Digital Pathology in Hematopathology: The Present and What Lies Ahead

This discussion reviews the current state of digital pathology in hematology/hematopathology practice. Given both the successful incorporation of digital technologies in the past and the complexity of implementing digital hematopathology in the present, we focus on practical aspects of digitalization based on our institution's experience.

Lecture Presenters
Anton Rets, MD, PhD
Anton Rets, MD, PhD
Associate Professor (Clinical), Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine at the University of Utah
Medical Director, Hematopathology, ARUP Laboratories

Dr. Anton Rets is a medical director of Hematopathology at ARUP Laboratories and an associate professor (clinical) at the Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine at the University of Utah. Dr. Rets received a doctorate degree in pathology from Perm State Medical Academy/St. Petersburg Academy of Postgraduate Medical Education. He then earned his medical degree and completed a pathology residency at Perm State Medical Academy. He also completed an anatomic and clinical pathology residency at the SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University before completing a hematopathology fellowship at the University of Utah School of Medicine. Dr. Rets is board certified in anatomic and clinical pathology and hematopathology. He has received several awards, including the Joseph A. Knight Award for Excellence in Education, the Outstanding Teaching Award in Clinical Pathology, Excellence in Leadership Award, and the Outstanding Academic Performance Federal Award. His research interests include red blood cell disorders, mast cell disorders, nonneoplastic hematology, and digital microscopy.

Ryan Shean, DO
Ryan Shean, DO
PGY3; Chief Resident, Clinical Pathology, Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine at the University of Utah

Dr. Ryan Shean is a senior and chief resident for clinical pathology at the Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine at the University of Utah pathology residency program. Upon completion of residency, he will continue his training in hematopathology at ARUP Laboratories. Dr. Shean is involved in many clinical and quality improvement projects at the regional and national levels. He has authored many publications in the field. His professional interests include optimization of hematopathology practices and utilization of digital technologies.

Objectives

After this presentation, participants will be able to:

Describe the major differences between digitalization in hematopathology and surgical pathology
Review the major benefits and pitfalls of digital transition
Discuss major products for digital hematology/hematopathology currently available in the U.S. market
Recognize the complexity of digital implementation