INFORMATICS - A SUBSPECIALTY IN PATHOLOGY

The emerging discipline of pathology informatics is reviewed, and its placement as a subspecialty within the broader field of pathology and laboratory medicine is proposed. Informatics concepts should guide the development of the next generation of laboratory information systems. Advanced laboratory systems will incorporate decision support leading to improvements in quality and in interpretive reporting providing su pport for clinical diagnosis and decision making. Training programs in pathology should take into account the need for expertise in informat ics and develop fellowships in this area to adequately prepare junior faculty members for their future professional role.