Read Part 1 here.
Meet the Panelists
Chan leads the gynecologic pathology section, serves as the residency program director, and co-directs the pathology curriculum for the medical school. Initially planning to become a pediatrician, Chan discovered pathology during a third-year elective – on the advice of a friend – and quickly realized it was the right fit. That elective became a turning point, leading to a fulfilling career in pathology.
Dennis developed an early interest in pathology through a medical school histology course and exposure to autopsy, further inspired by a post-sophomore fellowship in pathology. That formative experience, along with strong mentorship, solidified a career path in the field.
After completing medical school in Poland – where exposure to pathology was limited and mainly focused on autopsy – Wojcik didn’t initially consider the field. However, after moving to the US, an observership in a pathology department sparked a newfound interest and ultimately set the course for a fulfilling 30-year career in pathology.
Initially planning to become an Endocrinologist, Asa discovered a passion for the underlying mechanisms of disease during internal medicine training and ultimately transitioned into pathology. Inspired by early research on pituitary tumors and mentorship from leaders in the field, Asa embraced pathology as a natural fit for combining scientific inquiry with diagnostic precision. Forty years on, her experience spans both basic research and clinical diagnosis of hormone-secreting tissues.
How can residency programs retain interest and engagement through fellowship and career placement?
Sylvia Asa: Training programs with associated fellowships provide an ideal structure for developing well-rounded pathologists. Trainees start with a strong foundation in pathobiology and lab operations, then build skills in general diagnostics, and finally gain in-depth expertise in a specific area during fellowship.
This model produces pathologists who not only understand lab management, quality assurance, and informatics, but who also become recognized experts in their chosen field – trusted by colleagues for accurate diagnoses and able to guide patient care based on both science and individual needs.
Katie Dennis: Our program at University of Kansas Health System provides mentorship throughout residency – from learning normal histology to choosing a fellowship and navigating the job search, including understanding different practice models. In addition to teaching and research mentorship, we prioritize team-building through regular social activities, both during and outside of work hours.
These events help build trust, foster friendships, and keep everyone engaged, creating a more supportive and meaningful learning environment. We often include families and even pets in activities like picnics, pumpkin carving, the pathology Olympics, and Dragon Boat racing.
Eva Wojcik: A key role of residency programs is to provide structured experiences across pathology subspecialties. This helps residents explore their interests, identify strengths, and make informed decisions about fellowship options.
Mentorship and career guidance are essential at every stage. Programs should help residents find fellowships that fit their goals and offer tailored advice on job opportunities – whether in academia, private practice, or other settings.
In the end, retaining interest in pathology means showing residents a clear, rewarding future. When they feel supported and encouraged, they’re more likely to stay engaged and become strong advocates for the specialty.
What educational strategies can better prepare pathology residents for the increasingly digital and molecular nature of diagnostics?
Joanna Chan: Pathology training should include both strong formal education and up-to-date clinical practice. Didactics should treat digital and molecular pathology as standard diagnostic tools – just like immunohistochemistry and morphology. Programs can also use existing resources like the PIER curriculum from the Association of Pathology Chairs and the molecular and digital pathology modules from PathElective.
It’s equally important that faculty stay current and residents regularly see these techniques applied in practice. This helps reinforce learning and prepares trainees for modern pathology workflows.
KD: Pathology has always advanced alongside technology. If we don’t have certain tools or tests available in-house, we arrange outside rotations or incorporate online resources into our curriculum.
Our residents also take part in molecular tumor boards, which helps them understand how newer diagnostics directly impact patient care. They’re involved in clinical and research work using digital tools as well.
There are many excellent resources available from national organizations like CAP, ASCP, and the Association of Pathology Chairs, along with a wide range of online tutorials and pathology websites. These days, the challenge isn’t finding resources – it’s choosing the right ones.
EW: The most important step is helping residents understand that digital and molecular pathology aren’t just future trends – they’re already a central part of pathology today. Digital platforms are becoming standard for diagnosis, and molecular diagnostics are now routine in patient care.
Residency programs should integrate digital and molecular methods into everyday learning – through case discussions, interdisciplinary teaching, and relevant rotations. Residents should also be encouraged to take part in research and quality improvement projects that use these technologies.
Starting early helps residents adapt more easily and succeed in an evolving healthcare environment.
SA: I like the Nike approach: Just do it! We learn best by doing.
How are programs addressing the increasing demand for precision diagnostics, and is the current training infrastructure sufficient?
JC: Many programs are already applying ideas such as updated didactics and modern clinical practice. The pathology residency curriculum offers flexibility – with room for electives, research, and more – so programs can add structured rotations in precision diagnostics or integrate this content into existing teaching approaches.
SA: Training in pathology varies widely between institutions. Some programs emphasize molecular technologies, while others outsource most molecular testing. Most still don’t use digital imaging for routine primary diagnosis. With limited exposure to these tools, how can we expect residents to be prepared for the future of pathology?
Precision diagnostics also requires understanding the patient. Yet many pathology programs don’t train residents in how to communicate with patients, deliver difficult news, or help guide care decisions.
