Blog
The Causes and Consequences of Pathologist Burnout
March 16, 2026
Earlier, we examined a troubling shift unfolding within the clinical laboratory profession with Dr. James Crawford. In an article published in Clinical Lab Products, Crawford discussed the escalating shortage of qualified medical laboratory technologists - an issue years in the making - and outlined practical steps laboratories and pathology groups can take to mitigate the impact.
Today, we shift the conversation to another pressing challenge facing the field: the growing strain placed on pathologists as they work to sustain independent pathology practices in a rapidly changing and often unpredictable healthcare landscape.
Industry Insights: Process Improvement and Advanced Technology to Help Relieve Laboratory Staffing Burden
Troubling Numbers from a Recent Poll
If you’re a pathologist, it’s a good bet you’ve felt burnout during your career, and there’s a good chance that you’re also affected by burnout today. That’s according to a poll conducted by the American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP) and published by the American Journal of Clinical Pathology.
The poll revealed that 71.4 percent of practicing pathologists had experienced symptoms of burnout at some point, with 32.9 percent reporting it as a current concern. The survey also highlighted six key factors contributing to workplace burnout, including:
- Lack of autonomy
- Bureaucracy (including both regulatory and compliance issues)
- Challenges of laboratory information system (LIS) software
- Obstacles with electronic health record (EHR) software
- Mergers and acquisitions
- Workload
- Isolation
Additional factors included feelings of depersonalization stemming from limited direct patient interaction and a sense that their work often went unrecognized.
Consequences of burnout included inattentiveness, irritability, and “tiredness” resulting in job transitions, increased medical errors, and consequent malpractice claims.
Case Study: Summit Pathology - Achieving Laboratory Profitability Amidst Operational Pressures
The Role of the Pandemic and Rising Labor Costs
While researching this blog post, we enlisted the help of a former practicing pathologist who has an extensive background in laboratory information systems and data management technology.
This accomplished pathologist understands how LIS systems bring intrinsic value to modern laboratory operations. He’s a well-respected voice within the industry who agreed to share his insight as part of a background interview, and for that, we’re grateful.
Rising Workloads and Mounting Pressure on Pathologists
What we heard during the interview was not unexpected. Stress and anxiety among pathologists are increasing as many professionals grapple with rising case volumes while facing a persistent shortage of qualified personnel to help distribute the workload.
At the same time, ongoing financial pressures on hospitals and health systems have led to widespread staffing reductions, further intensifying the workload for remaining teams.
Another consequence of these mounting pressures also surfaced during the conversation: a noticeable decline in volunteer participation within professional organizations such as the Association for Pathology Informatics. With tighter schedules and heavier daily responsibilities, many pathologists and informaticians simply no longer have the time to serve as committee chairs, project leaders, or contributors to industry initiatives.
White Paper: How Labs Can Achieve Financial Stability During Turbulent Times
Creating Automated Labs with Modern LIS Systems and Streamlined Laboratory Workflow Management
Today’s pathologists often sign out 40 to 50 cases during long 10- to 12-hour workdays. Many also find themselves working evenings and weekends, especially since surgical specimens often arrive late in the week and are processed overnight.
Historically, pathologists were thought to work fewer hours than their clinical counterparts; however, that perception is shifting. As staffing shortages grow and full-time equivalents (FTEs) are reduced, pathology departments are increasingly stretched. This leads to longer hours and heavier workloads.
How Modern Pathology Lab Reporting Software is Transforming Workflows
For many, the solution starts with laboratory software systems that support automated labs. For example, clinical pathology is a prime example of what can be accomplished with an automated clinical lab workflow.
A chemistry or hematology lab requires only a few people to support automation as specimens are clinically processed via belts and analyzers, and are only touched once or twice from entering the lab until processing, shipping, and storage.
While surgical pathology has historically relied on less automation than other laboratory areas, the field is steadily evolving as modern anatomic pathology software and advanced laboratory technology introduce new opportunities for workflow automation.
