From Informatics to AI: Liron Pantanowitz on Leading Digital Pathology at Scale

In this Thought Leaders episode, Sidney Ocanagil-Tunstall, Marketing Director of Pathology News, speaks with Liron Pantanowitz, Chair of Pathology at the University of Pittsburgh and a pioneer in digital pathology and computational pathology.With a career spanning pathology informatics, whole slide imaging, and AI-driven diagnostics, Liron shares his journey from early frustrations with analogue workflows to becoming a global leader in digital transformation. He reflects on the origins of digital pathology, the development of validation guidelines with the College of American Pathologists, and how evidence-based practice has evolved over time.The conversation explores how UPMC is scaling digital pathology across a vast network of hospitals, building one of the most ambitious AI ecosystems in healthcare. Liron discusses the creation of the CPACE AI Center, the integration of imaging, text, and tabular data, and the growing role of both traditional and generative AI in clinical workflows.They also dive into real-world implementation challenges—from interoperability and vendor integration to cultural resistance among pathologists—and why mindset remains one of the biggest barriers to adoption. Liron shares insights into deploying AI in live clinical practice, the current lack of reimbursement models, and what the future may hold for billing, regulation, and global adoption.Finally, the episode highlights innovative initiatives like the “scan van” concept for mobile digitisation, the importance of building digital archives, and why laboratories must act now to remain competitive in an increasingly AI-driven healthcare landscape.