Journal of Pathology and Translational Medicine

Reviews

Professional biobanking education in Korea based on ISO 20387: Jong Ok Kim, Chungyeul Kim, Sangyong Song, Eunah Shin, Ji-Sun Song, Mee Sook Roh, Dong-chul Kim, Han-Kyeom Kim, Joon Mee Kim, Yeong Jin Choi; J Pathol Transl Med. 2025;59(1):11-25. Published online January 15, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4132/jptm.2024.11.04

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Abstract PDF: To ensure high-quality bioresources and standardize biobanks, there is an urgent need to develop and disseminate educational training programs in accordance with ISO 20387, which was developed in 2018. The standardization of biobank education programs is also required to train biobank experts. The subdivision of categories and levels of education is necessary for jobs such as operations manager (bank president), quality manager, practitioner, and administrator. Essential training includes programs tailored for beginner, intermediate, and advanced practitioners, along with customized training for operations managers. We reviewed and studied ways to develop an appropriate range of education and training opportunities for standard biobanking education and the training of experts based on KS J ISO 20387. We propose more systematic and professional biobanking training programs in accordance with ISO 20387, in addition to the certification programs of the National Biobank and the Korean Laboratory Accreditation System. We suggest various training programs appropriate to a student’s affiliation or work, such as university biobanking specialized education, short-term job training at unit biobanks, biobank research institute symposiums by the Korean Society of Pathologists, and education programs for biobankers and researchers. Through these various education programs, we expect that Korean biobanks will satisfy global standards, meet the needs of users and researchers, and contribute to the advancement of science.

Development of CytoAcademy: a new web- and mobile-based E-learning platform for cytopathologists and cytotechnologists by the Korean Society for Cytopathology in the post-pandemic era: Ran Hong, Yosep Chong, Seung Wan Chae, Seung-Sook Lee, Gyungyub Gong; J Pathol Transl Med. 2024;58(6):261-264. Published online November 7, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4132/jptm.2024.10.02

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Abstract PDF: Since the late 1990s, online e-learning has offered unparalleled convenience and affordability, becoming increasingly popular among pathologists. Traditional learning theories have been successfully applied to web/mobile-based learning systems, with mobile technologies even enhancing conventional offline education. In cytopathology, hands-on microscope training has traditionally been paramount, complemented by real-case presentations and lectures. However, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic disrupted regular academic activities, making online e-learning platforms essential. We designed a web/mobile-based learning platform to enhance continued medical education in cytopathology at various levels, particularly during the era of COVID-19 and beyond. Since 2021, we have integrated curriculum materials, virtual education files, and whole-slide images (WSIs) of cytopathology, submitted from over 200 institutions across Korea, with the support of numerous instructors. We develop a new e-learning platform named “CytoAcademy” composed of a basic session for each organ and level across the range of morphologic findings; on-demand lectures to enhance cytopathologic knowledge; WSI archives that allow users to explore various histologically confirmed cases; and a self-assessment test to help organize diagnostic knowledge acquired through the web/mobile-friendly learning system. The platform provides not just an opportunity to achieve a correct diagnosis, but also a learning experience based on problem-solving point. Members interact, identify their deficiencies, and focus on specific educational materials. In this manner, all participants can actively engage in creating and maintaining knowledge and foster a proactive approach to learning.

Original Articles

Educational exchange in thyroid core needle biopsy diagnosis: enhancing pathological interpretation through guideline integration and peer learning: Agnes Stephanie Harahap, Chan Kwon Jung; J Pathol Transl Med. 2024;58(5):205-213. Published online July 24, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4132/jptm.2024.06.24