Get Insight: The Power of Integration - Unleashing the Potential of LigoLab's Medical LIS System & Lab RCM Platform
Automation and Rule-Based LIS Systems Are Streamlining Surgical Pathology
Automating the precise tasks of surgical pathology was once a significant challenge; skills like cutting thin tissue sections required expert hands. Today, that’s changing thanks to advancements like automated microtomes, automated stainers, and the rise of digital pathology solutions.
Equally transformative is the development of modern pathology lab reporting software. Laboratory information systems have evolved into the central hub for managing all laboratory data, streamlining workflows, improving accuracy, and supporting integration across the lab.
These new modern LIS lab solutions feature interface engines that maximize connectivity with all laboratory analyzers and devices. They are also rule-based, enabling lab information system admins to build simple to complex rules and actions that replace inefficient and mistake-prone human intervention with automation.
Discover More: How do I Know if My Laboratory has Outgrown its LIS System?
How Modern LIS Systems Help Pathology Practices Manage Workloads and Prevent Errors
Lastly, the best LIS lab solutions now feature just-in-time functionality, enabling users to monitor specimens at every stage of the workflow, greatly reducing the risk of lost or mislabeled samples.
The fundamental question in the face of overwork and personnel shortages is at what point of frustration does the pathology practice abandon the old way of doing things and invest in technology and automation that modern laboratory information systems can readily provide to ensure success?
Get Insight: The Role of Anatomic Pathology LIS Software in Optimizing Laboratory Workflow Management
Artificial Intelligence, Digital Pathology Solutions, and Modern Laboratory Information Systems
Many experts anticipate a major surge in pathology informatics, driven by rapid advancements in automation and emerging technologies.
Because of this, modern pathology LIS systems like LigoLab’s all-in-one medical LIS & lab billing informatics platform are well-positioned for what’s likely to be a pathology revolution in the next 5- to 7-year period.
Industry experts believe that support for artificial intelligence (AI) and digital pathology will be necessary to manage caseloads. They think we will soon see one pathologist routinely being as productive as two pathologists are at present.
With the adoption of this new technology, we may soon see a digital pathology workflow where a single pathologist will release 60 to 70 percent of cases based solely on the results of pathology image analysis software.
Another 20 to 30 percent of the cases will be more challenging, with the lab organization software providing a diagnosis that the pathologist may or may not agree with.
Finally, about 5 percent of cases will be so complex that they require the expertise of a pathologist to ensure an accurate diagnosis, highlighting the indispensable role of human judgment in even the most advanced laboratory software systems.
Investing in the future of pathology is essential. Medical labs typically account for only about 5 percent of a health system’s overall budget, yet their impact is enormous. Laboratory test results inform 70 to 80 percent of all medical decisions, making clinical labs a vital and cost-effective cornerstone of patient care.
Industry Insights: Digital Pathology Redefined - Uniting AI, Viewers, and a Robust LIS System for a Seamless Workflow
Is Your LIS Laboratory Information System Ready for What’s Coming Next?
If surgical pathology practices are to overcome the current issues covered here and become automated labs, a modern, rule-based LIS laboratory information system that supports automation and maximizes connectivity is a must-have.
It’s clear that rigid and legacy LIS systems are going the way of the dinosaur and are being phased out by unified medical LIS and laboratory billing solutions that are both comprehensive (full of features with new enhancements developed daily) and flexible (include thousands of configurable entities that give clinical labs and pathology groups the ability to quickly introduce new tests, results, reports, and new fields).
Discover More: Comparing the LigoLab Informatics Platform with Legacy Laboratory Information System Software
Choosing the Best LIS Vendor Is Just as Important as Choosing the Software
Not all LIS systems are created equally, so choose wisely. Ask about the LIS system provided and the laboratory information system vendor’s approach to support and upgrades.
You’ll find the best laboratory information system software will be backed by an LIS company interested in your lab’s long-term success, one with low upfront costs and aligned pricing, no hidden fees, and one that is motivated to work with you and your team to make your lab efficient and productive and capable of earning medical laboratory profit.
