People of Pathology Podcast
Episodes
Episode 217: Roseann Vitale – Guiding Innovation At Mopec Through Education And The Clinical Advisory Board
Today my guest is Roseann Vitale, Product Manager with Mopec.
What we discuss with Roseann:
- Roseann’s path to the pathologists’ assistant profession and how her background in fine arts influenced her career in pathology
- Helping to build a simulated pathology lab at Rosalind Franklin University
- Her innovative approaches to hands-on learning and standardization in PA education
- Her clinical experience in pediatric pathology and how it informed her teaching and professional perspective
- Transitioning from academia and clinical practice into an industry role at Mopec
- The role of Product Manager at Mopec and what it means to be the “voice of the customer”
- Challenges of variability and standardization at the grossing bench
- The Mopec–Lumea partnership and how integrating digital imaging at the grossing bench transforms workflows
- The creation and goals of the Mopec Clinical Advisory Board
- Roseann’s involvement in professional organizations and how that influences her industry work
- Her vision for the future of pathology: smarter, safer, and more standardized workflows in grossing and anatomic pathology
Links for this episode:
Pathologists’ Assistant Shadowing Network
Rosalind Franklin University Pathologists’ Assistant Program
Panel of National Pathology Leaders
American Association of Pathologists’ Assistants
People of Pathology Podcast:
Episode 216: Dr David Li – Using Personal Experience To Transform Patient Understanding In Pathology
Today my guest is hematopathologist Dr David Li.
What we discuss with Dr Li:
- His early introduction to pathology through a neuropathology research lab at the University of Washington.
- The influence of strong mentors and role models in shaping his path toward hematopathology.
- His mother’s diagnoses with breast and pancreatic cancer, and how he served as a bridge to help her understand complex pathology reports.
- The communication gap that often exists between patients and providers when it comes to pathology results.
- Founding a patient pathology clinic at Mayo Clinic–Jacksonville to make pathology more patient-centered.
- Stories of diverse patients who benefited from the pathology clinic.
- The role of digital pathology in making pathology clinics accessible across the country and internationally.
- Dr. Li’s own experience with hereditary cancer risk and his prostate cancer diagnosis.
- Using social media, especially TikTok to raise awareness about genetic testing, men’s cancer risk, and early detection.
- His vision for a future where pathology clinics are a routine part of oncology care, supported by digital tools and multidisciplinary collaboration.
Links for this episode:
Pathologists’ Assistant Shadowing Network
Dr Li on TikTok
People of Pathology Podcast:
Episode 215: Dr Michael Topf And Dr Alexander Perez – Reimagining Pathology Specimen Documentation With 3D Scanning
Today my guests are Dr Alexander Perez and Dr Michael Topf.
What we discuss with Dr Perez and Dr Topf:
- The challenge of documenting surgical specimens with traditional text and photos
- How 3D scanning improves accuracy and communication in pathology
- Integration into the gross room workflow with minimal time impact
- Clinical applications: tumor boards, surgical navigation, and radiation therapy planning
- Educational value: training residents, 3D printing, and virtual/augmented reality
- Patient-facing benefits, including education and visualization
- Cost accessibility: high-quality scanners for around $2,000
- Collaboration and sharing of protocols to encourage wider adoption
- Future outlook: from long-term digital storage to medicolegal uses and beyond
Links for this episode:
Pathologists’ Assistant Shadowing Network
Ex vivo 3D scanning and specimen mapping in anatomic pathology
Visual pathology reports for improved collaboration at multidisciplinary head and neck tumor board
People of Pathology Podcast:
Episode 214: Coraliz Martinez – From Patient To Medical Laboratory Scientist: A Story Of Healing And Purpose
Today my guest is Coraliz Martinez, a Medical Laboratory Scientist and osteosarcoma survivor.
What we discuss with Coraliz:
- Her diagnosis and treatment journey
- Inspiration and career path into Medical Laboratory Science
- The role and impact of the Medical Laboratory Scientist
- Art and science: a personal connection
- Returning to St. Jude: The Life Study
- Her dream to give back and how she hopes to inspire others
Links for this episode:
Pathologists’ Assistant Shadowing Network
Life-changing experience at St. Jude shaped Coraliz’s career path
St Jude Children’s Research Hospital
People of Pathology Podcast:
Episode 213: Arun Ananth and Tom Gallo – Data As An Asset With Proscia’s Diagnostic Network
Today my guests are Arun Ananth, CCO and Tom Gallo, CFO from Proscia.
What we discuss with Arun and Tom:
- Introduction to Proscia’s Diagnostic Network
- Reshaping the economics of pathology
- Economic opportunities in digital pathology
- Data as an asset in biomarker discovery
- Clinical trials as use cases
- Compliance and security in digital pathology
- Pathology’s central role in treatment
- Accelerating digital adoption and ROI
- Patient benefits and clinical trials
- Risks and barriers in digital pathology
- Advice for labs considering digital pathology
- Market adoption and future vision
Links for this episode:
Pathologists’ Assistant Shadowing Network
Proscia Cements Leadership in Diagnostic Pathology with 400% Growth in Daily Cases
Rewiring the Laboratory’s Bottom Line: Moving Towards Digital Pathology as a Profit Center
People of Pathology Podcast:
Episode 212: Dr Jeff Myers – Innovating Pathology With A Patient-Centered Approach
My guest today is pathologist Dr Jeff Myers.
What we discuss with DR Myers:
- Dr. Myers’ path to pathology
- His career at Mayo Clinic
- The transition to University of Michigan
- The beginning of patient-centered pathology
- Creating the Patient and Family Advisory Council
- Challenges and innovations in Pathology Clinics
- Stories of interacting with patients and their families
- Reinventing lab design
- The role of collaboration in pathology
- Reviving a passion for music
- Reflecting on a career in pathology
Links for this episode:
Pathologists’ Assistant Shadowing Network
Honoring Dr. Jeffrey Myers: A Trailblazer in Pathology Moves to Retirement
Institute for Patient and Family-Centered Care
Bringing Patients and Pathology Together: An Interview with Jeffrey Myers, MD
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