Evolution of pathology practice in the United States: current status and future trends

This article traces the development of pathology practice from its origins in autopsy pathology to its current practice in the United States. The American model of practice differs markedly from that in continental European countries because of the extensive incorporation of "Clinical Pathology" with the traditional disciplines of anatomic pathology under the auspices of the Pathology Department. "Clinical Pathology" as it is now defined includes the laboratory testing disciplines of Chemistry, Hematology, Immunology, Medical Microbiology, and Transfusion Medicine. The increasing importance of computers and information management, DNA diagnostic techniques, and the multiple roles of the pathologist as a researcher and consultant in pathology practice in the United States is discussed.