Episode 216: Dr David Li - Using Personal Experience To Transform Patient Understanding In Pathology

Today my guest is hematopathologist Dr David Li.

What we discuss with Dr Li:

• His early introduction to pathology through a neuropathology research lab at the University of Washington.
• The influence of strong mentors and role models in shaping his path toward hematopathology.
• His mother’s diagnoses with breast and pancreatic cancer, and how he served as a bridge to help her understand complex pathology reports.
• The communication gap that often exists between patients and providers when it comes to pathology results.
• Founding a patient pathology clinic at Mayo Clinic–Jacksonville to make pathology more patient-centered.
• Stories of diverse patients who benefited from the pathology clinic.
• The role of digital pathology in making pathology clinics accessible across the country and internationally.
• Dr. Li’s own experience with hereditary cancer risk and his prostate cancer diagnosis.
• Using social media, especially TikTok to raise awareness about genetic testing, men’s cancer risk, and early detection.
• His vision for a future where pathology clinics are a routine part of oncology care, supported by digital tools and multidisciplinary collaboration.

Links for this episode:

The Path to PathA

Pathologists' Assistant Shadowing Network

Health Podcast Network

LabVine Learning

Dress A Med scrubs

Digital Pathology Club

Dr Li on TikTok

People of Pathology Podcast:

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