Not only does pulmonary pathology provide exposure to general surgical pathology and the ability to identify metastatic diseases, but it also stands out as an increasingly critical specialty, especially with the rise in neoplastic cases due to new lung cancer screening guidelines. Despite the limited number of fellowship training spots, there is a growing demand for fellowship-trained pulmonary pathologists. Additionally, the field fosters close collaboration with clinicians, making it an engaging area of pathology that delivers its own distinct blend of challenges and opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Employment challenges primarily revolve around limited opportunities outside of academic institutions. Thoracic pathology positions are often confined to academic settings, making it necessary for those solely focused on pulmonary pathology to seek academic positions, which may require relocation. However, combining pulmonary pathology with other skills or interests can broaden job prospects beyond academic centers.
The typical duration is one year.
On-call time varies depending on factors like involvement in transplant lung cases and the specific institution’s protocols. For those working in centers with lung transplant programs, after-hours availability to interpret transplant lung biopsies may be required, although this varies between institutions. In short, the on-call responsibilities for pulmonary pathologists are influenced by the scope of their practice and the nature of cases encountered—not unlike general surgical pathologists.
The case volume might range from lower to moderate, but it’s often high in complexity. Molecular testing is commonly performed in most neoplastic cases, especially for non-small cell lung cancer, and pulmonary pathologists often handle a wide range of cases—including those involving metastases to the lung—requiring solid general pathology knowledge. Non-neoplastic lung cases can be challenging, and special stains for bacteria and fungi are often needed. Additionally, PDL1 testing for Pembrolizumab is typically interpreted by pulmonary pathologists when possible.
It interacts with a variety of medical specialties, including surgeons, transplant physicians, radiation oncologists, pulmonologists (especially those in critical care and transplant), thoracic oncologists, surgeons, and radiologists (when available), and infectious disease physicians.
Yes, there is a dedicated organization called the Pulmonary Pathology Society (PPS). The PPS is a robust society that organizes biennial in-person meetings—usually with international destinations. Additionally, companion meetings are held annually during the United States and Canadian Academy of Pathology (USCAP) conference. The society also hosts a pulmonary journal club, with recordings available on the PPS website, ensuring members stay updated on developments within the field of pulmonary pathology.
This subspecialty pairs well with several other pathology areas, including head & neck, endocrine, molecular, and cytopathology. However, it’s important to note that personal interest and skills should guide one’s choice, and there are opportunities available for those specializing solely in pulmonary pathology as well.
No, pulmonary pathologists generally do not have direct interaction with patients.
Other Resources
Check out other pathology subspecialties
- Pathology Careers
- Blood Banking/Transfusion Medicine
- Bone & Soft Tissue Pathology
- Breast Pathology
- Cardiovascular Pathology
- Clinical Chemistry
- Cytopathology
- Dermatopathology
- Forensic Pathology
- Gastrointestinal/Liver Pathology
- General Pathology
- Genitourinary Pathology
- Gynecologic Pathology
- Head & Neck Pathology
- Hematopathology
- Informatics
- Medical Microbiology
- Molecular Pathology
- Neuropathology
- Pediatric Pathology
- Pulmonary Pathology
- Renal Pathology
- Surgical Pathology