Towards a "Net" generation of Pathologists: the pathCast online remote learning platform

Area of Science:

• Digital Health
• Medical Education
• Pathology

Background:

• Digital and communication technologies are transforming medical knowledge dissemination.
• Online platforms provide flexible, self-directed learning opportunities for medical professionals.
• These resources became crucial during the COVID-19 pandemic, maintaining educational continuity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the structure and features of pathCast, an open-access online learning platform for pathologists.
• To assess the global acceptance and innovative educational methodologies of pathCast.
• To evaluate the impact of pathCast on pathology residency training and continuing education.

Main Methods:

• Descriptive analysis of the pathCast platform's structure and functionalities.
• Assessment of global community acceptance through community engagement.
• Review of innovative educational elements and impact on learning.
• Compilation of a lecture list with links and discussion of other resources.

Main Results:

• pathCast is a robust, reliable platform live-streaming pathology lectures globally.
• It has gained acceptance within the international pathology community.
• The platform introduces innovative educational methodologies.
• pathCast positively impacts residency training and lifelong learning for pathologists.

Conclusions:

• Online remote learning platforms like pathCast are valuable educational tools in pathology.
• These platforms enhance accessibility, reduce educational disparities, and support continuous professional development.
• pathCast demonstrates significant potential for integration into pathology curricula at various levels.