As the landscape of healthcare evolves, so too must our language. This month, the WHO is calling on clinical stakeholders to help reshape how we define the term “diagnostics”. For pathologists, this presents an important opportunity for reflection – and action.
But why does redefinition matter now? Historically, "diagnostics" has been associated primarily with laboratory tests – blood panels, biopsies, molecular assays, and imaging procedures. However, today’s diagnostic environment is much more complex, with digital tools, AI and machine learning, wearable biosensors, patient self-testing, and even behavioral health screenings sitting alongside traditional tests.
The WHO’s call to redefine diagnostics aims to ensure policies, funding decisions, and global health strategies align with the current state of the art of diagnostic services. For clinical professionals that work at the frontline of diagnostics, this is not just a classroom exercise – it’s an opportunity to shape the future of the field.
Reflecting on this call to action, I fell upon the National Health Service (NHS)’ five pillars of medical diagnostics, which it describes as “partly clinical and partly organizational.” Last updated in 2023, the pillars are classified as imaging, endoscopy, pathology, physiological measurement, and genomics. Of course, this is just how the UK’s public healthcare system views and categorizes diagnostics – but is this aligned with current processes? Are we missing key pillars or is this system too outdated to be simply revised?
While pondering this question, we must also take into account that diagnosticians still fight for attention and investment across the world, despite holding a fundamental role in patient care. If the definition of diagnostics can align with more modern and inclusive approaches, it could strengthen the visibility of diagnostic services, encourage innovation, and improve access to these services – an issue that’s particularly pertinent in low-resource communities.
At The Pathologist, we’ve had many conversations on the importance of increasing the public’s understanding of our field. Louis Maximilian Buja said, “It feels like there’s a new wave of pathologists who acknowledge that we need to be more visible. There’s a real movement to change how we are perceived.” And recently, Francisco Reyes Albaladejo stated, “The stigma surrounding pathology careers – combined with a growing shortage of medical examiners – makes this work more essential than ever.”
Maybe this opportunity presented by the WHO is perfectly timed to allow pathologists to be heard. Providing insights from those who practice diagnostics everyday is critical for reflecting clinical realities, technology capabilities, and growing roles in personalized medicine. And, in showcasing the broad spectrum of diagnostics, we’re also inviting the next generation of students to see what the future may hold for them – and how they can contribute to the next evolution of the field.
Whether you’re a pathologist, clinical laboratory scientist, diagnostic manufacturer, or healthcare provider, now is the time to contribute. Share your views with the WHO before May 23, 2025 deadline and make sure to discuss the importance of this topic with your colleagues, institution, and professional forums. And of course, you can share your views with us (edit@thepathologist.com) to continue the conversation with your peers.
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