2024 ASCP 40 Under Forty Honoree

Stephanie Skala, MD, FASCP

Stephanie (Steph) Skala, MD, FASCP, is an associate professor of Pathology (effective September 2024) at the University of Michigan (UM), where she serves as director of Surgical Pathology. After receiving her MD from Washington University in St. Louis, MO, she completed anatomic and clinical pathology residency and gynecologic pathology fellowship at UM. Dr. Skala is an active member of national and international organizations, including ASCP, the International Society for the Study of Vulvovaginal Disease (ISSVD), International Society of Gynecological Pathologists, and USCAP. She is an emerging expert in vulvar pathology. Her research on measurement of depth of invasion and clinical outcomes of stage 1 vulvar cancers has impacted pathology reporting and patient management, as evidenced by citation in the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics staging protocol. She aims to enhance pathologists’ understanding of HPV-independent vulvar neoplasia through journal articles, book chapters, and invited talks on regional, national, and international platforms. Dr. Skala is a member of the ISSVD Difficult Pathologic Diagnoses Committee. Dr. Skala is also an active mentor and educator at UM. She has developed multiple innovative curricula and educational activities related to gross and microscopic pathology that enhance the learning environment for UM trainees and instill a passion for lifelong learning. Her educational efforts were recognized by her reception of the Residents Teaching Award in 2020. Outside of work, Dr. Skala loves playing board games, rock climbing, and spending time with friends, family, and her dogs.