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Trends in the China pathologist workforce From 2010 to 2022
Zhun Shu1, Zebiao Liu1, Jianzhu Zhang1
1Department of Pathology, Huizhou First Hospital, Huizhou, Guangdong, China.
Frontiers in Health Services
|June 26, 2026
Summary
China’s pathology workforce grew from 2010-2022, but not fast enough to meet rising cancer case demand. Increased patient volumes per pathologist highlight the need for workforce planning and technology.
Area of Science:
- Medical diagnostics
- Public health workforce analysis
- Oncology services
Background:
- Global pathology faces personnel shortages and increasing workloads.
- Rising cancer incidence and diagnostic complexity exacerbate workforce challenges.
- Limited data exists on pathology workforce trends in China.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine trends in China's pathology workforce from 2010 to 2022.
- To assess the balance between workforce growth and diagnostic demand.
- To identify implications for future workforce planning.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from the China Health Statistical Yearbook (2010-2022).
- Analyzed data on pathologists, cancer cases, and patient volumes.
- Calculated workload metrics, growth rates, and performed regression analysis.
Main Results:
- Pathologist numbers increased, but growth lagged behind rising patient volumes.
- Oncology clinic outpatients and inpatient tumor patients per pathologist significantly increased.
- Positive correlations found between pathologist numbers and patient volumes (P < 0.001).
Conclusions:
- China's pathology workforce growth has not matched increasing diagnostic demand.
- Workforce planning and efficiency-enhancing technologies are crucial.
- Addressing the growing demand-to-workforce ratio is essential for quality care.
