People of Pathology Podcast
Episodes
Episode 179: Marissa Spencer – Improving Pathology Education: The Importance of Understanding Why
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:
Bridging The Gap in The Pathologist
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Episode 178: Liz Wingard And Dr Dave Wilbur – Revolutionizing Pathology: The Journey of Corista and DP3
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:
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Episode 177: Mateo Lopez – The Future Of Specimen Grossing: Vistapath And The Sentinel
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:
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Episode 176: David West – 510 k Clearance Milestone For Concentriq AP-DX And What It Means For The Future Of Digital Pathology
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 Receives FDA 510(k) Clearance For Concentriq AP-Dx
Welcome To Concentriq AP-DX Webinar
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Episode 175: Dr Aleksandra Zuraw – All You Need To Know To Start And Continue Your Digital Pathology Journey
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:
Digital Pathology 101 – E book
Digital Pathology Association Webinars
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Episode 174: Dr Rodney Rhode – From CLS to MLS: A Journey In Standardization And Advocacy
On this episode Dr Rodney Rhode 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. Rhode 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. Rhode 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
Facing Massive Labor Shortage, ASCP Committed to Expanding Medical Laboratory Workforce
The Clinical Laboratory Workforce: Understanding the Challenges to Meeting Current and Future Needs
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