Physicians, Pathologists

Task by task

Each task this job involves, as listed by O*NET, rated on whether a large language model like GPT-4 could cut the time it takes by at least half at the same quality. Tasks marked Seen in real AI use appeared in conversations with Claude in April–May 2026 (Anthropic Economic Index).

• AI can speed this up on its own: 1 (5%)
• AI can speed this up with extra software: 15 (79%)
• Little or no AI speed-up: 3 (16%)

• Write pathology reports summarizing analyses, results, and conclusions.AI can speed this up on its own · core task
• Examine microscopic samples to identify diseases or other abnormalities.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Diagnose diseases or study medical conditions, using techniques such as gross pathology, histology, cytology, cytopathology, clinical chemistry, immunology, flow cytometry, or molecular biology.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Communicate pathologic findings to surgeons or other physicians.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Identify the etiology, pathogenesis, morphological change, and clinical significance of diseases.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Read current literature, talk with colleagues, or participate in professional organizations or conferences to keep abreast of developments in pathology.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Consult with physicians about ordering and interpreting tests or providing treatments.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Analyze and interpret results from tests, such as microbial or parasite tests, urine analyses, hormonal assays, fine needle aspirations (FNAs), and polymerase chain reactions (PCRs).AI can speed this up with extra software · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Review cases by analyzing autopsies, laboratory findings, or case investigation reports.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Manage medical laboratories.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Develop or adopt new tests or instruments to improve diagnosis of diseases.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Educate physicians, students, and other personnel in medical laboratory professions, such as medical technology, cytotechnology, or histotechnology.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Plan and supervise the work of the pathology staff, residents, or visiting pathologists.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Diagnose infections, such as Hepatitis B and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), by conducting tests to detect the antibodies that patients' immune systems make to fight such infections.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task
• Conduct genetic analyses of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) or chromosomes to diagnose small biopsies and cell samples.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task
• Conduct research and present scientific findings.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task
• Perform autopsies to determine causes of deaths.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Obtain specimens by performing procedures, such as biopsies or fine needle aspirations (FNAs) of superficial nodules.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Testify in depositions or trials as an expert witness.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task