Anju Shukla

My Journey in Pathology As a pathologist, our life revolves around the microscope. Every slide we examine holds a story—sometimes subtle, sometimes dramatic—but always meaningful. Each specimen represents a patient, a family, and a clinical journey, and it is our responsibility to interpret that story with accuracy and integrity. Over the past 30 years, primarily in the field of histopathology, I have learned that no two diseases are ever truly identical. Every case presents with unique clinical features and distinct histomorphology. Disease does not arrive after reading a textbook; rather, textbooks are written after observing disease. This understanding has kept me humble and continuously motivated to learn. The essence of pathology is constant study and adaptation. Our goal as pathologists is not only to diagnose but to evolve with advancing science and technology. During my career, I have witnessed a complete paradigm shift in the way tumors are diagnosed and treated. Up until the year 2000, diagnosis was largely morphology-driven. Histological patterns formed the cornerstone of tumor classification. Then came the era of immunohistochemistry, which added specificity and refined our diagnostic accuracy. This was followed by the advent of molecular pathology, where each tumor began to be understood through its unique molecular signature—fundamentally changing therapeutic strategies and ushering in the era of targeted therapy and personalized medicine. I have also witnessed the evolution of the WHO classification of tumors—from earlier editions such as 1976, through 2000, 2007, 2016, and now the most recent 2021 and 2022 updates. Each revision reflects not only scientific progress but also a deeper understanding of tumor biology. Today, we are entering yet another transformative phase with the integration of Artificial Intelligence in pathology. Digital pathology and AI-assisted diagnostics are expanding our capabilities and efficiency. However, I say with confidence that morphology will always remain the foundation of our discipline. Technology can assist, but it cannot replace the trained eye, clinical judgment, and experience of a pathologist. Pathologists are the backbone of medical science. Behind every clinical decision, every surgical intervention, and every targeted therapy, there is a diagnosis made at the microscope. This journey has been one of continuous learning, adaptation, and dedication—and I remain as passionate today as I was when I first looked through the microscope three decades ago.