Seven-year experience in pathology capacity development project including education for pathology residents and pathology technologists in Cambodia: Challenges and opportunities

Abstract

This article discusses a 7-year (2017–2023) collaborative project aimed at pathology capacity development in Cambodia, where the pathology workforce is limited due to historical and infrastructural challenges. Cambodia's increasing cancer burden necessitates the expansion of pathology services; however, the country has only a small number of health professionals related to pathological services. Since 2017, the project, funded by Japan's Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare, has involved Japanese pathologists providing lectures and technical advice and Cambodian pathologists gaining training in Japan. Over time, the project expanded to support both pathologists and pathology technologists, focusing on capacity building, through a residency program for pathologists and a bridging course for laboratory technologists. The project faced several challenges, including maintaining the quality and sustainability of education, improving practical training environments, and addressing the international migration of a trained workforce. Despite these obstacles, the program trained several residents and led to the development of educational materials. The project also highlighted opportunities to mobilize Cambodian pathologists working abroad and incorporate digital technology into the education system. The article concludes that strengthening the local pathology workforce requires systemic changes, including developing the capacity of Cambodian pathologists to take on leadership roles in teaching and supporting the education system, as well as utilizing Cambodian pathologists abroad as a resource for education and service delivery.