Human carcinogenesis, the new genetics, and the practicing pathologist (Reprinted from Pol J Pathol, vol 53, pg 115-117, 2001)

The current explosion in medical information has broadened the range of opportunities for anatomic pathologists while threatening their identity as medical consultants. As the complexities of processes such as human carcinogenesis are clarified, the temptation to bypass traditional methods of transferring information from the research bench to the bedside should be resisted. Patients continue to expect wisdom, perspective, and judgment from their doctors and these functions have not been abrogated by molecular technology in the information age.