The Spanish Society of Cytopathology (Sociedad Española de Citopatología, or SEC) is an organization dedicated to studying, practicing, and advancing cytopathology in Spain. The SEC plays a vital role in ensuring high standards of practice and focuses primarily on fostering professional development and promoting research in the area of cytopathology. Furthermore, it creates a network among cytology practitioners that allows better case consultation, training and guidance from renowned mentors.
The SEC was officially founded in 1988 with the purpose of fullfiling the need for a formal organization that could represent professionals working in the field of cytopathology. Before the formation of SEC, Spanish cytopathologists worked in a fragmented manner. Since then, the increasing importance of cytological techniques in diagnostic medicine the need for a specialized organization became more apparent and the society has tried to meet the demands of its members. Since its inception, the society has played an instrumental role in advancing cytopathology as a discipline, supporting its members, and improving diagnostic practices in Spain. Furthermore, SEC is an active member of several international organizations, such as the European Society of Cytopathology (ESC) and the International Academy of Cytology (IAC). These collaborations allow the SEC to contribute to and benefit from global initiatives in the field.
Membership of the Spanish Society of Cytopathology consists of professionals working in the field of cytopathology, including pathologists, cytotechnologists, laboratory technicians, and researchers. Membership is open to individuals working in Spain and internationally. Members benefit from various services and opportunities offered by the SEC. These include access to professional development programs, scientific meetings, and an array of educational resources.
The SEC organizes a national scientific meeting every other year. In addition, the SEC offers its members interactive courses throughout the year. Such as monthly lectures given on crucial topics and aimed at pathologists, oncologists, molecular biologists and cytotechnicians; or offering monthly challenging cases.
The governance of the Spanish Society of Cytopathology is managed by an elected board, which is responsible for overseeing the organization’s operations, setting its priorities, and guiding the society’s activities. The board includes a president, vice president, secretary, treasurer, and one representative from the society. These positions are elected for two years, with the former president playing a crucial role as an advisor to the new board. In this way, society can maintain a certain continuity that enables long-term planning, from which all members benefit. On the other hand, since Spain is a large country, a regional representative is appointed for each region to ensure closer proximity to the board and its members.
The former president is María D. Lozano, better known as Lola by many. Her expertise in the field and worldwide recognition has enabled the SEC to gain visibility nationally and internationally. Her presidency has allowed its members to connect with some of the most prestigious cytopathologists across Europe, the United States of America, and Latin America. Some examples of the visibility Dr. Lozano gave to the SEC during her presidency could be the ASC-SEC course in Pamplona 2020 and a scientific reunion in Granada, Spain, in September 2022, with the participation of Syed Z. Ali, Merce Jorda, Philippe Vielh, Peter B. Illei, and Paul E. Wakely, among others.
Her journey continues as she prepares to become the president of the Spanish Society of Pathology (SEAP) and the Spanish division of the Internal Academy of Pathology. In this role, she aims to replicate the successes of the Spanish Society of Clinical Pathology (SEC) and strengthen the connections between both organizations, emphasizing the importance of cytologic and surgical pathology correlation for improved patient care.
To conclude, the Spanish Society of Cytopathology plays a central role in advancing education, research, and clinical practice in this specialized field. Through its active programs, educational initiatives, and collaborative efforts with international organizations, the SEC ensures that its members remain at the forefront of diagnostic advancements that benefit patients. Furthermore, in the coming years, with the cooperation between SEC and SEAP-IAP, cytopathology and surgical pathology in Spain are set to work side by side to place patients at the center of all our efforts.
Ramón Robledano
EFCS Residents and Young Pathologists Committee
