Pathology News

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.

Pathology Bites: What can you expect from ECDP 2026 and what are the key takeaways this year

Sidney Ocanagil-Tunstall, Marketing Director at Pathology News, returns for episode 2 joined by leaders from the European Society of Digital and Integrated Pathology – Norman Zerbe, Vincenzo L'imperio, and Inti Zlobec – to explore what’s ahead for ECDP 2026 and the major themes shaping this year’s congress.The discussion highlights how ECDP is evolving beyond a traditional pathology meeting into a full “Digital and Computational Pathology Week”, with hands-on workshops, interoperability showcases, AI-focused sessions, and multidisciplinary collaboration at its core. The panel explores the growing role of integrative pathology across oncology, radiology, spatial biology, and computational diagnostics, while also reflecting on the importance of standardisation, education, and global community building.From practical implementation challenges to future-facing innovation, the episode captures how ECDP is creating a collaborative space where pathologists, researchers, technicians, clinicians, and industry leaders can connect, learn, and help shape the future of digital pathology together.

In conversation with Rahul Deb, Derby & Burton NHS Trust Episode 1

In this episode of the Pathology News podcast, Sidney Ocanagil-Tunstall speaks with Rahul Deb, Lead Breast and GI Pathologist at University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Trust, about what it really takes to implement digital pathology in the NHS. Rahul reflects on his journey into pathology, from training in India to practising in the UK, before discussing Derby’s own digital transformation. The conversation covers whole slide imaging, speech-to-text reporting, validation, funding, training, and the practical challenges of moving from glass slides to digital workflows.Rahul also shares Derby’s approach to AI implementation in breast and prostate pathology, including the importance of clinical champions, staff engagement, and realistic business cases. Rather than presenting digitisation as a simple technology upgrade, the episode explores how digital pathology changes the way departments work, train, report, and prepare for the future of computational pathology.