Pathologists and Pathology: All About These Specialists
Pathology is the study of diseases, their causes, their progression, and their effect on the human body. The name comes from the Greek word 'pathología,' which means 'suffering.'
In the context of pathology, 'disease' is any deviation from a set of observable characteristics of an individual resulting from the interaction of their genes with their environment. This deviation is quantified and measured via symptoms reported by the person experiencing them, as well as signs measured through tests by a pathologist.
The cause of the disease is referred to as its etiology. Disease develops through a series of chemical or cellular reactions, which a pathologist studies and investigates.
Learn more about the role of a pathologist below.
What does a pathologist do?
A pathologist analyzes tissues, cells, and bodily fluids. They are an important part of a medical professional team, often tasked with answering important questions about disease, such as:
'What is it?' (a diagnosis)
'How is it going to behave?' (a prognosis)
'How should it be treated?' (treatment strategy)
Pathologists make this determination by looking at the cellular, chemical, and mechanical behavior of body and its tissues, using their observations, the results of tests they perform, and newly developed computing technologies.
These medical doctors specialize in looking at human tissue, blood, urine, and other bodily fluids under a microscope. Oftentimes, they work in the background without speaking to patients.
According to a paper published in 2020, the role of pathologists in medical research and treatment is growing as the human genome is deciphered, and as complex interactions of cellular biochemistry are refined and the risk of disease is more accurately calculated.
What are the types of pathology
There are several sub-specialties of pathology, and these medical specialists usually focus on one to several types.
Blood banking and transfusion: This type of pathologist maintains an adequate blood supply, blood donor and recipient safety, and appropriate blood use at a medical facility. They direct the preparation and safe use of specially prepared blood components, including red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets and plasma constituents, and bone marrow or stem cells for transplantation.
Clinical pathology: A clinical, or chemical, pathologist specializes in the biochemistry of the human body to understand disease diagnosis and progression. They monitor substances in bodily fluids like blood and urine to assess changes in someone's body.
Clinical informatics: These specialists evaluate data, health trends, and communication systems and use this information to improve medical processes that will allow for better patient outcomes. Think of them as the quality control of pathology.
Cytopathology: This type of pathology is the study of individual cells of the body. The human body is made up of millions of cells that can be looked at under the microscope to help diagnose medical conditions. It's often used to diagnose cancer, other conditions of the respiratory, urinary, and gastrointestinal tracts, and thyroid gland, salivary glands, and lymph nodes.
Dermatopathology: This discipline specializes in human skin diseases. It involves the microscopic examination, description, and interpretation of biopsy specimens. Dermatopathologists often have training in dermatology.
Forensic pathology: This is the study of tissue or bodily fluid in a person after their violent, sudden, and unexpected death. Forensic pathologists are sometimes also medical examiners or coroners, performing autopsies for a government law enforcement agency. Their job is to identify the cause and manner in which someone died.
Hematopathology: A hematologist studies conditions specific to blood cells, blood clotting, bone marrow, and lymph nodes. They use blood samples to diagnose conditions like anemia and blood cancers.
Medical microbiology: This discipline specializes in infectious organisms and diseases. They take part in the work to prevent, diagnose, and treat conditions that result from microorganisms.
Molecular genetic pathology: This type of specialist expert investigates gene structure, function, and mutations. They use laboratory testing to help diagnose, treat, and provide a prognosis for people with genetic disorders, infectious diseases, and human development. They also help determine the risk of genetic disorders.
Neuropathology: Neuropathologists study conditions that affect the nervous system and skeletal muscles. They often work with neurologists and neurosurgeons to diagnose neurological diseases, and also analyze tissue samples following death to study dementia, assess trauma, and evaluate genetic conditions.
Surgical pathology: This is the study of the tissues removed during surgery —such as a tumor—to help diagnose a disease and determine a treatment plan. This can sometimes occur while a surgery is ongoing, and can inform surgeons on how to proceed.
