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Professor of Biostatistics and Digital Pathology, Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA

Exciting developments and trends? One of the most exciting developments in pathology today is precision pathology, which integrates digital pathology, single-cell analysis, and spatial biology. Digital pathology digitizes tissue samples, allowing AI to enhance diagnostic accuracy. Single-cell analysis provides insights into individual cell gene expression, revealing tumor heterogeneity and rare cell populations. Spatial biology maps biomolecules within tissues at single-cell resolution, offering a comprehensive view of cellular interactions and the tumor microenvironment. Integrating these technologies involves using digital pathology to identify regions of interest, single-cell analysis to characterize cell populations, and spatial biology to map their interactions. This holistic approach enables detailed understanding of disease mechanisms, leading to accurate diagnoses and personalized treatments. Precision pathology transforms the field into a more precise and predictive discipline, ultimately improving patient care.

Qualities of innovative thinkers? The single most important quality in a truly innovative thinker is the ability to think outside the box and combine knowledge from different disciplines. Working at the intersection of computational pathology and genomics, for example, allows for the integration of diverse perspectives and insights, fostering creativity and novel solutions. This interdisciplinary approach is essential in developing groundbreaking innovations, as it enables tackling complex problems in unique and effective ways, driving progress and advancing the field of pathology.

Deciding which problems to tackle? When deciding which problems to tackle, I consider several key factors. First, I assess the clinical significance of the issue to ensure that it addresses a critical need in patient care. Next, I evaluate whether I can effectively utilize my expertise in computational pathology, genomics, and AI to develop innovative solutions. By focusing on problems where I can leverage my skills and knowledge, I aim to create impactful advancements that directly improve patient outcomes. Ultimately, my goal is to work on projects that bridge the gap between cutting-edge research and practical clinical applications, ensuring that my work has a tangible and positive impact on healthcare.