Pathology Residency Program Special Expertise Tracks Meet the Needs of an Evolving Field

Joint online distance learning to complement postgraduate pathology training in preparation for national board examinations

AIMS

To meet the flexible learning needs of pathology residents preparing for national board examinations, a joint distance learning approach was developed using both asynchronous and synchronous activities with whole slide images, drawing on empirical educational research on online distance learning.

METHODS

In a case study of an implementation of the designed joint distance learning approach with a geographically dispersed group of pathology residents in Finland, the participants' perceptions were measured with a 12-item questionnaire covering the value of the learning opportunity, the quality of the sociocognitive processes and their emotional engagement and social cohesion. Communication during the online session was also recorded and analysed to provide objectivity to the self-report data.

RESULTS

The effectiveness of joint online learning for knowledge acquisition and preparation for national board examinations was highly rated. However, despite strong emotional engagement during synchronous activities, participants reported minimal interpersonal interaction, which was also reflected in the recordings of the online session.

CONCLUSION

Using a technology integration framework and guided by the principles of self-determination theory, joint distance learning is emerging as a beneficial addition to postgraduate pathology programmes in preparation for national examinations. However, to realise the full potential of interpersonal interaction, participants should be prepared for an appropriate mindset.

Graduate Medical Education in Pathology: A Scoping Review

CONTEXT.—

Pathologists have produced a substantial body of literature on graduate medical education (GME). However, this body of literature is diverse and has not yet been characterized.

OBJECTIVE.—

To chart the concepts, research methods, and publication patterns of studies on GME in pathology.

DATA SOURCES.—

This was a systematic scoping review covering all literature produced since 1980 in the PubMed and Embase databases.

CONCLUSIONS.—

Research on GME in pathology is evenly dispersed across educational topics. This body of literature would benefit from research based on theory, stronger study designs, and studies that can provide evidence to support decisions on educational policies.

The Challenges and Opportunities of Translational Pathology

Translational pathology has not caught up with the quality and quantity of translational medicine. Thus, challenges and opportunities related to translational pathology are discussed here. Pathologists should actively participate in reverse translational research that seeks mechanistic insights to explain clinical findings and/or solve clinical problems. Challenges in translational pathology include ambiguity in defining translational pathology, pathologists' mindsets about translational research, lack of sufficient workforce and immature publication outlets. However, with collective wisdom and support of various stakeholders, we can expand the pool of pathologist scientists, build a translational pathology community and drive innovations in medicine through computational, molecular genetic/genomic and digital pathology approaches.