What makes a lasting legacy?
In pathology, legacies are built both in the lab and beyond. Some legacies are scientific: transforming diagnostic practice or pioneering technologies. Others are born of inspiring those who follow us – from mentoring trainees to widening access to education. And there are those who make their mark by looking at the profession as a whole, and advocating for changes and improvements that affect thousands.
The Pathologist’s annual Power List has long celebrated individuals making exceptional contributions to the field. It sets out to recognize influence as a measure not of individual achievements, but of how much an individual’s work continues to benefit others. And after more than 10 years of celebrating these influencers, we noticed that some names keep on making the list, year after year.
In celebration of the enduring influence of this select few, we are pleased to introduce the Hall of Fame – a lasting tribute to the individuals whose impact on the field will last beyond their lifetimes.
The Hall of Fame provides permanent recognition for those honored five or more times on the annual Power List, as well as a place to remember influential colleagues who have passed away. As the Hall of Fame welcomes new inductees each year, new places will open up on the annual Power List to recognize emerging leaders and fresh perspectives. In this way, The Power List remains dynamic, inclusive, and forward-looking, while the Hall of Fame recognizes sustained influence.
The inaugural Hall of Fame honorees represent many paths to lasting influence. Some, like Marilyn Bui, are champions of digital technologies. As a director of the Digital Pathology Association, her vision for integrated precision pathology has been particularly influential. Similarly, Andrew Janowczyk's work on trustworthy clinical AI is helping to break down barriers to the implementation of machine learning in the lab.
Other inductees are opening doors through education and mentorship. Jerad Gardner’s free online pathology education initiatives introduced a fresh approach for the modern learner that has been widely emulated. Valerie Fitzhugh is also recognized for using social media to enhance pathology education for both health professionals and those outside health care. And nine-time Power List honoree Kamran Mirza is repeatedly lauded for his collaborative educational initiatives.
Some members are recognized for championing change and increasing access to healthcare. Tasked with leading the laboratory response to COVID-19 for NHS England, David Wells is described as “an unsung hero of the pandemic.” Ahmed Kalebi, meanwhile, is celebrated for his ambition to advance laboratory technology in resource-constrained settings.
While most inductees are still actively advancing the specialty, the Hall of Fame also serves to preserve the memory and contributions of those whose absence is deeply felt. Few will be unaware of Christopher Fletcher’s contributions to both tumor pathology and diagnostic education before he died, in 2024. As well as editing a leading histopathology textbook and contributing to the advancement of soft tissue pathology, he placed equal value on supporting colleagues and trainees, saying, “In the end, people are important. If you don’t care about people, they will not do well.”
An important legacy of the work of the Hall of Fame members is that of inspiring the next generation of laboratory professionals. Their work continues through the students they mentor, the diagnostic approaches they establish, the technologies they develop, and the professional communities they build. Jerad Gardner echoes the values of this group of people when he describes the legacy he wants to leave at the end of his career simply as, “I left pathology at least a little bit better than I found it.”
The Pathologist now invites you to explore the profiles of its Hall of Fame members. Together, they remind us that pathology's progress is built on the contributions of individuals whose ideas, generosity, leadership, and commitment continue to shape the profession. Maybe they will inspire you to consider what your lasting legacy might be…
Explore the Power List Hall of Fame!
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