118: Why are So Few Pathologists Attending Digital Pathology Conferences

Digital Pathology Podcast

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In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Giovanni Lujan, Nick Best, and Dr. Alae Kawam to explore a topic that hits close to home for many of us in digital pathology: why do so few pathologists attend digital pathology conferences? We delve into the barriers, opportunities, and actionable solutions that can help bridge this gap and drive the adoption of digital pathology across the profession.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

• Startling Observations (00:02:00): Only 10% of attendees at some digital pathology conferences are pathologists. Why is this the case, and what does it mean for the future of the field?
• Barriers to Adoption (00:04:00): From time constraints to a lack of institutional support, we unpack the key challenges stopping pathologists from going digital.
• Mentorship and Collaboration (00:09:00): How mentorship programs can connect seasoned professionals with early-career pathologists to share knowledge and drive adoption.
• The Role of the Next Generation (00:15:00): Insights into how young pathologists can lead the way with their enthusiasm and fresh perspectives.
• Engaging the Skeptics (00:07:00): Strategies to introduce hesitant or resistant pathologists to the transformative power of digital tools.
• Global Comparisons (00:10:00): What can the U.S. learn from Europe and Asia about accelerating digital pathology adoption?
• Leveraging Leadership and Advocacy (00:19:00): How young pathologists can work with leadership to introduce digital pathology as a standard practice in their organizations.
• The Impact of Digital Pathology on Work-Life Balance (00:20:00): Exploring how remote sign-outs and shorter turnaround times can enhance both patient care and pathologists’ quality of life.
• Making Digital Pathology the Norm (00:24:00): Ideas for shifting digital pathology from a secondary option to the standard of care, addressing common fears and misconceptions.
• Future Plans and Next Steps (00:28:00): A look at actionable steps for advancing digital pathology through podcasts, mentorship, and departmental advocacy.

Key Takeaways:
This conversation isn’t just about identifying challenges—it’s about solutions. We discuss how collaboration, leadership, and individual responsibility can drive meaningful change in digital pathology. Whether you’re a seasoned pathologist or just starting your career, this episode offers inspiration and actionable ideas to make digital pathology a core part of the profession.

Connect With Us:
Share your thoughts on why more pathologists aren’t attending these conferences. What’s holding them back, and what changes would you like to see in your department? Let’s keep this important conversation going!

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Rozdziały

1. Introduction to Digital Pathology (00:00:00)

2. Meet the Panelists (00:00:21)

3. Why Few Pathologists Attend Digital Pathology Conferences (00:00:37)

4. Discussion on Conference Attendance (00:01:55)

5. Engaging Young Pathologists (00:05:37)

6. Mentorship and Adoption Strategies (00:08:32)

7. Global Perspectives on Digital Pathology (00:09:43)

8. Future of Digital Pathology (00:15:30)

9. Conclusion and Next Steps (00:27:29)