Dr. Gene Herbek Honored As CAP Pathologist of the Year

OMAHA ―  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.

"Choosing pathology as my specialty in medicine was a life-changing decision,” says Dr. Herbek. “The impact on my life was amplified a thousand fold when I became a member volunteer of the CAP. It made me a better pathologist, creating countless opportunities—some formal and others back-of-the-napkin—to learn the science and art of pathology from giants in our field. The CAP epitomizes the model of a professional organization whose members have come together to focus on a greater purpose: in our case, improving patient care as only we can.” 

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.

“I like to think that my work with the CAP keeps me young, which could be why I treasure the opportunities it creates for me to work with our residents and new-in-practice members,” Dr. Herbek said. “Their energy, intelligence, and compassion will carry our profession into a bright future, one that will make us all very proud.”

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,” he 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.  

Among his many professional honors and awards, Dr. Herbek has received the CAP Outstanding Communicator Award and the St. Luke’s Regional Medical Center, Sioux City, Iowa, Physician Hero Award.