What a physician can do after transitioning from pediatrician to pediatric neuropathologist

Abstract

  By transitioning from a pediatrician to a pediatric neuropathologist, I have gained a unique position to approach pediatric neurological diseases from both clinical and pathological perspectives. This transition has dramatically expanded the scope of my work and interactions with professionals from different fields. Based on my experience, I will present the possibilities and challenges that come into view from this position, as well as future prospects. One of my initiatives involves regenerating pathological specimens from past pediatric neurological disease cases that underwent autopsies and creating a database of autopsy information. Through this effort, I have demonstrated the potential to gain new insights by regenerating specimens of rare diseases from the past and re-evaluating them with modern technology. Additionally, I am working in collaboration with the Department of Forensic Medicine to elucidate the pathophysiology of Sudden Unexpected Death in Infancy (SUDI). We have identified findings such as glial scarring in the inferior olivary nucleus of the medulla oblongata and pathogenic variants in arrhythmia-related genes. I am also focusing on the ethical and social issues associated with the widespread use of Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT). I feel the importance of providing appropriate information to families facing NIPT results and the need for pathological verification of fetuses that were terminated as a result of NIPT. Transitioning to a different field as a medical professional is not merely a career change. At times, it can serve as a bridge between clinical practice and basic research, deepening our understanding of pediatric neurological diseases and potentially leading to the development of new diagnostic methods and treatments from fresh perspectives.