Volume 40 Number 5 | October 2026
Summary
ASCLS honored Michael L. Bishop with the 2026 Pinnacle Award for nearly five decades of leadership, innovation, education, and service to the clinical laboratory profession. A dedicated ASCLS leader, educator, inventor, and mentor, Michael’s contributions to laboratory science, workforce development, and patient care have left a lasting global impact.
ASCLS honored Michael L. Bishop with the 2026 Pinnacle Award, which represents the highest point achieved through a lifetime of dedication, accomplishment, and meaningful impact. The ASCLS Pinnacle Award recognizes individuals whose extraordinary contributions have helped shape the clinical laboratory profession and whose influence will continue to inspire future generations long after their active service has concluded.
For nearly five decades, Michael L. Bishop has been a distinguished leader, educator, innovator, and advocate for the profession of clinical laboratory science. His remarkable career has left a lasting impact on education, professional leadership, technological advancement, workforce development, and patient care.
His commitment to ASCLS spans generations. Throughout his career, he has served as president of the Florida Society for Clinical Laboratory Science, represented multiple constituent societies in the ASCLS House of Delegates, and remained actively engaged in national meetings, educational conferences, and professional initiatives. His dedication to advancing the profession has been unwavering.
Perhaps his most enduring legacy can be found in classrooms across the globe. As the founding editor and longtime editor-in-chief of Clinical Chemistry: Principles, Procedures, Correlations, he helped develop one of the most influential educational resources in clinical laboratory science. Through 10 editions, translations into multiple languages, and the collaboration of hundreds of contributors, this landmark text has educated and inspired thousands of laboratory professionals worldwide.
His commitment to innovation extends far beyond education. Michael’s laboratory patents contributed to advances in specimen collection technology, improving both patient safety and laboratory efficiency. He also demonstrated exceptional vision through his leadership in implementing one of the earliest large-scale laboratory information systems, helping to pave the way for the integration of technology into modern laboratory practice.
Above all, Mr. Bishop’s career has been defined by mentorship and service. He has built academic programs, developed faculty leaders, supported accreditation efforts, strengthened workforce development initiatives, and mentored countless students and colleagues. His influence can be seen in laboratories, classrooms, and professional organizations around the world.
Because of his dedication and leadership, the profession is stronger, educational foundations are more robust, and future generations of laboratory professionals are better prepared to lead and serve. His legacy will continue to shape the future of laboratory medicine for years to come.
The following excerpt is from Mike’s nomination letter:
Michael Bishop never hesitates to embrace opportunities to serve others. Over several decades, he has contributed to numerous committees and advisory groups, advancing into leadership roles at the local, regional, and national levels. He has represented the laboratory profession on working groups and task forces dedicated to promoting excellence in education and workforce development.
Mike exemplifies servant leadership. He uses his influence to inspire others to pursue careers in laboratory science while championing the development of innovative, state-of-the-art educational programs. He is a model of professionalism, collegiality, inclusivity, and engagement within ASCLS and the profession at large.
Throughout his career, Mike has devoted himself to improving the quality of laboratory diagnostic testing and strengthening the future of laboratory medicine. His contributions have had a profound and lasting impact on both the profession and the patients it serves.
Congratulations to Michael L. Bishop, recipient of the ASCLS Pinnacle Award. His lifetime of service, leadership, and innovation exemplifies the very highest ideals of our profession.
Michael Bishop accepts the ASCLS Pinnacle Award at the 2026 ASCLS Awards Ceremony in St. Louis.
2025-26 ASCLS President Kyle Riding with Michael Bishop at the 2026 ASCLS Awards Ceremony on June 30.