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Smiling woman with gray curly hair wearing a maroon suit.
PATHOLOGIST • LEADER • ADVOCATE

C. Leilani Valdes, MD, MBA, FCAP

Bringing the perspective of a practicing community pathologist, the experience of a CAP leader, and the business discipline of an MBA to help build a strong future for pathology.

Explore My Vision

WHY I'M RUNNING | A Clear Vision for a Strong Future

The College of American Pathologists has been an important part of my professional life since residency. Through nearly two decades of service, I have seen firsthand the value of organized medicine—and the impact we can make when pathologists work together to advance our specialty.


I am running for CAP Secretary-Treasurer to bring my experience as a practicing community pathologist, former CAP Governor, business owner, advocate, and MBA to the work ahead. I believe responsible financial stewardship, transparent governance, and strategic investment are essential to ensuring that the CAP remains strong, responsive to its members, and positioned to shape the future of medicine.

WHY SECRETARY-TREASURER →

LEADERSHIP PILLARS

01 // Responsible Stewardship

01 // Responsible Stewardship

01 // Responsible Stewardship

Aligning resources with priorities, balancing today's member needs with long-term financial strength, and investing thoughtfully in programs that advance the CAP's mission.

02 // Strategic Vision

01 // Responsible Stewardship

01 // Responsible Stewardship

Looking beyond today's challenges to anticipate the changes in technology, reimbursement, regulation, and health care delivery that will shape pathology tomorrow.

03 // Transparent Governance

01 // Responsible Stewardship

03 // Transparent Governance

Supporting clear communication, accountability, and collaboration so that decisions translate into meaningful value for CAP members and the patients we serve.

READ MY VISION →

MEET LEILANI

Pathology • Leadership • Advocacy

C. Leilani Valdes, MD, MBA, FCAP, is a board-certified pathologist and dermatopathologist with decades of experience in community practice and organized medicine. As founder of Well Path Pathology Services, she provides laboratory medical direction and pathology consultation to critical access hospitals throughout South Texas.


Her nearly two decades of CAP service include the Board of Governors, councils and committees, advocacy, education, and mentorship. Combined with an Executive MBA from UT Austin's McCombs School of Business, Leilani's experience gives her a unique perspective at the intersection of medicine, leadership, and strategy.

MORE ABOUT LEILANI →

20+ YEARS

20+ YEARS

20+ YEARS

CAP Involvement

2021–2024

20+ YEARS

20+ YEARS

CAP Board of Governors

MD + MBA

20+ YEARS

MD + MBA

Medicine Meets Business

2025

SOUTH TEXAS

MD + MBA

CAP Resident Advocate Award

SOUTH TEXAS

SOUTH TEXAS

SOUTH TEXAS

Community Pathologist

2019

SOUTH TEXAS

SOUTH TEXAS

CAP Outstanding Communicator Award

LOOKING AHEAD

Preparing the CAP for What's Next

The challenges facing pathology are interconnected. Meeting them requires a coordinated strategy that strengthens our practices, supports our members, advances innovation, and protects the quality of patient care.

// Sustainable Payment + Access

// Workforce + Physician Leadership

// Workforce + Physician Leadership

Supporting practice viability and patients' access to high-quality diagnostic services.

// Workforce + Physician Leadership

// Workforce + Physician Leadership

// Workforce + Physician Leadership

Strengthening recruitment, mentorship, professional development, and the pathologist's role in medical leadership.

// AI + Emerging Technologies

// Workforce + Physician Leadership

// Laboratory Oversight + Resilience

Helping pathologists lead the responsible adoption of AI, digital pathology, and precision diagnostics.

// Laboratory Oversight + Resilience

// Laboratory Oversight + Resilience

// Laboratory Oversight + Resilience

Advancing practical approaches to quality, innovation, cybersecurity, and evolving laboratory regulation.

// The Value of the Pathologist

// Laboratory Oversight + Resilience

// The Value of the Pathologist

Demonstrating how pathologists improve diagnosis, treatment, patient safety, and health care delivery.

// CAP Financial Strength

// Laboratory Oversight + Resilience

// The Value of the Pathologist

Aligning resources and investments with member needs, strategic priorities, and long-term sustainability.

EXPLORE MY PRIORITIES →

Leadership Built Through Service

CAP Leadership

Board of Governors, councils, committees, advocacy, education, accreditation, and member engagement.

Pathology + Medicine

Board-certified in Anatomic and Clinical Pathology and Dermatopathology, with extensive experience in laboratory medical direction and community practice.

Business + Strategy

MBA training, practice ownership, strategic planning, consulting, communications, and organizational leadership.

Professional + Community Leadership

Leadership across state medical organizations and longstanding involvement in community health, education, and the arts.

VIEW EXPERIENCE →

A Voice for Pathology

IN THE CONVERSATION

Through national media, professional education, podcasts, and public outreach, Leilani works to make pathology and laboratory medicine understandable, relevant, and accessible.

Texas Tribune

SiriusXM Doctor Radio

SiriusXM Doctor Radio

Whooping Cough in Texas
November 2025

VIEW →

SiriusXM Doctor Radio

SiriusXM Doctor Radio

SiriusXM Doctor Radio

Breast Pathology
+ AI

VIEW →

Patient Power

SiriusXM Doctor Radio

Patient Power

How to Read Your Cancer Pathology Report

VIEW →
VIEW MEDIA + INSIGHTS →

Leading with Vision. Serving with Purpose.

    Contact Me

    Contact Me

    leilani@valdes.net 310-962-4637

    310.962.4637

    Send a message

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    Copyright © 2026 C. Leilani Valdes, MD, MBA, FCAP | CAP Secretary-Treasurer - All Rights Reserved.