Beyond the Scope

Anil Parwani is a past DPA President and trailblazer for digital pathology. He currently serves as Chair of the Department of Pathology and the Chief of Pathology Services for The Ohio State University Medical Center. Alae Kawam interviews Dr. Parwani at PV24, live from Orlando, FL, covering recruitment for the future of pathology, advice on handling burnout, and advice for new digital pathology adopters.A forum to engage with the hosts and other listeners has been launched on the DPA website www.digitalpathologyassociation.org. DPA members may login to the DPA Collaborate hub (under the Resources tab) and join the Beyond The Scope community. All listeners are encouraged to use this forum to suggest future topics and guests, submit questions and corrections, and provide general feedback.

Live from Pathology Visions 2024, past DPA presidents discuss the future of Digital Pathology and its impact on healthcare. They highlight the role of AI in improving workflows and patient care and the need for community practices to adopt these technologies. The conversation also touches on overcoming challenges, such as training and collaboration between small and large organizations. To lighten the mood, they share their favorite ice cream flavors and reveal surprising pet preferences, offering a fun glimpse into their personalities.

In this lively discussion, Dr. Aleks Zuraw, a veterinary pathologist and founder of Digital Pathology Place, explores cutting-edge advancements in digital pathology. He highlights the transformative role of AI in improving diagnostic accuracy and efficiency, particularly in prostate cancer cases. The dialogue also delves into the benefits and challenges of transitioning to digital tools in medical settings. Additionally, Zuraw emphasizes the importance of networking within the pathology community and the potential for collaborative growth through online platforms.

Bilal Ahmad, a Pathologist at Spectrum Healthcare Partners in Maine, shares insights from his experience at Pathology Visions 2024. He discusses the unique hurdles of running a physician-owned practice and how digital pathology addresses staffing challenges, alleviating clinician burnout. The conversation highlights advancements that enhance patient care and operational efficiency. Ahmad emphasizes the vital role of retaining experienced staff while integrating technology, showcasing the evolving landscape of pathology in the modern healthcare environment.

Don Karcher, a hematologist at George Washington University and the president of the College of American Pathologists, shares his insights on the exciting intersection of digital pathology and AI. He discusses the transformative impact of genomic medicine and technology on patient management. Karcher also delves into the evolution of pathology practices amidst healthcare consolidation, the importance of ethical AI standards, and the necessity for collaboration to address concerns about job displacement in the field.

Michael Quick, a cytologist and VP of R&D and Innovation at Hologic, discusses his journey in digital pathology and the innovative strides his company is making in this field. He highlights the integration of AI in cancer diagnostics and the pivotal role of diversity in driving innovation. Quick also reflects on the evolution of digital technologies and Hologic's significant focus on advancing women's health. In an exciting peek from Pathology Visions 2024, he shares his achievements as DPA President and the future potential of digital diagnostics.

Andy Beck, CEO of PathAI, is a pathologist and biomedical informaticist dedicated to advancing digital pathology. He shares his journey in the evolving landscape of AI in diagnostics. Explore how real-world feedback shapes technology and the challenges of integrating AI into clinical workflows. Discover the transformative potential of technology in drug development, along with the significance of partnerships with Quest and Roche. Beck emphasizes the importance of a unified platform for AI in laboratories to enhance efficiency and patient outcomes.

Dr. Chris Garcia, a pathologist and medical director at the Mayo Clinic, discusses the exciting advancements in digital pathology and AI. He shares his journey from academia to focusing on pathology informatics. The conversation highlights the challenges of recruiting diverse talent, the integration of AI in diagnostics, and the quest for quality in digital pathology. Garcia also explores innovative projects using large language models and the importance of effective communication between patients and pathologists in today’s evolving healthcare landscape.

Catarina Eloy MD, PhD is a pathologist and Director of The Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto (IPATIMUP). She joins BTS to discuss the transformation of IPATIMUP to a fully integrated digital pathology laboratory and how new technology is improving diagnostic efficiency and patient treatment outcomes in Portugal. Additional topics include AI initiatives for pathology and advice on how to get started going digital.A forum to engage with the hosts and other listeners has been launched on the DPA website www.digitalpathologyassociation.org. DPA members may login to the DPA Collaborate hub (under the Resources tab) and join the Beyond The Scope community. All listeners are encouraged to use this forum to suggest future topics and guests, submit questions and corrections, and provide general feedback.

Staci Kearney, PhD, is the founder and CEO of Elevation Strategic Consulting, specializing in regulatory guidance for digital pathology. In this conversation, she unveils the FDA's new rules for Laboratory Developed Tests (LDTs) as they shift to medical device oversight. Staci addresses compliance challenges that labs face, emphasizing the importance of clear labeling and record-keeping. She elaborates on critical deadlines approaching in May 2026 and the need for strategic planning amid a rapidly evolving regulatory framework.