Pediatric pathology: This type of pathology involves the research of conditions that occur during fetal growth, infancy, and child development. Pediatric pathologists investigate diseases in children up to 18 years of age.
How much education and training is required of pathologists?
In order to become a pathologist in the United States, a medical professional starts with a four-year undergraduate degree, often in chemistry or biology. Next is a four-year doctorate degree in medicine, either for a doctor of medicine (MD) or doctor of osteopathic medicine (DO).
This is followed by a medical residence in a medical facility, which for pathology usually lasts for three years. Combined residencies in both anatomical and clinical pathology can take four years or longer.
In all, the process can take 11 years or longer.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Chicago Tribune
9 minutes ago
- Chicago Tribune
The silent disease that's been killing Americans for decades — And what doctors are doing about it
Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the U.S., claiming a life every 34 seconds. But beyond heart attacks or other sudden events, a quieter threat is building inside Americans' blood vessels. It's called arterial calcification, an often overlooked driver of serious health complications. Now a breakthrough technology offers hope for better treatment. When arteries become narrowed or hardened due to the buildup of plaque, it's known as atherosclerosis. Over time, these plaques can calcify, meaning they harden into rigid, rocklike deposits that line the inner or middle walls of arteries. This process, called calcification, makes arteries less flexible and more likely to get blocked, raising the risk of heart attacks, strokes and limb loss. Peripheral artery disease is a common result of this process. It happens when narrowed or hardened arteries reduce blood flow to the legs and feet. PAD affects approximately 230 million people worldwide, yet many don't realize it. Arterial calcification can also affect the arteries that supply the heart, leading to coronary artery disease. When blood flow to the heart is restricted, it can cause chest pain, shortness of breath and heart attacks. Annually, the disease results in 17.8 million deaths worldwide. Like PAD, CAD develops silently over time. Once identified, calcified plaques are notoriously hard to treat. Standard procedures can work well for soft plaque. Doctors thread a tiny balloon into the blocked artery, inflate it to compress the blockage, then often insert a metal mesh tube called a stent to keep the vessel open. With calcified arteries, rigid calcium often doesn't budge. Traditional balloons may fail to expand or cause artery tears. Similarly, stents may not fully deploy, increasing procedural complications. In short, older tools try to push through the problem. But next-generation technology uses a different approach: preparing the artery first, helping ensure procedures are safer and more efficient. Enter intravascular lithotripsy, a breakthrough therapy that borrows from an unexpected source: kidney stone treatment. For decades, doctors have used sound waves to break up kidney stones through a minimally invasive procedure. IVL applies the same principle inside the artery, delivering controlled sonic pulses through a modified balloon catheter to gently crack calcium deposits from within. This approach avoids many complications of more aggressive procedures and is considered one of the most promising developments in interventional cardiology. IVL was first approved for coronary use just four years ago, with adoption growing rapidly. One early IVL company quickly became the market leader and was acquired by Johnson & Johnson in 2024 — another sign of the technology's growing importance in cardiovascular Medical is a standout innovator in the IVL space, pushing the boundaries of energy delivery and procedural efficiency to elevate outcomes in peripheral and coronary interventions. 'FastWave Medical's novel IVL platforms offer genuine promise for addressing severely calcified coronary arteries that are difficult to traverse,' says Dr. Kathleen Kearney, medical director of the Cardiac Cath Lab at UWMC Montlake. 