Pathology Education Powered by Virtual and Digital Transformation

Introduction

• Transformative Forces

  • Rapid changes in teaching and learning strategies across pathology education.

  • Use of digital pathology and educational innovations.

Objective of the Article

• Identify and collect resources, tools, and examples of educational innovations involving digital pathology beneficial to learners and teachers.

Data Sources

• Literature review along with authors' personal experiences.

Key Findings

• Digital Tools in Pathology Education

  • High-quality digital pathology tools are now widely applied in both anatomic and clinical pathology.

  • These tools enhance accessibility and peer-to-peer education.

  • Effective at undergraduate, graduate, postgraduate, and peer-to-peer levels.

  • Several best practices identified for different educational stages.

Historical Context

• Advancements in pathology education date back 200 years, reflecting changes in technology and knowledge acquisition.

• Current advancements driven by artificial intelligence and machine learning.

Education Challenges

• Educators must navigate the best applications of digital tools in diagnostic pathology for modern students and practitioners.

• Emphasis on understanding pathology for medical professionals through enhanced teaching tools.

Digital Pathology Innovations

• Adoption of microchips and digital devices reshaping pathology education.

• Examples of educational tools:

  • Digital Slide Banks

  • Virtual Reality Dissection

• Notably improved engagement and knowledge retention compared to traditional methods.

The Role of Social Media

• Social media revolutionizes information acquisition and sharing.

• Facilitates international exchange among experts and learners.

• Promotes democratization in pathology education.

Digital Resources and Ecosystem

• Innovative resources include:

  • Whole slide imaging (WSI)

  • Digitized pathology images and their integration into educational frameworks.

• Emphasis on cumulative learning in varied settings (e.g., large professional meetings, case discussions).

Key Theoretical Concepts in Medical Education

• Importance of adapting educational strategies to optimize learner engagement.

• Concepts like 'flipped classroom' and 'adaptive learning' gaining traction in pathology.

Undergraduate Medical Education

• Since 1985, digital pathology tools have increasingly been integrated into medical, dental, and allied health education.

• Virtual microscopy offers flexibility and accessibility.

• Enhanced student interaction with materials leading to improved performance.

Graduate Medical Education (GME)

• Natural integration of digital pathology tools into residency and fellowship education.

• Emphasis on utilizing WSI and digital tools for more effective training models.

Implementation Challenges in Medical Education

• Traditional training methods have limitations, prompting a shift to digital and virtual learning environments.

• Effective online teaching beyond mere lecture delivery; practical engagement needed.

Emerging Tools and Strategies

• Incorporation of gaming and interactive digital methods in curricula.

• Online repositories like the BEST network and mobile applications for pathology teaching.

Molecular Pathology

• Digital pathology becoming integral in molecular pathology education.

• Assists in understanding genomic data and personalized diagnostics.

Competency Assessments

• Digital pathology materials are pivotal for competency assessments and professional licensing.

• Evolution of assessment tools in line with digital advancements.

Best Practices and Future Goals

• Need for curated resources and continuing development in digital pathology.

• Emphasis on the adaptability of digital tools across all levels of pathology education.

Conclusion

• Digital pathology transforms education by enhancing accessibility, collaboration, and learner engagement, solving longstanding challenges in pathology learning and practice.