Swikrity U. Baskota
Assistant Professor of cytopathology, breast and lung pathology, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California Davis Health System, USA
Biggest challenge in pathology? The biggest challenge facing the pathology field right now is the workforce shortage. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, many have considered early retirement from practice – leading to a vacuum that we are constantly struggling to fill. We must focus on creating more awareness about our field of practice, develop training programs, introduce high-school seniors to our specialty, and build resources like www.MatchToPath.com, which can come handy while learning to get into pathology training programs.
Exciting developments and trends? Digital pathology is the most exciting development in pathology today. With the FDA approval of whole slide imaging for primary diagnosis, intraoperative consultations, archives, research and many more, there are many avenues of pathology now available. Additionally, AI and machine learning are enabled by digital pathology and continue to fuel trends and research across the field.
Missing from the diagnostic toolbox? Interactions with patients remains a key element of the field but seems lost from the diagnostic toolbox. Diagnosis rendered by pathology teams guide management of patients, however, as pathologists we seldom get to interact with patients themselves to discuss diagnosis, potential implications, and provide in-person support.