It’s time for the American Board of Pathology to address these gaps by requiring hands-on molecular training, full integration of digital pathology, and clinical experience in a pathology-led clinic for all residents.
EW: The variation in program content shows the need for a standardized curriculum to ensure all residents get a solid foundation in precision diagnostics, no matter where they train. Defining core competencies across programs would help close these gaps and better prepare residents for modern pathology practice.
Globally, access to medical technology also varies. Some countries and institutions face significant resource limitations. International pathology organizations can help by offering virtual training, shared materials, and collaborative efforts to support residents in underserved areas.
While progress is happening, a more consistent and inclusive approach is needed to prepare all pathology trainees for the growing role of precision diagnostics.
What’s one bold idea you think the pathology community should embrace to ensure a strong workforce pipeline for the next decade?
KD: Social media is a powerful way to reach students and raise awareness about what pathologists do. Since high school, college, and medical students spend a lot of time online, sharing content there can help spark interest in the field.
Some pathologists also engage with the media, lawmakers, or public officials to improve understanding of our role, while others connect directly with patients. Within medical schools, we can advocate for bringing back required pathology experiences to increase exposure.
It’s also important to use the strengths of everyone in the department – including trainees – to promote pathology in different ways.
JC: It may not be a “bold” idea, but I believe pathologists should focus more on outreach to students before they enter medical school – especially in high school and college. By the time students reach medical school, many already have a set idea of what specialty they want to pursue, so we’re often working against those preconceptions.
Just as some students now enter residency with the goal of becoming forensic pathologists, it would be great to see more students enter medical school specifically aiming for pathology. To make that happen, we need to engage them early – when they’re first thinking about their future, which often starts in high school or university.
Another bonus of reaching out earlier in peoples’ lives is that you may help broaden the range of individuals who choose to enter pathology. Current medical school cohorts do not proportionally reflect our patient demographics, and this imbalance is reflected in pathology training programmes.
SA: It’s essential for pathologists to reconnect with the clinical side of medicine. Historically, we were physicians driven by curiosity – measuring glucose in urine, studying blood disorders, or examining tumors after surgery. But as technology advanced and workloads increased, we stepped away from direct patient care and became more lab-focused.
This shift has affected how we’re seen within medicine, despite the fact that pathologists make many of the most critical decisions in patient care. Today, surgeons may not fully understand complex molecular pathways, and oncologists often focus on clinical trials. Pathologists remain the specialists with the deepest understanding of disease biology.
We need to re-engage with patients – help them understand their diagnosis, explain relevant biomarkers, and guide treatment decisions. This will strengthen our role as essential, visible members of the clinical team.
EW: One bold idea is for pathologists to take on more visible leadership roles in healthcare. When students and trainees see pathologists leading departments or health systems, they begin to view the specialty as a strong, influential career path – not just a behind-the-scenes role.
To strengthen our future, we must consistently remind our colleagues, trainees, and the public that pathology is central to patient care. By stepping into leadership roles and advocating for our field, we can inspire the next generation to see pathology as vital, dynamic, and full of opportunity.
Any advice for the next generation of residents and educators?
SA: Pathology is one of the most fundamental disciplines in medicine. It has a distinguished history, and it’s our responsibility to help shape its future. As Sir William Osler said in 1909: “As is our pathology, so is our practice; what the pathologist thinks today, the physician does tomorrow.”
KD: Part of what makes pathology so interesting is its constant evolution with new knowledge and technology – so don’t be afraid of change. The core of what we love about the field – solving medical mysteries, developing deep expertise, teaching, collaborating, and helping patients – will remain the same. We’ll simply find new ways to learn, teach, and share our passion for pathology to inspire the next generation.
EW:To medical students: Consider becoming a pathologist. It’s a field that is intellectually rewarding, impactful, and essential to patient care.
To residents: Aim to be the best pathologist you can. Stay curious, take every opportunity to learn, and remember – your work helps shape the future of medicine.
To those already in the field: You’ve chosen one of the most meaningful careers in medicine. Keep leading, learning, and inspiring the next generation.
JC: It may sound cliché, but the best advice I can give is to keep learning and use every resource available. That includes attending Continuing Medical Education courses and conferences in your pathology subspecialty to stay current, but also seeking out less obvious learning opportunities – like courses on teaching, or discussions with colleagues in other specialties (such as OB-GYN, surgery, or internal medicine) to understand their diagnostic priorities.
Don’t overlook what you can learn from newer faculty either – they may bring fresh training and perspectives you haven’t yet encountered.
When it comes to recruitment, visibility is key. Always introduce yourself as a pathologist during teaching sessions and clarify that you're a physician, not just a lab scientist. Participate in tumor boards and interdisciplinary meetings so others see how pathologists contribute to patient care. Look for outreach opportunities – like giving STEM talks at local high schools and universities – to help raise awareness of the specialty.
Pathology is a rewarding career that plays a vital role in patient care, and we should be proud to share that message widely.
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