'These technological improvements are greatly needed to empower physicians in providing more effective treatment to their patients.' But what makes FastWave particularly noteworthy isn't just its technology; it's who's backing it. Alongside venture investors, physicians — cardiologists, vascular surgeons and interventional radiologists — have invested in the company. Their involvement signals more than financial interest; it reflects confidence in the system's potential to address the daily challenges they face in the cath lab. When physicians invest in medical technology, it demonstrates something powerful: They believe it will genuinely improve their ability to deliver high-quality care. 'FastWave is moving quickly and decisively to become best-in-class in the IVL space,' said Dr. Arthur Lee, director of peripheral vascular services at the Cardiac and Vascular Institute. 'We are excited to support the development of this groundbreaking technology and get it into the hands of those who need it most.' 'Calcified arteries remain one of the most difficult conditions to treat in our field,' added Dr. Amir Kaki, director of mechanical circulatory support and high-risk coronary interventions at Henry Ford St. John Hospital. 'FastWave's IVL platform is a compelling advancement that should provide a more precise, efficient and predictable way to manage complex arterial disease.' As of July 2025, the company holds a total of eight patents, with several more applications underway. These patents span key areas of the technology from energy delivery to catheter design. Early study results are encouraging for the company's dual IVL platforms. In June, FastWave successfully completed initial first-in-human procedures as part of an ongoing feasibility study for its coronary laser-based IVL system. An Investigational Device Exemption is also planned to evaluate its electric IVL system for the treatment of PAD. 'Calcified lesions aren't just a technical challenge — the condition remains one of the most significant barriers to successful peripheral interventions,' said Dr. Sahil Parikh, director of endovascular services at Columbia University Irving Medical Center. 'FastWave's upcoming IDE trial for PAD will give us a chance to assess whether an advanced IVL system can meaningfully improve the lives of patients who suffer from this difficult disease.' Dr. Venita Chandra, clinical professor of surgery at Stanford Health Care, expects the trial to reveal whether FastWave's device will offer doctors a better tool for difficult cases. 'The key question isn't just whether a device works but whether it makes procedures more efficient and provides physicians with a more predictable tool for treating patients with complex arterial disease,' she said. The stakes are rising rapidly. As the population ages and rates of diabetes and obesity continue to climb, more patients will face PAD and CAD. For the most difficult cases, treatment options are quite limited. But innovation is catching up. First-generation IVL introduced a new treatment paradigm; now advanced tools from startups like FastWave promise doctors more ways to treat this disease.
Fast Company
9 minutes ago
- Fast Company
Wegovy and Zepbound patients are resorting to these cost-saving measures to stay on the weight-loss drugs
Doctors advise most patients on GLP-1 obesity drugs such as Wegovy and Zepbound to stay on them to keep the weight off, but as more U.S. insurers restrict coverage people are trimming costs by stretching doses or forgoing expenditures like vacations to pay for the medication out of pocket. A half dozen doctors who spoke with Reuters said insurance coverage has tightened in 2025 as many employers drop it for the expensive GLP-1 drugs. While patients on these medications are counseled on proper diet and exercise, clinical trials show that people who stop taking these drugs are apt to regain weight. Novo Nordisk's Wegovy and Eli Lilly's Zepbound are weekly injections with U.S. insurer list prices of more than $1,000 a month. For customers willing to pay cash, both drugmakers will ship directly for $499 a month if refills are purchased at fixed intervals. 'A significant number of my patients now pay cash,' said Dr. Nidhi Kansal, an obesity specialist at Northwestern Medicine in Chicago. 'People find a way to scrounge up $6,000 a year, which sucks, because that's a vacation or two.' Subscribe to the Daily newsletter. Fast Company's trending stories delivered to you every day Privacy Policy | Fast Company Newsletters More than a billion people worldwide are obese, according to the U.N. World Health Organization, which has said the GLP-1 drugs could help end the obesity pandemic. 