Specialisatie versus generalisme in de pathologie

As medical knowledge increases and deepens, there is a tendency to specialize. This is especially visible in the larger specialties such as internal medicine and surgery, but it also occurs in smaller fields such as dermatology. The situation is a little different in pathology as there are many more (sub)specializations which causes special problems. Advantages of specialization are, amongst others, increased knowledge and better communication with clinical colleagues. In this paper, the disadvantages – losing sight of the bigger picture, tunnel vision and having problems finding new pathologists who have all the proper qualifications – are weighed against the advantages. Although specialization is probably inevitable, there will still be a need for a generalist, especially when it comes to medical education and filling in when a specialist colleague leaves.

Conflict of interest and financial support: none declared.