully as a CAP member.”

He is board-certified in anatomic and clinical pathology and is a graduate of the University of Nebraska Medical Center and its Residency Training Program.  

For the full press release, click here.

Inside Business Announcement

For the Omaha World-Herald's Inside Business announcement of this honor, click here.