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Abstract PDF: Background
While fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) plays an essential role in the screening of thyroid nodules, core needle biopsy (CNB) acts as an alternative method to address FNAC limitations. However, diagnosing thyroid CNB samples can be challenging due to variations in background and levels of experience. Effective training is indispensable to mitigate this challenge. We aim to evaluate the impact of an educational program on improving the accuracy of CNB diagnostics.
Methods
The 2-week observational program included a host mentor pathologist with extensive experience and a visiting pathologist. The CNB classification by The Practice Guidelines Committee of the Korean Thyroid Association was used for the report. Two rounds of reviewing the case were carried out, and the level of agreement between the reviewers was analyzed.
Results
The first-round assessment showed a concordance between two pathologists for 247 thyroid CNB specimens by 84.2%, with a kappa coefficient of 0.74 (indicating substantial agreement). This finding was attributed to the discordance in the use of categories III and V. After peer learning, the two pathologists evaluated 30 new cases, which showed an overall improvement in the level of agreement. The percentage of agreement between pathologists on thyroid CNB diagnosis was 86.7%, as measured by kappa coefficient of 0.80.
Conclusions
This educational program, consisting of guided mentorship and peer learning, can substantially enhance the diagnostic accuracy of thyroid CNB. It is useful in promoting consistent diagnostic standards and contributes to the ongoing development of global pathology practices.

Current state of cytopathology residency training: a Korean national survey of pathologists: Uiju Cho, Tae Jung Kim, Wan Seop Kim, Kyo Young Lee, Hye Kyoung Yoon, Hyun Joo Choi; J Pathol Transl Med. 2023;57(2):95-101. Published online March 14, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4132/jptm.2023.01.06

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Abstract PDF Supplementary Material: Background
Although the Korean Society for Cytopathology has developed educational goals as guidelines for cytopathology education in Korea, there is still no systematic approach to cytopathology education status for pathology residents. Furthermore, satisfaction with cytopathology education and with the outcome of the current training/educational program has not been investigated in Korea. This study aimed to obtain comprehensive data on the current state of cytopathology education for residents and evaluate education outcomes.
Methods
An online survey was conducted in December 2020 for the board-certified pathologists and training residents registered as members of the Korean Society for Cytopathology. The questionnaire comprised questions that investigated the current status of cytopathology at each training institution, the degree of satisfaction with the work and education related to cytopathology, outcomes of cytopathology training, and educational accomplishments.
Results
Of the participants surveyed, 12.3% (132/1,075) completed the questionnaire, and 36.8% (32/87) of cytopathology residents participated. The mean overall satisfaction with cytopathology education was 3.1 points (on a 1- to 5-point scale, 5: very satisfied). The most frequent suggestion among the free description format responses was to expand educational opportunities, such as online education opportunities, outside of the individual institutions.
Conclusions
Our results showed that cytopathology training in Korea needs further improvement. We expect that this study will inform systematic training of competent medical personnel armed with broad cytopathology knowledge and strong problem-solving abilities.

Review

How to Foster Professional Values during Pathology Residency: Yong-Jin Kim; J Pathol Transl Med. 2019;53(4):207-209. Published online June 27, 2019; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4132/jptm.2019.06.12

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2 Web of Science
2 Crossref

Abstract PDF

The importance of professional and ethical behavior by physicians both in training and in practice cannot be overemphasized, particularly in pathology. Professionalism education begins in medical school, and professional attitudes and behaviors are further internalized during residency. Learning how to be a professional is a vital part of residency training. While hospital- or institution-based lecture style educational programs exist, they are often ineffective because the curriculum is not applicable to all specialties, although the basic concepts are the same. In this paper, the author suggests ways for institutions to develop professional attitude assessments and to survey residents’ responses to various unprofessional situations using case scenarios.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

A modified Delphi approach to nurturing professionalism in postgraduate medical education in Singapore
Yao Hao Teo, Tan Ying Peh, Ahmad Bin Hanifah Marican Abdurrahman, Alexia Sze Inn Lee, Min Chiam, Warren Fong, Limin Wijaya, Lalit Kumar Radha Krishna
Singapore Medical Journal.2024; 65(6): 313. CrossRef
A Scoping Review of Professionalism in Neurosurgery
William Mangham, Kara A. Parikh, Mustafa Motiwala, Andrew J. Gienapp, Jordan Roach, Michael Barats, Jock Lillard, Nickalus Khan, Adam Arthur, L. Madison Michael
Neurosurgery.2023;[Epub] CrossRef

Original Articles

Development of the Pathology Laboratory Teaching Material Composed of Digital Pictures and Presentation over the Internet.: Sang Yeop Yi; Korean J Pathol. 2001;35(4):338-343.