Get Insight: LigoLab Informatics Platform - Uniquely Designed to Deliver Maximum Value
Modernize Your Pathology Practice with LigoLab
Learn how LigoLab’s advanced anatomic pathology LIS helps practices automate workflows, improve reporting, and scale operations with confidence.
Act Now: Schedule a Personalized Demo Today!
FAQs About Anatomic Pathology LIS and Laboratory Information Systems
What is the best anatomic pathology LIS software?
The best anatomic pathology LIS software is a platform that supports the full surgical pathology workflow while providing automation, configurability, and interoperability with other healthcare systems. Leading solutions enable laboratories to manage specimen accessioning, case distribution, pathology reporting, digital pathology integration, and laboratory billing within a single platform. Laboratories should also look for LIS vendors that provide strong customer support, regular upgrades, and scalable architecture that can grow with the organization.
How much does an anatomic pathology LIS system cost?
The cost of an anatomic pathology LIS system varies depending on the size of the laboratory, the number of users, implementation requirements, and included modules such as laboratory billing or digital pathology integrations. Some legacy LIS vendors charge large upfront licensing fees. Modern LIS vendors increasingly offer subscription-based or shared-risk pricing models that reduce initial investment and align costs with laboratory growth.
What is the difference between an LIS and a LIMS?
A laboratory information system (LIS) is designed primarily for clinical laboratories and pathology practices that perform diagnostic testing on patient samples. In contrast, a laboratory information management system (LIMS) is typically used in research laboratories, pharmaceutical development, environmental testing, or industrial laboratories. While both systems manage laboratory data and workflows, LIS platforms are specifically designed to support patient care, regulatory compliance, and healthcare interoperability.
What does pathology reporting software do?
Pathology reporting software enables laboratories to generate, format, and distribute diagnostic reports based on test results and interpretations. Modern pathology reporting tools enable laboratories to create customizable report templates, include images or attachments, automate report delivery, and ensure standardized formatting across all reports. These systems also integrate with LIS platforms to ensure that diagnostic data flows directly into the final pathology report.
Can modern LIS software support digital pathology workflows?
Yes. Many modern LIS platforms integrate with digital pathology systems, enabling pathologists to review scanned slide images instead of physical glass slides. These integrations enable remote case review, collaboration between specialists, and the use of artificial intelligence tools for image analysis. Digital pathology integration improves efficiency and expands consultation capabilities.
How does LIS automation improve laboratory efficiency?
Automation within an LIS system reduces repetitive manual tasks, creating automated labs that operate more efficiently. Rules-based automation can assign cases to pathologists, trigger quality assurance checks, manage specimen tracking, generate documents, and automate laboratory billing processes. By automating these activities, laboratories can increase productivity, reduce errors, and improve turnaround times.
What are the key features of modern laboratory information systems?
Modern LIS systems typically include features such as automated specimen tracking, configurable workflow management, pathology reporting tools, digital pathology integration, advanced analytics dashboards, interoperability with EHR and EMR systems, secure audit trails, and integrated laboratory revenue cycle management capabilities. These features help laboratories operate more efficiently while maintaining compliance and data integrity.
How does LIS software improve specimen tracking?
Modern LIS platforms use barcode labeling, workflow monitoring, and audit trails to track specimens throughout the entire laboratory process, from accessioning to final report delivery. These tools help prevent lost or mislabeled samples, improve laboratory quality control, and ensure full traceability for regulatory compliance.
Why are integrated LIS and laboratory billing systems important?
When laboratory information system functions and laboratory billing are integrated, clinical testing data automatically connect to financial workflows. This enhances charge capture, supports automated CPT and ICD coding, reduces lab billing errors, and accelerates reimbursement. Integrated LIS medical and lab revenue cycle management systems also give laboratory leaders better visibility into operational and financial performance.
How can a modern LIS system help pathology practices grow?
A modern LIS system enables pathology practices to scale operations by supporting increased test volumes, additional diagnostic services, and multi-location workflows. Automation tools, configurable workflows, and integrated analytics help laboratories expand efficiently while maintaining operational control and financial transparency.
