She is a regular contributor to numerous publications in the fields of surgical pathology and dermatopathology and is a valuable consultant and content contributor for PathologyWatch.
We sat down with Rajni to talk about her connection to the dermatopathology field and how this emerging field is impacting patient care.
You had a unique and almost instant connection with pathology. Can you describe that moment?
Early on, I found tumors so engaging—almost beautiful, in a way— when viewed under the microscope. I am fascinated by everything about the process. It was an unusual way of looking at the world, but it was a shared perspective. When I learned that other people had this fascination, I knew I had found my tribe and my calling.
What do you think is the most rewarding part of working in the pathology field?
In pathology, you give a diagnosis that has a direct impact on patient care. When a physician asks for an opinion on a diagnosis, it’s because they are reaching the end of the road to making a diagnosis before a biopsy. So the idea of consulting with pathology as part of the process to pinpoint a diagnosis is what I find most rewarding. I know that my diagnosis is taken seriously and ultimately contributes to that patient’s treatment options and care.
What strengths do you bring to PathologyWatch?
I come from a background of academics and private practice, and this experience has helped in the research and organizational side of the company. My academic experience during training, which included multiple publications, helped me develop a rigorous standard for data collection and interpretation, which has helped in developing the research tools at PathologyWatch. In private practice, I have experience in business development and laboratory startups, and this has served to advise the executive team in laboratory compliance, regulation, and marketing. Finally, I am a committed believer in the mission of the company and enjoy working with this amazing team.
What will PathologyWatch bring to the industry?
The field of pathology is riddled with misdiagnoses and a lack of access to quality care. PathologyWatch will improve the quality of care by facilitating standardized criteria for pathology diagnoses. This is a game-changer in the field and will improve the quality of care across the board. This is just the tip of the iceberg, as digital pathology technologies end up being more cost-effective in the long run, with quicker turnaround time. The benefits will trickle down to other facets of healthcare quickly.
What do you do in your spare time? (Besides being a superhero, of course.)
I am a “binge” reader and love fantasy and sci-fi novels. I once read the last book of the Harry Potter series in one marathon sitting! I also love playing board games with my family (even though I have the worst luck!).