Breaking Barriers: One Physician's Story

How can military service shape a career in medicine? Couger Jimenez Jaramillo, MD, Maj, USAF, MC, an active-duty Air Force physician, researcher, and educator, has built her career at the intersection of service and pathology.Dr. Jimenez Jaramillo shares her journey into medicine and how her military training and pathology residency at Brooke Army Medical Center helped shape her approach to leadership, teamwork, and patient care. She and Joanna discuss the experiences that inspired her work in neuropathology and brain injury research, as well as the opportunities that come with pursuing both a military and medical career.They also explore the importance of understanding what matters most to you, remaining open to unexpected opportunities, and allowing your values to guide your next step.This episode is a look at how service can shape not only the path you take, but also the physician, educator, and leader you become.For Full Shownotes Visit: https://foundation.cap.org/podcast/season-2-episode-7-from-military-service-to-medicine-finding-a-path-in-pathology/Donate to the CAP Foundation: ⁠https://foundation.cap.org/

Why do so many medical students overlook pathology? Nicholas Barron, a fourth-year medical student at Michigan State University and 2025 CAP Foundation Sparking Interest in Pathology Award recipient, believes the answer often comes down to one thing: exposure.Nick shares how he helped revive a pre-clerkship pathology elective and turn a small, hands-on learning experience into an opportunity for students across Michigan State. He and Joanna discuss the power of early mentorship, how one microscope became a gateway to digital pathology, and how just one session helped spark greater interest in the specialty.They also explore what makes pathology feel like solving a puzzle, how AI and molecular tools are shaping the field, and why students shouldn’t wait for the “perfect” opportunity to get involved.This episode is a look at how one student-led idea can create access, confidence, and a sense of belonging, and inspire the next generation of pathologists.For Full Shownotes Visit: https://foundation.cap.org/podcast/season-2-episode-6-from-finding-pathology-to-expanding-its-reach/Donate to the CAP Foundation: https://foundation.cap.org/

In this episode, host Joanna sits down with Dr. Jenna Aungst, a 2025 CAP Foundation Sparking Interest in Pathology Award recipient, to discuss her journey into forensic pathology and her work creating free educational resources for aspiring pathologists.They explore the importance of accessible pathology education, the value of mentorship and early exposure, and how her learning platform is helping students discover the field. Whether you’re curious about forensic pathology or considering a career in the specialty, this episode is a great place to start.For full show notes visit: https://foundation.cap.org/podcast/season-2-episode-5-start-before-youre-ready-sparking-an-interest-in-forensic-pathology/Donate to the CAP Foundation: https://foundation.cap.org/donate/

This first episode in our new quick-hit series features Diana M. Cardona, MD, MBA, FCAP explaining the fundamentals of pathology, its importance in medical diagnosis, and how it impacts patient care. Designed to make complex topics approachable in just a few minutes, this episode is perfect for anyone looking to better understand what pathology is, why it matters, and the critical role pathologists play behind the scenes in healthcare.Full Episode shownotes: https://foundation.cap.org/podcast/season-2-episode-4-pathology-101the-specialty-you-never-knew-you-needed/Donate to the CAP Foundation: ⁠https://foundation.cap.org/donate/online-donation/

The CAP Foundation is proud to share another bonus episode of Mindful Minutes, led by high school volunteer Elsa. In this episode, Elsa explores how service can shape mental health, resilience, and personal identity. She is joined by Magdalena Alioto Grace, a first-year medical student at Loyola Stritch School of Medicine, who shares her journey from sexual assault advocacy to pursuing a career in impact-driven healthcare; and reflects on how serving others has strengthened her empathy, patience, and self-awareness.Full Episode Show Notes: https://foundation.cap.org/podcast/bonus-episode-mindful-minutes-why-helping-others-helps-you/Donate to the CAP Foundation: ⁠https://foundation.cap.org/donate/online-donation/

In this compelling conversation, Dr. Dan Milner explores the global challenges faced by pathologists, including limited resources, workforce shortages, and burnout. They also share promising innovations and strategies that are helping expand access to quality pathology services in low- and middle-income countries.This episode is part of Podcasthon 2026, a worldwide podcast initiative spotlighting nonprofit organizations and the impact they make. Through this episode, we highlight the mission of the CAP Foundation and its commitment to strengthening the global pathology workforce and improving patient care through education, innovation, and collaboration.Full Episode shownotes: https://foundation.cap.org/podcast/season-2-episode-3-running-on-empty-scarcity-shortages-and-the-future-of-care/Donate to the CAP Foundation: https://foundation.cap.org/donate/online-donation/

The CAP Foundation is proud to highlight Mindful Minutes, a special episode of Beyond the Test: Connecting Communities through Pathology, led by high school volunteer Elsa. This conversation explores the experiences of two individuals, Bella and Gabi, who participated in missions trips to North Chicago and the Dominican Republic. They share insights on how their interactions with children through play and community service contributed to mental health awareness and personal growth. The discussion highlights the importance of supportive relationships, the impact of environment on mental well-being, and encourages community involvement.For show notes and links visit: https://foundation.cap.org/podcast/bonus-episode-mindful-minutes/Learn more about the CAP Foundation: ⁠⁠https://foundation.cap.org/⁠

This episode explores the critical issue of pathologist burnout, highlighting its prevalence, causes, and impacts on both physicians and patient care. Dr. Julia Keith discusses her comprehensive study on burnout in Canadian pathologists, revealing alarming rates of burnout and chronic pain. The conversation emphasizes the importance of community, structural support, and wellness strategies to mitigate burnout and improve the quality of care.For show notes and links visit: https://foundation.cap.org/podcast/season-2-episode-2-the-breaking-point-pain-and-burnout-in-pathology/Learn more about the CAP Foundation: ⁠https://foundation.cap.org/⁠

Connection is at the heart of the CAP Foundation’s work—and it’s powerfully reflected in the story of Sandra Haddad, MD. Shared in partnership with Ace My Path, Dr. Haddad’s journey is a deeply human account of resilience shaped by war, illness, mentorship, and the courage to begin again. More than a story about training and certification, her experience shows how progress in pathology is built through connection—between people, across borders, and in the moments when support matters most. As you listen, we invite you to reflect on the connections that have shaped your own path—and the ones you’re helping create for others.For show notes and links visit: https://foundation.cap.org/podcast/season-2-episode-1-through-war-cancer-and-boards-a-pathologists-unbreakable-journey/Learn more about the CAP Foundation: https://foundation.cap.org/

In our final episode of 2025, we reflect on this year’s theme of empowerment through the lived experience of an international medical school graduate. We’re joined by Ranya Gabb, Manager of Operations at the CAP Foundation, who reads a powerful story submitted through our partnership with Ace My Path. Their collaboration helps amplify the voices of IMGs navigating the path toward practicing medicine in the U.S. To wrap up the season, Executive Director Maya Ogden, closes the episode with a warm year-end message as we look ahead to 2026.Learn More: https://foundation.cap.org/For Transcript and Show Notes: https://foundation.cap.org/podcast/episode-4-breaking-barriers-one-physicians-story/