'A KIND OF PURGATORY' A tech industry job change for Yelena Kibasova, a 40-year-old who lives in the Minneapolis area, meant loss of coverage for her Zepbound prescription that helped her achieve and maintain a 150-pound (68-kg) weight loss. GLP-1 patient Yelena Kibasova, 40, poses in this undated handout picture. [Photo: @morethanmyweight/Handout via Reuters] 'My new company does not cover GLP-1s, so now I am in a kind of purgatory,' Kibasova said. 'I stopped doing my nails. I stopped doing my hair. Those things are not as important as me staying at a healthy weight.' The doctors interviewed by Reuters said patients once leery about long-term obesity treatment are now more comfortable staying on a drug. The doctors said that conversations about temporary use happen only when a patient is trying to lose a certain amount of weight for issues such as fertility treatment or an organ transplant. These obesity specialists said they are hopeful that competition will help bring down prices as new weight-loss options emerge, including new oral drugs that may be available next year. Lilly last week announced trial results for its easier-to-manufacture pill, which was shown to cut patient weight by 12.4%, a few percentage points less than injected drugs. The company hopes to launch it in August 2026. Kenneth Custer, Lilly's head of cardiometabolic health, told Reuters the pill is being tested in several settings, including as a maintenance therapy. Custer declined to comment on how it might be priced. MEDICATION FOR MAINTENANCE Dr. Anne Peters, an endocrinologist at Keck Medicine USC in Los Angeles, said it is important that patients who reach their weight-loss goal not stop a prescription 'cold turkey,' so the dose can be tapered down over several months. Peters said about a third of her patients are able to reduce their dose and maintain weight loss, while the rest need to stay on the medication. An analysis of U.S. pharmacy insurance claims found that nearly two-thirds of patients who started on Wegovy or Zepbound in 2024 were still on the medications a year later. advertisement Peters said she uses 'every technique in the book' to secure insurance coverage for patients, but noted that a growing number of plans no longer pay for the treatments, and patients have to pay out-of-pocket. U.S. pharmacies supply self-injection pens pre-loaded with doses of Wegovy or Zepbound. Lilly's direct-to-consumer service also offers vials. 'Some patients can stretch out the vials longer. Get 15 mg, and then give a 10 mg dose for instance,' Dr. Peters said, noting that the drug's instructions advise that such an approach should not be taken. Doses of 5 mg, 10 mg and 15 mg are recommended for weight-loss maintenance. Patients also are turning to lower-cost compounded versions of the GLP-1 drugs, or are even mixing them at home with raw ingredients, both of which Peters and other doctors advise against due to safety concerns. Dr. Angela Fitch, former president of the Centennial, Colorado-based Obesity Medicine Association and chief medical officer at online primary care provider Knownwell, said nobody wants to be on a medication, but patients who respond to a GLP-1 drug 'really don't want to go off of it when they recognize that it has such a value to them.' Both Wegovy and Zepbound were first launched, under the brand names Ozempic and Mounjaro, as diabetes treatments. The class has been linked to a range of benefits, including improved heart health and less sleep apnea. Fitch said the most common reason for her patients to stop taking a GLP-1 drug is loss of insurance coverage. She said her experience is that about 10% of patients are able to reach a target weight and maintain it without further treatment. 'We are in a dip where people are dropping coverage,' Fitch said, adding that the direct-to-consumer options are an 'upper-ish middle-class thing.' —Deena Beasley, Reuters
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Saudi Arabia Osteoporosis Drugs Market Analysis Report 2025-2033 Featuring Amgen, Eli Lilly and Co, F. Hoffmann La Roche, GlaxoSmithKline, Merck, Novartis, Pfizer, Teva Pharmaceutical, UCB
