In June 1935, the American Medical Association (AMA) Section on Pathology and Physiology and the American Society of Clinical Pathologists (ASCP) appointed committees that together considered the feasibility and desirability of establishing a national certifying board. The joint committee agreed unanimously that such a board should be established and proceeded to draw up bylaws. In May 1936, the A
SCP and the AMA Section on Pathology and Physiology accepted the proposed bylaws, authorized the nomination of four members each to the ABP, and incorporated in Michigan. Approval of the ABP was granted by the Advisory Board for Medical Specialties and the AMA Council on Medical Education and Hospitals. On July 19, 1936, the ABP met for the first time in Chicago. The original trustees were F. Hartman, E. Krumbhaar, H. Karsner, and J. Moore from the AMA Section on Pathology and Physiology, and A. Sanford, F. Lamb, A. G. Foord, and R. R. Kracke from the ASCP. Officers elected were: A. Sanford, President; F. Lamb, vice President; F. Hartman, secretary-treasurer.