Why Going Slow Is Killing Digital Pathology Adoption | Syed T. Hoda, M.D.

Is gradual digital pathology adoption creating more fragmentation than progress?

Dr. Syed Hoda, Director of Digital Pathology at NYU, argues that departments should plan carefully but transition decisively. In this Digital Pathology Podcast episode, he explains how leadership support, project management, system integration, extensive testing, and structured change management helped NYU prepare for a department-wide digital workflow.

The conversation moves beyond scanner specifications. Dr. Hoda describes why integration, vendor support, training, ergonomics, collaboration, and system speed were central to adoption. He also explains how digital pathology enabled remote sign-out for approximately 60–65 pathologists without losing the collaborative aspects of case review.

The episode concludes with a measured discussion about artificial intelligence in pathology. Dr. Hoda examines validation, transparency, regulatory clearance, professional responsibility, and the need for pathologists to help define the problems AI should solve.

• Why slow, partial adoption can produce fragmented workflows
• How intensive planning supported NYU’s rapid transition
• The role of pathology, IT, project managers, vendors, and leadership
• Why scanner integration and service can matter more than specifications
• How structured change management helped nearly 100 pathologists adapt
• What remote sign-out requires from equipment and system performance
• Why digital infrastructure should come before AI implementation
• How pathologist-led AI could extend pathology beyond visual assessment