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Abstract PDF: BACKGROUND
To maximize the efficiency of the pathology laboratory class, it has been realized that students should be given an environment with repeated learning situations. For this purpose, this study was designed to present the significance that pathologists need in order to publish teaching materials over the Internet.
METHODS
The pictures were captured as different magnified digital data from teaching glass slides. To modify the images, a graphics program was used, and these were transferred to the Microsoft PowerPoint software and developed as final teaching material. The final teaching material was then published on the Internet. This material can be browsed by searching through windows and by the indices of diagnosis. RESULTS: The comments from all users of the teaching material used in this study showed that it was user-friendly and appropriate for searching and reviewing. The users could assess information easily before and after the laboratory sessions. The quality of the images in this material was appropriate for printing. All users from our university were satisfied with the fact that all pictures were captured from their own teaching slides.
Conclusions
: Therefore, the teaching material used in this study is helpful for medical students studying pathology. Furthermore, this trial may induce others to develop pathology teaching materials over the Internet.

Pathology Teaching for the Undergraduate Students in Korean Medical Schools: Current Debates and Future Program Design.: Yong Il Kim; Korean J Pathol. 2005;39(3):145-150.

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Abstract PDF: This article aimed to summarize the current critiques or debates on the pathology teaching for the undergraduate medical students in Korean medical schools and to rationalize the curricular approaches for renovation and instructional strategies which are under the hot discussion. Of 41 medical schools in Korea, most pathology programs have been criticized along the line of their traditional discipline-oriented, teacher-centered curriculum and morphologydirected instruction by their limited emphasis of developing either the reasoning abilities or the effort for the systematic understanding of disease mechanism, while any measures of compensatory strategies against the declining participation to the autopsy remain unqualified. The formal instruction of the pathology course was also under the strong debates in regard to the driving effort in teaching every corners of the textbook contents aside from the overemphasis of rather monotonous and less dynamic microscopic observation equipped with the sketch-based laboratory works. Also, student's loss of interest on pathology and other concerns neglected during the undergraduate pathology course was discussed. The author stressed the leadership of the pathology course among other biomedical disciplines especially in development of the appropriate educational curricula such as the horizontal vs. vertical integrated teachinglearning process and tutorials. Alternative emphasis was made on more experimental experiences as a part of upgrading the reasoning power together with the simulated case studies prior to the senior class to meet the school objectives.

Medical Students' Attitudes Toward Autopsy and the Effect of Their Attitudes Following a Forensic Pathology Course.: Yoon Young Yang, Hee Kyung Park, Cheong Yi Park, Won Kee Lee, Sang Han Lee, Jung Sik Kwak, Jong Min Chae; Korean J Pathol. 2004;38(3):165-173.

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Abstract PDF: BACKGROUND
The autopsy is a special surgical operation on a dead body to discover its cause of death. The autopsy is necessary for forensic uses, and it is also of great importance for educating students regarding medical uncertainty.
METHODS
To evaluate medical studentsO attitudes toward autopsy and the effect of their attitudes following a forensic pathology course, a questionnaire with 25 items that addressed the usefulness of autopsies and discomfort reactions was used. One hundred eighty nine medical students from 3 medical schools in Daegu participated in this study.
RESULTS
The medical students showed a high perception of an autopsy's principles, but the medical students were reluctant to become personally involved, despite being more aware of the necessities of the autopsy in forensic cases. Acceptance for the necessities of the autopsy for medical students who took the forensic pathology course was increased, but most of discomfort reactions were not improved.
CONCLUSIONS
One way to fulfill the role of forensic pathology as an inspector for human rights and to retain the very special source of knowledge that autopsies represent would be to provide medical education that lead to reconciliation of the discomfort feelings.

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