Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: The global shortage of pathologists, driven by rising diagnostic demands and a declining workforce, threatens future healthcare systems. Limited exposure to pathology in medical school and low public awareness contribute to this issue. This study investigates the use of an autopsy simulation to promote early interest in pathology among high school students. Conducted with a rural STEM club, the activity guided students through a mock forensic case involving alcoholic liver cirrhosis. Participants engaged in gross organ examination, histology analysis, and toxicology review, diagnosing the cause of death through collaborative critical thinking. The simulation sparked interest in pathology careers and supported public health education by highlighting alcohol’s effects on the body. Its low cost, interdisciplinary design, and scalability make it a promising model for outreach. By introducing students to pathology in an interactive way, such simulations may help address workforce shortages and inspire future careers in medicine and science.
Authors: Christine Vu, Nitish Bhargava, Shrivats Manikandan, Varsha Manikandan, Daniel Floyd, Sumitra Miriyala
Institution: A.T. Still University
Language: English
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W4415485231