Why manpower surveys in pathology? Use of the National Pathology Manpower Database

The National Pathology Manpower Database was developed in 1986 as a representative subset of pathologists engaged in community hospital and private laboratory practice. Manpower surveys in 1987, 1988, and again in 1991 using the National Pathology Manpower Database have consistently shown a greater projected attrition in the number of pathologists from this practice setting than the number of new pathologists entering the specialty. Without periodic surveys of pathologists using a valid sample such as the National Pathology Manpower Database, it is likely that future decisions regarding the supply and need for pathologists would be based on the American Medical Association Master File of Physicians that does not specify practice activity or reflect any manpower kinetics.