In this episode of The Pathology Report, host Meg Strauss is joined by guests Octavia Palmer, Leslie Burnett, and Timothy Fazio to explore the intersection of artificial intelligence, big data, and pathology.

Octavia Palmer, a clinical chemist and director at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, discusses the importance of ensuring big data reflects diverse populations and addresses healthcare equity. Emphasising the need for collaboration between data experts and clinicians to address healthcare gaps effectively.

Leslie Burnett, a pathologist from the Garvin Institute in Sydney, sheds light on harnessing AI to augment human abilities in diagnostics without fear of overdiagnosis. She elaborates on how AI enables pathologists to manage larger datasets and uncover patterns that enhance diagnostic accuracy.

Timothy Fazio, a health informatician and metabolic physician, delves into the practical applications of predictive modeling in clinical settings. He discusses the balance between AI handling simple tasks and the implications for clinician workload and education as AI takes on more complex responsibilities.

Key topics covered in the episode include:

• The role of AI in enhancing pathology diagnostics and identifying healthcare disparities.
• The impact of AI on overdiagnosis and how models mirror traditional diagnostic test characteristics.
• Data ownership and sovereignty concerns, particularly related to cross-border data sharing and ensuring patient consent.
• Different views on implementing data insights in clinical and laboratory settings to personalize patient care.

They then reflect on the balance between routine automation and the potential cognitive burden on clinicians, emphasising the importance of evolving medical education to align with technological advancements.

The Pathology Report is produced by the Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia and is part of the Talking HealthTech Podcast Network.

Learn more about the RCPA at rcpa.edu.au and discover other shows in the network at talkinghealthtech.com/podcast/network.

The Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia (RCPA) is proud to present The Pathology Report – a podcast exploring the latest insights, innovations, and challenges in pathology.

In Season One, recorded live at Pathology Update 2025, we bring you conversations with leading experts in pathology and laboratory medicine. Each episode delves into key areas of the field, highlighting the pivotal role pathology plays in modern healthcare.

Stay tuned for the first episodes, landing soon in your favourite podcast feed.

Find out more at rcpa.edu.au.