Eastern Connecticut Pathology Consultants (ECPC) recently provided an educational presentation to the GI Endoscopy staff at Hartford HealthCare Manchester Campus focused on best practices for endoscopic mucosal resections (EMR) and specimen handling techniques.

The presentation was led by Dr. Cindy Wepy alongside James Boley, MHS, PA (ASCP), and emphasized the importance of collaboration between endoscopy and pathology teams to support accurate diagnosis, workflow efficiency, and high-quality patient care.

The session focused on key considerations involved in the handling and submission of endoscopic mucosal resection specimens, including:

• Proper pinning and suturing techniques
• Optimal tissue submission methods
• Specimen orientation and labeling considerations
• Best practices to support accurate pathological evaluation

The educational discussion highlighted how careful specimen preparation and communication between clinical teams can significantly impact diagnostic quality and consistency.

In addition to reviewing technical best practices, the presentation encouraged continued collaboration between GI endoscopy staff and pathology professionals to help streamline workflows and improve the overall patient care process.

Educational initiatives like these reflect ECPC’s ongoing commitment to supporting healthcare partners through clinical expertise, interdisciplinary communication, and continuous learning opportunities.

ECPC values opportunities to collaborate with clinical partners through education and shared expertise, helping support continued excellence in patient care across the healthcare community.

Eastern Connecticut Pathology Consultants (ECPC) was proud to participate in the 2026 Executive War College Conference on April 29, where Kristen Conley, CIO, and Rebecca DiIorio, Executive Director, were selected by ELLKAY as featured speakers for the conference’s Benefactor Spotlight Session.

The presentation, Driving Digital Pathology Transformation Through Interoperability and Sustainable Integration, highlighted ECPC’s ongoing work advancing interoperability, optimizing laboratory workflows, and supporting long-term digital pathology initiatives across the organization.

Over the past several years, ECPC has focused on building a strong foundation for digital pathology transformation through strategic technology integration and operational alignment. In partnership with ELLKAY, the practice has continued expanding interoperability efforts that help connect systems, improve efficiency, and support scalable growth across the laboratory environment.

During the session, the speakers discussed key strategies behind ECPC’s approach, including:

• Aligning digital pathology initiatives with institutional goals and operational strategies
• Optimizing laboratory workflows while minimizing disruption to existing best practices
• Identifying interoperability requirements between digital pathology systems and laboratory information systems (LIS)
• Supporting organizational change as pathologists transition from traditional microscopy to digital workflows
• Leveraging leadership and internal champions to encourage adoption and long-term success

The session also featured Stacy Thomas, Sr. Director of Client Experience at ELLKAY, and brought together industry leaders focused on the future of diagnostics, laboratory operations, and healthcare technology integration.

ECPC is honored to have shared its experience and collaborative work at one of the industry’s leading conferences dedicated to innovation in pathology and laboratory medicine. As digital pathology continues to evolve, ECPC remains committed to interoperability, innovation, and building sustainable systems that support both providers and patients for the future.

In December 2025, a major water main break in Waterbury, Connecticut left 60% of residents without running water and prompted an emergency response across the city. The outage disrupted service for a significant portion of the community and required extensive repair work as crews worked to restore safe water access.

With many residents suddenly without potable water, local officials established distribution sites where bottled water and essential supplies were made available. One of those locations was Crosby High School, where volunteers worked throughout the day to support families affected by the disruption.

Among those who stepped forward was our very own Elizabeth Rinehart, a local pathologist who volunteered after an email went out requesting assistance. Although she was on vacation at the time, Dr. Rinehart arrived early in the morning to help with water distribution efforts.

“I’m actually on vacation this week, so I said, ‘Hey, I’m not doing anything. It’s better than staying at home and cleaning out my closets,’” Rinehart said. “Being a physician goes far beyond just working with patients in the hospital.”

Dr. Rinehart was on site beginning at 9 a.m., assisting residents as they picked up bottled water. Supplies became limited by late morning, and by early afternoon the distribution site had to temporarily close while waiting for additional water to arrive.

Despite the restriction of one pack of water per household, Rinehart noted that residents remained patient and appreciative throughout the day.

“Everybody’s been very generous and thankful for what we’ve been able to provide,” she said. “So just the overall generosity, especially during the holiday season.”

Her experience reflects the strong sense of community that emerged during the outage. Even in challenging circumstances, Waterbury residents showed understanding and gratitude toward volunteers and emergency personnel working to support them.

Dr. Rinehart’s involvement is a reminder that healthcare professionals often serve their communities in many ways beyond their clinical roles. Whether through medical expertise or hands-on volunteer efforts, her commitment exemplifies compassion, service, and community leadership when it is needed most.

MANCHESTER — Eastern Connecticut Pathology Consultants (ECPC) is proud to continue its support of the Manchester Road Race, returning this year as a Sustaining Sponsor.

The 89th running of the 4.737-mile race will take place Thanksgiving morning, Thursday, November 27, at 10 a.m. in downtown Manchester. The event will once again draw thousands of runners and spectators and will be broadcast live on FOX61, FOX61.com, and FOX61+.

For 2025, the Road Race Committee has designated food insecurity as its primary charitable focus. All net proceeds will benefit Connecticut Foodshare, which distributes food through more than 650 pantries, kitchens, and programs, and Manchester Area Conference of Churches (MACC) Charities, which operates a community kitchen and emergency food pantry.

“There is a pressing need at Connecticut’s food banks right now, and we’re hoping that our road race can make a substantial contribution to address it,” said Dr. Tris Carta, President of the Manchester Road Race Committee.

The race’s annual Honors Club Program will also support MACC Charities. Up to 120 runners can secure special bibs by donating $100, with all proceeds directed to the organization.

Learn more about the Manchester Road Race

Ray Crothers Blood Drive

In addition to race-day sponsorship, ECPC continues to proudly support the Road Race Committee’s annual blood drive, which achieved record results last year. For 2025, the Red Cross has pledged additional staffing and triple the use of Power Red equipment to help surpass those totals.

The annual “Ray Crothers Blood Drive” will be held on Friday, November 28, 2025, from 8:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. in the gymnasium at Manchester High School, 134 East Middle Turnpike in Manchester. Everyone who donates a pint of blood will receive a Manchester Road Race tee shirt.

Remember, the frequency for whole blood donations is every 56 days. To be eligible for the Ray Crothers Blood Drive, donors should not give blood after October 2, 2025.

Walk-in donors are welcome. Appointments, which are encouraged, can be made by calling 1-800-733-2767, or online at the Red Cross website.

Last year, the blood drive collected 376 pints of blood, benefiting 1,128 patients in need of blood, plasma, and platelets. Since its inception, the event has become one of the largest single-day blood collection efforts in Connecticut, with 8,634 pints of blood donated to date.

Learn more about the Ray Crothers Blood Drive