The Saudi Arabia Osteoporosis Drugs Market is projected to grow from US$ 210.89 million in 2024 to US$ 308.84 million by 2033, with a CAGR of 4.33% from 2025. Major growth drivers include an aging population, increasing osteoporosis rates, and favorable healthcare regulations. While bisphosphonates remain popular for their cost-effectiveness, biologics are expected to see the fastest growth. Government initiatives under Vision 2030 support local drug production and healthcare infrastructure, enhancing drug accessibility. However, challenges such as low adherence and rural access remain. Key market players include Amgen, Eli Lilly, and Pfizer. Saudi Arabian Osteoporosis Drugs Market Dublin, Aug. 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Saudi Arabia Osteoporosis Drugs Market to Reach US$ 308.84 Million by 2033 - 4.33% CAGR Driven by Biologics and Aging Population" report has been added to Saudi Arabia Osteoporosis Drugs Market is expected to reach US$ 308.84 million by 2033 from US$ 210.89 million in 2024, with a CAGR of 4.33% from 2025 to 2033 Due to improved healthcare infrastructure, the Saudi Arabian market for osteoporosis medications is concentrated in urban areas like Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam, whereas rural areas have less access to experts, diagnostics, and treatment alternatives. Growing rates of osteoporosis, the quick uptake of biologics, and advantageous healthcare laws in a number of Saudi Arabian nations are the main causes of this expansion. While bisphosphonates continue to dominate in volume due to their cost effectiveness, the biologics segment is anticipated to grow at the quickest rate. Government programs under Vision 2030, which prioritize regional medication production and improved healthcare infrastructure, promote the pharmaceutical industry. Osteoporosis treatments are becoming more accessible and reasonably priced as a result of these initiatives, and both name brand and generic medications are essential in satisfying the rising calcitonin, parathyroid hormone analogs, selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs), and monoclonal antibodies are among the available treatments. Newer biologic medicines are steadily gaining traction because of their increased efficacy and better patient outcomes, even if bisphosphonates are still frequently administered. Despite progress, issues like poor drug adherence, low awareness in rural regions, and underdiagnosis still exist. Additionally, comprehensive nationwide screening programs and coordinated post fracture care are lacking. Reducing the long term economic cost of osteoporosis in the nation and improving treatment outcomes could be achieved by addressing these challenges through integrated care models, digital health technologies, and Factors Driving the Saudi Arabia Osteoporosis Drugs Market Growth Saudi Arabia's Aging Population Is GrowingBecause osteoporosis and aging are closely related, Saudi Arabia's aging population is a major factor driving up demand for osteoporosis medications. People are more susceptible to fractures, loss of bone density, and associated problems as they get older, especially those over?60. The need for long term therapeutic treatments as well as preventive measures is growing as a result of this demographic shift. More people are reaching the age range where osteoporosis becomes a major concern due to better healthcare and longer life expectancies. As a result, the incidence of osteoporosis is rising in areas with greater populations of elderly persons. In order to assist the aging population and lessen the health burden associated with fractures, this development emphasizes the urgent need for efficient drugs and healthcare Rates of Screening and DiagnosisEarly osteoporosis identification has increased throughout Saudi Arabia thanks to the availability of sophisticated diagnostic technologies including dual energy X ray absorptiometry (DEXA) and bone mineral density (BMD) scanning. These technologies are now widely used in hospitals and clinics, increasing screening accessibility for high risk populations, especially postmenopausal women. In order to encourage early testing and diagnosis, health authorities are aggressively promoting awareness and screening initiatives. Because of this, more people are being diagnosed with bone loss early on, when treatment can be most successful. The number of patients eligible for osteoporosis treatments has increased dramatically due to the increase in early detection, which has increased demand for pharmacological interventions and made it possible to control the condition more effectively over the long Initiated Medical ProgramsAs a national health issue, osteoporosis is being actively addressed by the Saudi Arabian government. It seeks to lower the frequency of fractures and enhance bone health outcomes through education programs, public health campaigns, and preventative measures. Osteoporosis screening and bone density monitoring are becoming more commonplace in national health programs, and access to therapies is being facilitated by drug reimbursement policies and