People of Pathology Podcast

Pathologists' Assistant Marissa Spencer returns to the podcast and we take a deep dive into the concept of teaching "why" vs teaching "how." Understanding the Why: Marissa emphasized the significance of not just memorizing steps but truly understanding the rationale behind each action in pathology. By grasping the "why" behind the procedures, learners can apply their knowledge effectively to different cases, ensuring thorough and accurate work. Utilizing Specimen Photography: Marissa highlighted the underutilized value of specimen photography in pathology. Photos of normal specimens serve as invaluable reference points for learners, aiding in the recognition of abnormalities and enhancing descriptive skills. By capturing images of both normal and abnormal findings, learners can enhance their understanding and communication in the field. Enhancing Gross Description Skills: Marissa shared practical tips for improving gross description skills, such as avoiding generic terms like "unremarkable" and instead focusing on detailed and descriptive language. By describing normal findings accurately, learners can build confidence in articulating abnormalities, ultimately leading to more precise and effective communication in pathology.   Links for this episode: Health Podcast Network  LabVine Learning Dress A Med scrubs Digital Pathology Club  

My guests today are Elizabeth Wingard and Dr Dave Wilbur from Corista. Liz and Dr. Wilbur discussed the evolution of digital pathology and the need for open systems in the field. This goal was realized with Corista's Digital Pathology Processing Platform (DP3). They shared insights into their backgrounds and how they got involved in healthcare technology and pathology. The conversation touched on the importance of collaboration between radiology and pathology, leading to the partnership between Corista and AGFA Healthcare. We discussed some of the features of DP3, such as the Digital Slide Tray, and Digital Microscope Stage.   Then Dr Wilbur and Liz gave us a glimpse of what Corista has in store for the future.     Links for this episode: Health Podcast Network  LabVine Learning Dress A Med scrubs Digital Pathology Club   Corista Corista Announces Partnership with AGFA HealthCare to Enhance Digital Pathology Integration in Healthcare Corista’s DP3 Image Management System for Digital Pathology Earns CE Mark Under IVDR for Routine Pathology Diagnosis   People of Pathology Podcast: Twitter Instagram

Mateo Lopez is Director of Customer Success at Vistapath. In this episode we discuss the future of AI in pathology grossing.  Mateo shares his journey from PA to industry, the founding story of Vistapath, and the innovative Sentinel grossing station. We talk about how the Sentinel uses AI to streamline grossing, improve accuracy, and enhance the pathology workflow.  Finally, we discuss how PAs and others can best prepare for using AI tools to augment their skills.     Links for this episode: Health Podcast Network  LabVine Learning Dress A Med scrubs Digital Pathology 101 Book   Vistapath    People of Pathology Podcast: Twitter Instagram

In this episode, David West discusses Proscia's recent 510K clearance for Concentric AP-DX software. The conversation delves into the significance of 510 k clearance, explaining its role in regulatory approval for medical devices. David highlights the company's global success and previous clearances in Europe, offering insights into the journey of bringing innovative software to laboratories worldwide. We discuss not only the importance of this clearance to Proscia, but also to digital pathology as a whole.     Links for this episode: Proscia Proscia Receives FDA 510(k) Clearance For Concentriq AP-Dx Welcome To Concentriq AP-DX Webinar   Health Podcast Network  LabVine Learning Dress A Med scrubs Digital Pathology Club     People of Pathology Podcast: Twitter Instagram

Dr. Aleksandra Zuraw returns to the podcast to discuss her new book, Digital Pathology 101: All You Need to Know to Start and Continue Your Digital Pathology Journey. The book is not only meant as an introduction to digital pathology, but also as a valuable resource for those who already have some knowledge of the field. It covers a wide range of topics, from digital pathology milestones and the basics of digital pathology, to advanced computer vision principles and image analysis techniques. By balancing the needs of both beginners and intermediate learners, Dr. Zuraw has created a valuable resource that can benefit a wide range of readers. We discuss the concept of the "learning mentality," and why it is important in digital pathology.  We also talk about the role of toxicologic pathology in drug development.   Links for this episode: Health Podcast Network  LabVine Learning The ConfLab from LabVine Dress A Med scrubs   Digital Pathology 101 - E book Digital Pathology Club Digital Pathology Place Digital Pathology Podcast Digital Pathology Association Webinars   People of Pathology Podcast: Twitter Instagram

