AMP represents professionals who develop and perform molecular testing used to guide diagnosis, treatment, and disease monitoring. In a field where laboratory decisions can directly affect clinical outcomes, leadership is closely tied to scientific rigor, education, and community-wide standards for quality.

Tafe is known for expertise spanning thoracic and gynecologic cancers and for applying molecular diagnostics to improve patient stratification. She leads the Laboratory for Clinical Genomics and Advanced Technologies (CGAT) at Dartmouth Hitchcock and directs the molecular tumor board at the Dartmouth Cancer Center, where genomic findings are translated into actionable clinical insights.

Her work reflects a broader shift in oncology: moving from single-gene assumptions toward multigene, high-dimensional profiles that capture tumor heterogeneity. In practice, this requires careful interpretation frameworks, laboratory validation strategies, and continuous coordination between clinicians and molecular testing experts.

“I attended my first AMP meeting as a resident and was immediately smitten with the organization and the field of molecular diagnostics,” Tafe said, describing how the community shaped her professional path. She joined AMP in 2007 and later contributed nearly continuously through committees and elected roles, culminating in serving as AMP president in 2023.

Beyond organizational service, Tafe has contributed to AMP’s scientific output by reviewing papers for The Journal of Molecular Diagnostics since 2010. AMP leadership emphasizes not only governance, but also technical stewardship—helping ensure that education and standards evolve alongside emerging assays and analytical methods.

AMP Chief Executive Officer Laurie Menser, CAE, said Tafe’s leadership has strengthened educational programming, strategic initiatives, and the organization’s culture. Menser highlighted her commitment to mentoring future leaders as the field rapidly advances.

The Jeffrey A. Kant Leadership Award is named for the late Jeffrey A. Kant, M.D., Ph.D., one of AMP’s founding members, its first president, and the first recipient of the AMP Leadership Award. Tafe will receive the award and a medallion at the AMP 2026 Annual Meeting & Expo in November in Seattle.

Subject of Research: Molecular diagnostics leadership in oncology
Article Title: Laura J. Tafe Receives AMP 2026 Jeffrey A. Kant Leadership Award
Web References: https://www.amp.org
Image Credits: Courtesy of Laura J. Tafe, M.D
Keywords: molecular diagnostics, oncology, leadership award, tumor board, clinical genomics

Occupying the President-Elect position is Dr. Eric Q. Konnick of the University of Washington and Fred Hutch Cancer Center, underscoring AMP’s dedication to bridging academic research and clinical application. The Program Committee Chair-Elect, Dr. Matthew Lebo, hailing from Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, will steer AMP’s educational and scientific programming to new heights.

Each specialized subdivision within AMP now boasts renewed leadership to enhance progress in molecular diagnostics, addressing critical areas such as genetics, hematopathology, infectious diseases, informatics, and solid tumors. For example, in the Genetics Subdivision, Dr. Honey V. Reddi of Belay Diagnostics assumes the Chair role, leading efforts in hereditary condition diagnostics and translational research.

The Hematopathology Subdivision, focusing on malignancies and hematologic disorders, is represented by Dr. Wei Xie of Oregon Health and Science University, who will contribute to clinical practice advancements. Infectious Diseases Subdivision leadership under Dr. Esther Babady from bioMérieux highlights the ongoing importance of molecular diagnostics in detecting and managing infectious pathogens, a field revolutionized by rapid genomic technologies.

Informatics, an increasingly pivotal subset integrating data science with pathology, is chaired by Dr. Ryan Schmidt of Children’s Hospital Los Angeles and the University of Southern California. He will guide initiatives at the intersection of bioinformatics and clinical diagnostics, crucial for interpreting complex molecular datasets.

The Solid Tumors Subdivision, critical for oncology diagnostics, features Dr. Sinchita Roy–Chowdhuri of MD Anderson Cancer Center as Clinical Practice Committee Representative, emphasizing precision medicine approaches in cancer detection and treatment planning.

AMP’s leadership reflects a multi-disciplinary approach including pathologists, bioinformaticians, and translational scientists. Their collective expertise drives innovation in molecular diagnostics, ensuring the development and implementation of high-quality, clinically relevant testing. This leadership will play an instrumental role in shaping policies, education, and collaborative efforts globally.

Founded in 1995, AMP supports over 3,100 professionals dedicated to molecular diagnostics spanning bioinformatics, oncology, infectious diseases, and genetic disorders. The society remains at the forefront of evolving diagnostic methodologies, advocating for policies that promote patient access to state-of-the-art molecular testing technologies.

As molecular diagnostics burgeons in healthcare, the new AMP leaders’ vision will be pivotal in advancing research, refining clinical practices, and integrating cutting-edge computational tools. Their stewardship is expected to catalyze significant progress in personalized medicine and diagnostic precision.

Subject of Research: Molecular Diagnostics and Molecular Pathology Leadership
Article Title: AMP Announces 2027–2028 Leadership to Drive Molecular Diagnostics Innovation
News Publication Date: Not specified
Web References: www.amp.org
Keywords: Molecular Diagnostics, Molecular Pathology, Genetics, Hematopathology, Infectious Diseases, Bioinformatics, Solid Tumors, Personalized Medicine, Clinical Practice