AI, Clinical Trials & Companion Diagnostics: Eric Walk on the Future of Pathology

AI, Clinical Trials & Companion Diagnostics: Eric Walk on the Future of Pathology

In this episode of the Pathology News podcast, Sidney Ocanagil-Tunstall speaks with Eric Walk about how AI-powered pathology tools are beginning to transform clinical diagnostics, pathology workflows, and precision medicine infrastructure. Eric discusses where AI is already delivering value in clinical practice, including case triage, workload balancing, biomarker quantification, quality control, and pathology workflow optimisation through PathAI’s AI Site DX platform. The conversation also explores the growing importance of trust, validation, and human oversight in AI-assisted diagnostics, alongside the ethical questions surrounding patient confidence and clinical decision-making. The episode further examines PathAI’s Precision Pathology Network (PPN), including how digitally mature pathology laboratories can collaborate with pharmaceutical companies through clinical trials, companion diagnostics, data licensing, and biomarker discovery programs. Rather than replacing pathologists, the discussion highlights how deep neural networks may elevate the profession, allowing pathologists to focus less on repetitive measurement tasks and more on precision medicine, therapy guidance, and integrated patient care.

The future of pathology with the ESDIP board and how to get involved with the organisation

Sidney Ocanagil-Tunstall, Marketing Director at Pathology News, returns for part 4 of the Pathology Bites series joined by ESDIP leaders Norman Zerbe, Vincenzo L’Imperio, and Inti Zlobec to explore the future of pathology and how professionals can become involved with the organisation and its growing international community. The discussion looks ahead at the next phase of digital and computational pathology, from the wider adoption of digital workflows and AI-powered biomarkers to the growing role of computational tools in therapeutic guidance and patient care. The panel also reflects on the importance of harmonisation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and real-world clinical implementation as the field continues to evolve. Alongside the future-facing conversation, the episode highlights how ESDIP is supporting the pathology community through education, global partnerships, accessible membership opportunities, and initiatives such as the ESDIP Academy. From residents and researchers to practicing pathologists and industry leaders, the discussion captures how the society is helping shape the future of pathology while creating opportunities for the next generation to get involved.

From Workflow Efficiency to Predictive Biomarkers: Eric Walk on the Future of AI Pathology

In this episode of the Pathology News podcast, Sidney Ocanagil-Tunstall speaks with Eric Walk about the evolving role of deep neural networks in digital pathology and how AI-assisted tools are beginning to reshape clinical diagnostics and drug development. Eric reflects on his career journey from diagnostic pathology into precision medicine and biomarker innovation, before exploring how AI is currently being deployed across pathology workflows, clinical trials, and translational research. The conversation covers digital transformation in pathology, workflow efficiency, predictive biomarkers, variability in clinical trials, and the growing role of AI-assisted decision support. The episode also explores PathAI’s work in MASH and inflammatory bowel disease, including FDA and EMA-qualified AI assist tools designed to improve biomarker scoring and endpoint assessment. Rather than focusing solely on diagnosis, the discussion highlights how computational pathology is enabling more structured histopathology data, improving reproducibility, and creating new opportunities for precision medicine and clinical research.

How do the ESDIP team connect with the community and what else do they offer beyond the annual conference

Sidney Ocanagil-Tunstall, Marketing Director at Pathology News, returns for another episode of Pathology Bites joined by leaders from the European Society of Digital and Integrated Pathology (ESDIP) – Norman Zerbe, Vincenzo L’Imperio, and Inti Zlobec – to explore how the society is building and supporting its growing global community beyond the annual congress. The discussion highlights ESDIP’s wider mission to connect, educate, and support professionals across digital and computational pathology through scientific publications, webinars, collaborative initiatives, and accessible membership opportunities. The panel reflects on the society’s work in producing practical guidance for digital pathology implementation, annotation standards, AI bias, computational pathology education, and understanding the EU AI Act, all designed to help laboratories and clinicians navigate an increasingly complex and rapidly evolving field. Alongside the scientific contributions, the episode explores how ESDIP is fostering engagement through monthly webinars, international collaborations, networking opportunities, and structured member involvement. From residents and technicians to experienced pathologists and researchers, the conversation captures how ESDIP is creating an inclusive and collaborative environment where members can contribute ideas, build connections, and help shape the future of digital pathology together.

In conversation with Rahul Deb, Derby & Burton NHS Trust Episode 2

This episode continues the conversation with Rahul, focusing on the practical realities of implementing digital pathology. Rahul explains why digitisation is not simply about replacing microscopes with scanners. Instead, it exposes wider laboratory challenges, from section quality and workflow design to IT infrastructure, LIMS–IMS integration, staffing, space, governance, and NHS data-sharing barriers. The discussion also explores the impact on day-to-day practice, including digital quality control, remote working, faster case sharing, and the transformation of MDT preparation. Rahul then reflects on the differences between pathology in the UK and India, before discussing AI bias, global datasets, and why broader representation will matter as algorithms enter clinical use. The episode closes with Rahul’s advice to young pathologists: see as much as possible, ask questions, and build strong relationships with clinical colleagues.