Dr. Kishore Gopalakrishnan – MedPath Clinical Director
Over the years, histopathology has become a less popular choice among junior doctors, partly due to limited exposure to laboratory services resulting from the modified medical curriculum. There is a notable shortage in various specialties, with some being more severely affected. Advances in screening, radiological imaging, and diagnostic sampling techniques have led to a growing workload in histopathology. Microscopic detailing requirements for pathology reports have significantly increased, and the use of minimum datasets for reporting has become a standard practice. Advances in molecular techniques and the resulting optimal treatment options have introduced a need for more information and additional testing on histopathology samples.
For these reasons, pathologists now spend more time on cases than in the past. Consequently, the pathologist workforce has struggled to keep up with the rising demand. Many pathology departments face backlogs of cases awaiting final reports. While the concept of expert pathologists remotely reporting histopathology cases from home has always been appealing, logistical challenges involving the distribution of glass slides and sensitive data have made it complex.
The emergence of digital telepathology, such as MedPath, has overcome these challenges. MedPath can receive digital pathology images nationwide and also provides a glass slide scanning service for non-digital departments. This facilitates the distribution of digital images to MedPath’s consultant histopathologists based in the UK, enabling quick and comprehensive reports that expedite patient diagnosis.
In my current role as Clinical Director for MedPath, I have been fortunate enough to contribute to the development of a new resilient, clinically-led histopathology reporting service. We provide sub-specialist reporting and this service offers flexible solutions to address NHS backlogs and routine reporting needs. Book your free no-obligation consultation to find out more.
