Creating meaning through small doses of actionable learning
2025-08-18
Abstract
Background
The COVID-19 pandemic overwhelmed pathology services, halting routine case reviews and disrupting resident training. In response, the Canadian Association of Pathology (CAP-ACP) launched virtual one-hour webinars, allowing pathologists to learn while working and ensuring residents remained exposed to essential cases despite pandemic constraints.
Method
Using a convergent mixed-methods design, data from 115 post-session Contiuing Medical Education (CME) evaluation surveys were analyzed. Participants included pathologists and pathologists’ assistants, with 93% of responses from Canada. Quantitative and qualitative data were analyzed separately. Qualitative analysis employed an inductive thematic approach using a codebook, with member checking completed by two pathologists.
Results
High satisfaction with the learning activities was reported. Three main themes emerged: [1] participants viewed the webinars as accessible, engaging, and impactful; [2] the learning was actionable and relevant to daily practice—improving report writing, data interpretation, diagnostic accuracy, and tissue handling—while also equipping lecturers to teach effectively online; and [3] pathology at a crossroads. Quantitative responses showed that 80% felt the webinar enhanced their competence, but only 66% believed it would impact patient outcomes, suggesting a disconnect between their work and its perceived clinical impact. The webinars reminded pathologists of the clinical significance of their work and reflected a desire to connect more with colleagues through multidisciplinary collaboration. There was also a strong call to engage leadership in addressing burnout as a shared responsibility. Webinar platforms can support both skill-building and meaningful professional dialogue.
Discussion
The results highlight the multifaceted value of virtual CME—enhancing diagnostic, teaching, and leadership skills while helping pathologists reconnect with meaning and purpose in their work. As the profession navigates post-pandemic challenges, webinar platforms offer a scalable tool to support clinical competence, collaboration, and engagement with systemic issues such as burnout and professional identity.
Resources
Closing Plenary of the CAP 2025 Annual Scientific Meeting
Download the presentation here. To listen to me talk through the presentation (recommended), open slideshow mode and click play. Approx. 30 minutes with interactions removed.
Download a copy of the pre-print manuscript here:
Pathologist Burnout & Psychological Wellbeing
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