Amber Donnelly, PhD, Associate Dean for Student Affairs at the College of Allied Health Professions (CAHP), has successfully passed the prestigious International Academy of Cytology (IAC) examination, which includes written questions, visual images, and virtual/digital slides. Passing this comprehensive exam is a crucial step for professionals wishing to become members of the IAC, the world’s largest global organization for cytopathologists, cytotechnologists, and scientists in allied fields. The IAC, founded in 1957 in Brussels, Belgium, is a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing research and practice in clinical cytology, with 81 countries represented worldwide.
In addition to this impressive achievement, Dr. Donnelly has been personally invited by the President of the IAC to serve on the Foundation Committee, recognizing her expertise and contributions to the field. Her involvement with the IAC underscores her continued dedication to excellence in both education and clinical practice.
Kyle Meyer, PhD, dean of the CAHP offered his congratulations to Dr. Donnelly. “This is wonderful news and a significant career accomplishment,” he said. “The recognition enhances UNMC’s reputation in allied health.”
The IAC is a highly respected global organization, and passing its rigorous examination demonstrates Dr. Donnelly’s proficiency in a specialized and complex field.
As a leading institution in healthcare education, UNMC benefits from Dr. Donnelly’s expertise being acknowledged by the IAC. It reinforces UNMC’s role as a center for excellence in allied health fields, not just regionally but globally, by showing its faculty are engaged in cutting-edge research and practice in cytology.
Dr. Donnelly’s involvement in a key leadership position—serving on the IAC Foundation Committee—further strengthens UNMC’s commitment to developing leaders within academic and professional communities. Her appointment reflects positively on the caliber of faculty at UNMC, showcasing how faculty members are leaders in their respective fields and contribute to shaping future standards in healthcare education.
Being a part of the IAC Foundation Committee allows Dr. Donnelly to connect with other leading professionals and organizations within the cytology and healthcare space. This strengthens UNMC’s ties with global networks, which can create valuable opportunities for research collaborations, student placements, and partnerships that further elevate the institution’s standing.