Pitt Pathologists Honored as Idols of Innovation

September 17, 2024

Left to right: Liron Pantanowitz and Hooman H. Rashidi

Two University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine faculty members have been named to the 2024 edition of The Pathologist Power List, an annual compilation that recognizes the highly valued work of pathologists and laboratory medicine professionals around the globe.

Hooman H. Rashidi, associate dean of artificial intelligence (AI) and professor of pathology, and Liron Pantanowitz, Maud Menten Professor and chair of the Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, have been tapped as 2024 Idols of Innovation in this prestigious list.

Both scientists are renowned for their forward-thinking approach and embrace of digital pathology, artificial intelligence and informatics in their field.

Rashidi has created innovative tools, including MILO, STNG and Pitt-GPT, as well as resources like the Hematology Outlines, an online textbook and atlas of hematology, and Cleveland Clinic's Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning in Healthcare course that improve clinical practice, research and education.

Pantanowitz has been focused on pathology informatics for more than two decades. He is passionate about using AI and computational pathology to transform clinical services, patient treatment, research and education.

According to Rashidi, “It’s a profound honor to be named to this list. It highlights not only

my dedication to advancing AI and machine learning in medicine but also the collaborative spirit and brilliance of the teams I've had the privilege to work with. I’m humbled to continue in contributing to the advancement of this ongoing transformative space that holds so much potential for improving our patient care, research and education efforts.”

Pantanowitz says this appointment is a significant achievement. “It validates my hard work, dedication and the risks I sometimes took to bring my ideas to fruition. Additionally, it acknowledges my contribution to our field, my ability to think outside the box, and signifies that my work has had a meaningful impact.”

He continues, “I hope this recognition will inspire others to pursue their own innovative ideas and contribute to improving the practice of pathology.”

Click here to learn more about The Pathologist Power List.