Talent Drive: Part 1

Akanksha Gupta: We should partner with universities and colleges to expose students to pathology careers through different initiatives, such as:

• Collaborating with life science departments to create elective courses in pathology. These opportunities can introduce students to the fundamentals of the field, including diagnostic techniques and disease processes.
• Invite practicing pathologists to give guest lectures in biology, forensic, and medicine classes to share the real life experiences, latest advancements in the field, and the impact of their work.
• Develop summer internship programs to give students hands-on experience in the pathology lab, allowing them to shadow pathologists, observe procedures, and participate in research projects.
• Work closely with career fairs and expos to showcase the field through interactive booths, demonstrations, and Q+A sessions.
• Establish mentoring programs with universities so pathology residents can mentor interested students at undergraduate and graduate level.
• Provide undergraduate research programs and research opportunities in pathology labs.

Akash Pramod Sali: Like myself, many pathologists have mentors and role models that inspired us, but many of these wonderful figures only entered our lives after joining the field. When comparing pathology with other medical school subjects (especially clinical subjects), I feel students tend to choose clinical branches because their heroes and role models (physicians and surgeons) are clearly displayed in front of them, alleviating pain in clinics and saving lives in operation theaters. 

Similarly to the film industry (where directors are crucial to the success of a film and actors tend to take the majority of the limelight), we should be pushing pathology role models out from behind the curtain. I also believe that the pathology we practice is more engaging than what we learn in medical school, which can feel bookish and mundane. We should strive to make it more practical and interesting.

Deeksha Sikri: My journey as an educator and creator of Pathodoodles has allowed me to interact with medical students and residents from across the globe. No matter where I worked, I found that medical students need to see the practice of pathology in patient care in real time, rather than just on slides and case discussions in the classroom. In today’s integrated curriculum, pathology can and should no longer be “out of sight, out of mind.” To attract talented and enthusiastic scientists to the field, we need to open the doors and let students in to show them what different roles they will play as part of this vital discipline – in diagnosis, therapeutics, and prognosis.

Active learning experiences in MS1/MS2 and a throwback to basics for MS3/MS4 can help integrate pathology throughout the curriculum and inspire medical students to view this field as a promising and rewarding career option. Having students shadow residents and faculty can show the practice of pathology in action and help them follow a case from presentation and diagnosis to treatment and follow-up to develop a holistic understanding. Thanks to social media platforms, pathologists are no longer unsung heroes of patient management but are loudly and proudly out there. We need more of that to make this field appealing to those who will be the future of medicine.

Giovanni Baviera: Although pathology has such a broad spectrum of applications, by talking with other students from various countries, it appears that pathology is seen as “just” pathological anatomy. I firmly believe that with enthusiastic professors and professionals who share their passion for their fields, more students and graduates will be drawn to this field and realize the vast opportunities for exploration. One effective approach is inviting speakers who specialize in specific sectors and are excited about presenting their findings to talk to students. I still remember the first pathology-related paper I had ever read, as the speaker was so enthusiastic about his field of research.

Meredith K. Herman: Our greatest force multiplier is making ourselves visible to future generations. In an age where social media, AI, and technologies like ChatGPT are reshaping our world at lightning speed, it is essential to adapt and embrace the digital era. One way I help recruit talented individuals to medicine, specifically pathology, is by being intentional on social media. Simple interactions like responding to messages, liking comments, and sharing content fosters community and builds trust. It has amazed me how simple and impactful social media can be. Social media has not only expanded my reach but has also opened doors to new friendships, sponsorships, collaborations, and opportunities.

You may be the only doctor someone knows. You may be the one to spark their curiosity (albeit through a TikTok video or instagram post) and lead them down a career path they had never imagined. We have an unlimited, untapped resource that holds the possibility to inspire and transform. I urge others to create, share, and connect with the world around them. This is our future – a future where we harness the power of digital platforms to educate, inspire, and build a community that thrives on mutual growth and discovery.

Harry James Gaffney: A multifaceted approach is essential to attracting more talented scientists to pathology. Firstly, it’s crucial that we enhance the visibility of the field by showcasing the pivotal role pathologists play in patient care and medical research. Pathologists are the unsung heroes in healthcare, making critical diagnoses that inform treatment decisions and patient management. By highlighting these contributions through public awareness campaigns, media engagements, and educational outreach, we can inspire a new generation of scientists to pursue careers in pathology.

Integrating cutting-edge technologies into the field is another key strategy. Some specific examples include digital pathology, AI, molecular pathology, 3D printing, telepathology, and cryo-electron microscopy. There are various ways for us to share these exciting areas to attract talent, such as educational initiatives, outreach programs, mentorship and internships, public awareness campaigns, and collaborations and partnerships with healthcare organizations and research institutions. 

By leveraging these strategies and technologies, we can create a compelling narrative about the future of pathology, attracting talented scientists who are eager to be at the forefront of medical innovation.

Brittany Teeter: To attract talented scientists to the field, we need to make lab-related roles more relatable and appealing to the next generation. For example, we show how skills in gaming and coding could translate into success as an LIS (laboratory information system) specialist. By drawing connections between their existing interests and the exciting opportunities in laboratory medicine, we can inspire a new wave of professionals to explore and thrive in this field.