The Computational Pathology & Informatics Division is a pioneering entity dedicated to integrating advanced computational methodologies/AI and informatics to enhance diagnostic precision, research capabilities, education and clinical outcomes in pathology. Our division encompasses four specialized branches: the CPACE AI Center, the Clinical Informatics Section, the Digital Pathology Research Center, and the Pathology Image Analysis Laboratory.
Leadership
Executive Vice Chair of Computational Pathology & Informatics:
Dr. Hooman H. Rashidi
Vice Chair of Informatics:
Dr. Matthew Hanna
Medical Director, Pathology Image Analysis Laboratory:
Dr. Ibrahim Abukhiran
Our Vision
The Computational Pathology & Informatics Division is committed to becoming the gold standard for similar divisions worldwide. We strive to lead by example through our dedication to innovation, collaboration, education and excellence in the fields of computational pathology/AI and informatics. Our vision is to set new benchmarks in diagnostic precision, research advancements, education, and clinical prognostication, thereby shaping the future of pathology.
Our Branches
Mission
The CPACE AI Center focuses on developing and implementing artificial intelligence solutions to revolutionize pathology and laboratory medicine workflows. Our mission is to harness the power of AI to improve diagnostic accuracy, productivity, and reproducibility while enhancing research and educational endeavors for all.
Goals
- Develop AI algorithms for image analysis, pattern recognition, and predictive analytics.
- Facilitate seamless integration and implementation of AI tools into clinical practice.
- Foster collaboration with academic and industry partners to drive innovation.
- Provide education, training, and resources to support AI adoption in pathology and laboratory medicine.
Mission
The Clinical Informatics Section is dedicated to advancing the field of pathology through cutting-edge informatics solutions. Our mission is to leverage data analytics, machine learning, and information systems to enhance pathology & laboratory medicine operation, research, education, and clinical practice.
Goals
- Implement robust data management systems to support clinical operation, research, and education initiatives.
- Deploy predictive models and decision-support tools to improve patient care.
- Promote interdisciplinary collaboration to address complex clinical and research opportunities
- Provide education and foster proficiency among pathologists and informaticists in the most recent informatics methods
Mission
The mission of the Digital Pathology Research Center (DPRC) is to drive innovation in digital and computational pathology that not only enhance research, but also translate seamlessly into clinical practice, providing novel patient care delivery mechanisms and enhanced workflow efficiency.
Goals
- Driving Innovation Through Collaboration
- Clinical Trial Participation
- Whole Slide Scanner and Hardware Evaluations
- Software Evaluation and Development
- Driving Standards in Digital Pathology
- Promoting Consistency and Reliability
- Engaging with the Global Community
- Translating Research into Clinical Practice
- Virtual Education
Mission
The Pathology Image Analysis Laboratory aims to advance the analysis and interpretation of clinical images through innovative techniques and technologies. Our mission is to improve diagnostic accuracy and patient outcomes by integrating state-of-the-art image analysis tools into clinical workflows.
Goals
- Develop and validate image analysis algorithms for various clinical applications.
- Integrate image analytics with clinical data to provide comprehensive diagnostic insights.
- Collaborate with clinicians and researchers to translate image analysis findings into practice.
- Provide education and resources to support the use of image analytics in clinical settings.
Unique Aspects of UPMC's Pathology Image Analysis Laboratory
- Unique Institution: UPMC is a unique institution as it houses a dedicated Pathology Image Analysis Laboratory, a feature most academic institutions do not possess.
- Clinically Validated Algorithms: We run numerous clinically validated quantitative image analysis algorithms for patient care, such as breast biomarkers and CD8 positive tumor infiltrating lymphocytes quantification for multiple tumor types, including colon cancer, melanoma, head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, and metastatic carcinoma of any primary origin (for selection of immunotherapy).
- Unique Testing Methodology: Our testing methodology is unique; we apply multiple quality control (QC) metrics—precision control, patch control, and scanner control—to our analyses to ensure consistent and accurate results. UPMC is pioneering the field of clinical image analysis and setting the standard for quality in this high-complexity testing area.
- Extensive Digital Infrastructure: Our extensive digital infrastructure allows us to offer these services not just to UPMC patients but also to external labs. We offer slide digitization and quantitative image analysis (QIA) assays for any of our comprehensive immunohistochemistry test menu.
By leveraging these unique aspects, UPMC is at the forefront of clinical image analysis, setting new standards and advancing the field significantly.
For more information about our division and its initiatives, please contact us at duboyse@upmc.edu.
By staying at the forefront of technological advancements and fostering a culture of continuous improvement, we aim to make a significant impact on the field of pathology, laboratory medicine and beyond.