[Management of the pathology clinic and diagnostic pathology].
Pathologists routinely make a pathologic diagnosis using materials obtained from living or deceased patients as part of their daily work, and many of them conduct some research relating to the pathologic diagnosis as well. Thus far, they have not had to explain the pathologic diagnoses they have made. However, since the Japanese government allowed the Service of Diagnostic Pathology to be advertised in hospitals from April 2008, pathologists in Japan have faced increasing difficulties in managing the Pathology Clinic and Diagnostic Pathology. Even after a new system was started in Diagnostic Pathology, the above-mentioned daily work and research activities were still carried out. However, the Pathology Clinic is a new responsibility for the majority of pathologists in Japan. The author has experienced managing a Pathology Clinic for more than 10 years, and now reports in this paper how to manage both the Pathology Clinic and Diagnostic Pathology. In conclusion, Diagnostic Pathology should be the baseline for performing integrated and sophisticated medicine, especially for neoplastic lesions, while the Pathology Clinic can be a focal point where patients consult pathologists directly. Pathologists should not neglect their roles as members of the medical team.
Taniyama
Kiyomi
K
Institute for Clinical Research, Department of Diagnostic Pathology, National Hospital Organization, Kure Medical Center/Chugoku Cancer Center, Kure 737-0023, Japan. taniyamak@kure-nh.go.jp
D001344:Autopsy / Q000592:standards; D007564:Japan; D010338:Pathology, Clinical / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000592:standards