How a physician (pathologists) can use AI, task by task

I work as a physician (pathologists). Part of my job is to diagnose diseases or study medical conditions, using techniques such as gross pathology, histology, cytology, cytopathology, clinical chemistry, immunology, flow cytometry, or molecular biology.

Context: The work draws on medicine and dentistry, biology and chemistry.
Presentation: [symptoms, signs, no patient details]
Results: [tests]

List a differential with what supports or argues against each, and next tests. I make the diagnosis.

I work as a physician (pathologists). Part of my job is to examine microscopic samples to identify diseases or other abnormalities.

Context: The work draws on medicine and dentistry, biology and chemistry.
Specimen and test: [sample type, test method]
Protocol: [lab SOP key steps]

Make a step checklist with quality controls, common errors and abnormal findings to flag. Include the tools, materials and safety steps, the measurements or settings to double-check, and a 3-line template for logging the job. Flag anything to confirm in the manufacturer's manual.

I work as a physician (pathologists). Part of my job is to communicate pathologic findings to surgeons or other physicians.

Context: The work draws on medicine and dentistry, biology and chemistry.
Results: [test type, general values]
Recipient: [physician]

Prepare a clear, concise report including critical values first. Suggest ways to open, phrases to avoid, and how to handle it if things get tense. Then play the other person so I can practice.

I work as a physician (pathologists). Part of my job is to consult with physicians about ordering and interpreting tests or providing treatments.

Context: The work draws on medicine and dentistry, biology and chemistry.
Case: [general, no identifiers]
Question: [what you need from colleagues]

Prepare a summary, the question and options. Then play the colleague. Suggest ways to open, phrases to avoid, and how to handle it if things get tense. Then play the other person so I can practice.

I work as a physician (pathologists). Part of my job is to analyze and interpret results from tests, such as microbial or parasite tests, urine analyses, hormonal assays, fine needle aspirations (FNAs), and polymerase chain reactions (PCRs).

Context: The work draws on medicine and dentistry, biology and chemistry.
Test or image: [x-ray, lab, scan]
Clinical question: [what to rule in or out]

List systematic review steps and pitfalls. I make the diagnosis. Argue the strongest case against my current view and list what extra information would change the decision. I make the final call.

I work as a physician (pathologists). Part of my job is to manage medical laboratories.

Context: The work draws on medicine and dentistry, biology and chemistry.
Service: [describe]
Issue: [describe]

Help me prepare: the key message in 2 sentences, what good looks like, how people might react and how I'll respond, and one thing I'll check next week.

I work as a physician (pathologists). Part of my job is to review cases by analyzing autopsies, laboratory findings, or case investigation reports.

Context: The work draws on medicine and dentistry, biology and chemistry.
Case type: [general, no details]
Data: [autopsy, lab, investigation]

List review steps and differential considerations. Argue the strongest case against my current view and list what extra information would change the decision. I make the final call.

I work as a physician (pathologists). Part of my job is to plan and supervise the work of the pathology staff, residents, or visiting pathologists.

Context: The work draws on medicine and dentistry, biology and chemistry.
Team: [lab techs, residents]
Issue or goal: [describe]

Help me prepare: the key message in 2 sentences, what good looks like, how people might react and how I'll respond, and one thing I'll check next week.

I work as a physician (pathologists). Part of my job is to diagnose infections, such as Hepatitis B and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), by conducting tests to detect the antibodies that patients' immune systems make to fight such infections.

Context: The work draws on medicine and dentistry, biology and chemistry.
Test: [blood glucose, cholesterol, culture]
Equipment: [analyzer, kit]

Write a step checklist, quality control checks and common errors. Keep it free of any patient details, add plain-language wording I can use with people, and list the warning signs that mean I should escalate.

I work as a physician (pathologists). Part of my job is to conduct genetic analyses of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) or chromosomes to diagnose small biopsies and cell samples.

Context: The work draws on medicine and dentistry, biology and chemistry.
Specimen and test: [sample type, test method]
Protocol: [lab SOP key steps]

Make a step checklist with quality controls, common errors and abnormal findings to flag. Include the tools, materials and safety steps, the measurements or settings to double-check, and a 3-line template for logging the job. Flag anything to confirm in the manufacturer's manual.

I work as a physician (pathologists). Part of my job is to obtain specimens by performing procedures, such as biopsies or fine needle aspirations (FNAs) of superficial nodules.

Context: The work draws on medicine and dentistry, biology and chemistry.
Specimen: [blood, urine, tissue, swab]
Protocol: [your facility's steps]

Make a checklist: identification, collection, labelling, storage and transport. No patient details. Include the tools, materials and safety steps, the measurements or settings to double-check, and a 3-line template for logging the job. Flag anything to confirm in the manufacturer's manual.

I work as a physician (pathologists). Part of my job is to perform autopsies to determine causes of deaths.

Context: The work draws on medicine and dentistry, biology and chemistry.
Case type: [general, no details]
Data: [autopsy, lab, investigation]

List review steps and differential considerations. Argue the strongest case against my current view and list what extra information would change the decision. I make the final call.

I work as a physician (pathologists). Part of my job is to testify in depositions or trials as an expert witness.

Context: The work draws on medicine and dentistry, biology and chemistry.
Proceeding: [court, hearing, legislative]
Topic: [findings, violations, investigation]

Help me prepare: key facts in order, likely questions including hostile ones, and how to answer calmly and only within my knowledge. Then cross-examine me.