Impact of Cost-Effective Digital Slide Platform on Grades of Romanian Veterinary Students

The global shift toward digital pathology necessitates accessible and cost-effective training tools, posing a significant challenge for resource-constrained veterinary faculties. The objective of this study was to evaluate the academic impact of a cost-effective, in-house-developed digital pathology platform implemented at a Romanian Veterinary Faculty during the 2024-2025 academic year. Grade data from six academic years (2018-2025) were used as historical controls. Statistical analysis, including independent-samples t-tests, ANOVA, and multivariable regression, was performed on individual student grade data to assess changes in academic performance and grade distribution. Results demonstrate a statistically significant increase in mean grades and a higher proportion of top-performing students following platform adoption. The 2024-2025 cohort outperformed four of five prior cohorts, showing a marked shift toward higher grades and fewer low grades. We conclude that this low-cost digital pathology platform may significantly enhance student academic outcomes in veterinary pathology education. These findings validate a scalable and sustainable model for improving pedagogical delivery in resource-conscious institutions worldwide. Further longitudinal research is essential to track the long-term sustainability of these academic gains and confirm the platform's impact across multiple graduating cohorts.