Problems and opportunities in pathology manpower.

Abstract

Speculations regarding the future of pathology manpower most often depend on whether the perspective taken is pessimistic or optimistic. In this article, I propose that the pessimist-optimist options are inadequate. To speculate responsibly about the future, our first task must be to understand clearly the present problems and opportunities. Problems facing pathology are numerous: (1) practitioners are retiring at an increasing rate, (2) inadequate numbers of newly trained pathologists are available to fill vacancies, (3) training program numbers continue to decline, (4) attrition of trainees is substantial, and (5) recruitment of new trainees encounters significant barriers. Despite these problems, significant opportunities to improve training program environments, decrease attrition, and increase recruitment are available. The future of pathology will depend on how we respond to the problems and opportunities that we currently face.