subsidized treatment options. These programs are promoting earlier medical intervention and increasing treatment adherence. Additionally, by making strategic investments in public health, the government's Vision 2030 push for local pharmaceutical development and a larger healthcare infrastructure is bolstering the availability of osteoporosis medications and promoting long term market in the Saudi Arabia Osteoporosis Drugs Market Low Persistence and Adherence to TreatmentLow patient adherence and persistence with prescribed medication regimens is one of the main issues facing Saudi Arabia's osteoporosis management. A lack of immediate, apparent benefits, worries about long term health repercussions, or worries about adverse effects cause many patients to stop treatment too soon. Non-adherence is also influenced by cultural norms and a lack of knowledge about how osteoporosis progresses. Treatment results are harmed as a result, raising the risk of fractures and associated problems. Long term patient involvement is challenging for healthcare practitioners, particularly when patients need daily or weekly oral medication. Enhancing patient education, providing alternate dosage regimens, and incorporating follow up assistance may all contribute to increased adherence and improved population wide therapeutic Treatment Persistence and AdherencePoor patient perseverance and adherence to prescribed treatment regimens is one of the main issues facing osteoporosis care in Saudi Arabia. Due to worries about side effects, worries about long term health repercussions, or a lack of obvious, immediate advantages, many patients stop treatment too soon. Non-adherence is further exacerbated by cultural attitudes and a lack of knowledge regarding the progressive nature of osteoporosis. Treatment results suffer as a result, and the risk of fractures and associated complications rises. It can be challenging for healthcare professionals to stay in touch with patients over the long term, particularly when they need daily or weekly oral medication. Enhancing follow up assistance, providing alternate dose schedules, and improving patient education may all contribute to increased adherence and improved therapeutic efficacy for the general public. Company Analysis: Overview, Key Persons, Recent Developments, SWOT Analysis, Revenue Analysis Amgen Inc. Eli Lilly and Company F. Hoffmann La Roche AG GlaxoSmithKline Plc Merck & Co. Inc. Novartis AG Pfizer Inc. Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. UCB S.A. Key Attributes: Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 200 Forecast Period 2024 - 2033 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2024 $210.89 Million Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2033 $308.84 Million Compound Annual Growth Rate 4.3% Regions Covered Saudi Arabia Key Topics Covered: 1. Introduction2. Research & Methodology2.1 Data Source2.1.1 Primary Sources2.1.2 Secondary Sources2.2 Research Approach2.2.1 Top-Down Approach2.2.2 Bottom-Up Approach2.3 Forecast Projection Methodology3. Executive Summary4. Market Dynamics4.1 Growth Drivers4.2 Challenges5. Saudi Arabia Osteoporosis Drugs Market5.1 Historical Market Trends5.2 Market Forecast6. Market Share Analysis6.1 By Product Type6.2 By Route of Administration6.3 By States7. Product Type7.1 Bisphosphonates7.2 Calcitonin7.3 Rank Ligand Inhibitor7.4 Parathyroid Hormone Therapy (PTH)7.5 Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators (SERMs)7.6 Sclerostin Inhibitor7.7 Others8. Route of Administration8.1 Oral8.2 Injectable8.3 Others9. Top States9.1 Dhahran9.2 Riyadh9.3 Khobar9.4 Jeddah9.5 Dammam9.6 Others10. Value Chain Analysis11. Porter's Five Forces Analysis11.1 Bargaining Power of Buyers11.2 Bargaining Power of Suppliers11.3 Degree of Competition11.4 Threat of New Entrants11.5 Threat of Substitutes12. SWOT Analysis12.1 Strength12.2 Weakness12.3 Opportunity12.4 Threats13. Pricing Benchmark Analysis13.1 Amgen Inc.13.2 Eli Lilly and Company13.3 F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG13.4 GlaxoSmithKline Plc13.5 Merck & Co. Inc.13.6 Novartis AG13.7 Pfizer Inc.13.8 Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.13.9 UCB S.A.14. Key Players Analysis For more information about this report visit About is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. Attachment Saudi Arabian Osteoporosis Drugs Market CONTACT: CONTACT: Laura Wood,Senior Press Manager press@ For E.S.T Office Hours Call 1-917-300-0470 For U.S./ CAN Toll Free Call 1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
