PATHOLOGIST-The unsung hero who not only helps a clinician in the
diagnosis of diseases but is also a talented communicator who is highly skilled
in paving a path for life changing treatment.
Pathologists do behind the scenes work. YES! Agreed. Spotlight is always on
the clinicians but they can never treat the patient without the help of a
pathologist. Generally, whenever patient visits a doctor, they are asked for a
number of investigations. Its we pathologists who are constructing these tests
and gathering all the information about their diseases.
Clinicians are recognized by their stethoscopes. Pathologists are recognized by
their microscopes. Its rightly said, By the help of microscopes, there is nothing
so small, as to escape our enquiry. Hence there is a new visible world
discovered to the understanding. Therefore microscopes are a Pathologist’s best
friend. Rudolph Virchow- one of the 19 th century’s foremost leaders in medicine
and pathology ,encouraged his students to use microscopes and think
‘microscopically’. He stated that all diseases involve changes in normal cells ,
that is all pathology is cellular pathology. This insight led to big progress in the
field of medicine. It meant that disease entities could be defined more sharply.
Despite the crucial role, the pathologists are the ones who work behind the
scenes. They collaborate closely with the other clinicians. Our accurate analysis
and diagnosis of the diseases help in the treatment strategies. Pathologists play a
crucial role in assessing the molecular characteristics of tumor that helps in
selection of targeted therapies of the patient. Pathologists also contribute to
public health initiatives by identifying the outbreaks of infectious diseases and
then they help in controlling the spread of infections by implementing
preventive measures to safeguard public health.
However, the pathologists are the unsung heroes of medicine. The contributions
of a pathologist is not always acknowledged by the public and sometimes even
by the fellow clinicians. Only by acknowledging the vital role of a pathologist,
we can appreciate their role and henceforth the medical science can enter into an
era of digital pathology, and artificial intelligence to enhance the diagnostic
accuracy and improving patient care.
There is also a growing shortage of pathologists in many parts of the world,
highlighting the need for recruitment. So its high time the contributions of a
pathologist is acknowledged by the society. The NMC has finally given us the
due importance and henceforth Pathology is now considered to be one of the
clinical subjects of medical science. Today pathologists are making a mark in
the field of Telepathology, Artificial intelligence, molecular genetics, genomic
imprints and gene therapy. So we have more than enough reasons to be proud
and call ourselves doctors who with the help of their microscopes help the
mankind. I am proud to be a PATHOLOGIST.
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