Can We Keep Diagnostic Autonomy in an AI World?
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By
February 5, 2026
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9 min
Pathology training is undergoing significant changes due to AI integration, according to Amal Asar, Consultant Histopathologist at Northern Care Alliance. The traditional hands-on approach to training faces challenges from increasing workloads, consultant shortages, and the fragmentation of training opportunities. AI offers potential benefits, such as enhancing teaching and reducing workloads, but also raises concerns about workforce de-skilling and reliance on machine outputs. Future training programs must balance core diagnostic skills with new competencies in AI, ensuring pathologists remain at the center of decision-making while effectively utilizing technology.
1. Pathology training is hands-on and faces new challenges with AI. 2. Increasing workload and consultant shortages affect education. 3. AI integration raises concerns about workforce de-skilling. 4. Proposed solutions include audits and regular assessments. 5. Future competencies must include AI and digital workflows. 6. Training should preserve diagnostic autonomy. 7. The balance between efficiency and professional judgement is crucial. 8. Ethical frameworks are essential for safe AI implementation.
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