On this episode Dr Rodney Rohde discusses his involvement with the ASCP's Blueprint for Action to address workforce shortages in the laboratory. He highlights the efforts of various organizations to create solutions and improve the situation, emphasizing that the workforce challenges existed prior to COVID-19 but were exacerbated by the pandemic.  Dr. Rohde explains the importance of aligning titles and credentials across different organizations and programs to create a unified identity for medical laboratory scientists. Transitioning from various titles like CLS (Clinical Laboratory Scientist) to MLS (Medical Laboratory Scientist) can establish a clear and recognizable identity that reflects the rigorous education and critical role these professionals play in healthcare. The process of standardizing titles and credentials involves collaboration with professional organizations, regulatory bodies, and educational institutions. Dr. Rohde shares his journey of leading the effort to change the program name at Texas State University from CLS to MLS. This two-year process involved collecting data, engaging with faculty, alumni, and students, navigating institutional procedures, and obtaining approvals at various levels within the university. Links for this episode: Pathology 101 for Tissue Image Analysis  Health Podcast Network  LabVine Learning The ConfLab from LabVine Dress A Med scrubs   Workforce in the Shadow of Healthcare –An Update on the Survival Status of Laboratory Medicine and Public Health Facing Massive Labor Shortage, ASCP Committed to Expanding Medical Laboratory Workforce The Clinical Laboratory Workforce: Understanding the Challenges to Meeting Current and Future Needs Aligning Educational Program Titles to the Medical Laboratory Science Career   People of Pathology Podcast: Twitter Instagram

Jeff Rhude is the VP of Technical Operations at Proscia.  Today we discuss the use of cloud-based technologies in digital pathology. Cloud-based storage offers significant advantages over traditional on-premises solutions in the field of digital pathology. The episode highlights several key benefits that make cloud storage a compelling choice for storing sensitive patient data and large image files in pathology. Cloud-based storage offers superior data durability, security, and recovery capabilities.  It also allows for access to the latest AI capabilities.   AI technologies, such as ChatGPT, have already shown significant improvements in various industries, including healthcare. With cloud computing, Pathologists can leverage AI tools to enhance their diagnostic capabilities, streamline workflows, and improve patient outcomes. However, resistance to technology can lead to being left behind in a rapidly advancing field.  So it is important to embrace technology to keep up with the rapidly changing pathology field.    Links for this episode: Pathology 101 for Tissue Image Analysis  Health Podcast Network  LabVine Learning The ConfLab from LabVine Dress A Med scrubs   Proscia Website Cloud technologies in digital pathology: taking pathology to the cloud from Pathology News   People of Pathology Podcast: Twitter Instagram

The MyPathologyReport website was created by Dr. Jason Wasserman, a pathologist, with the goal of providing patients with a better understanding of their pathology reports. Dr. Wasserman recognized the need for patients to have access to clear and concise information about their diagnosis. Initially, the website started with a glossary of common pathology terms, such as atypia, dysplasia, and margins. It then expanded to include diagnostic articles that break down the different elements of a pathology report and provide more information about specific diagnoses. These articles were written with a focus on simplifying complex pathology terminology, making them accessible to patients. The feedback from patients has been overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing gratitude for the website's resources and assistance in understanding their reports. The website has also gained recognition from patient advocacy groups and medical organizations, who appreciate the effort to make pathology more accessible to patients.   Links for this episode: Pathology 101 for Tissue Image Analysis  Health Podcast Network  LabVine Learning The ConfLab from LabVine Dress A Med scrubs   MyPathologyReport For Patients, Demystifying Pathology Reports in CAP Today   People of Pathology Podcast: Twitter Instagram