Residency training in anatomic pathology: looking forward in the 21st century

Residency training in anatomic pathology in the United States elicits a wide range of fundamental questions and conflicting opinions. This paper reflects the author's opinion concerning 4 questions that are often integral to these discussions and impact the outlook on training in the current century. (1) What are the goals of residency training in anatomic pathology? (2) In the face of exponential growth of information in anatomic pathology, how are residents to be trained? (3) What changes are likely to occur in the practice and training of anatomic pathology? (4) Is combined training in anatomic and clinical pathology a viable program for the 21st century?