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President
Indian Association of Pathologists & Microbiologists
Interviewed by Dr. Ramya Suresh
"Winning the election was something I couldn’t believe when it happened. It’s not just a personal victory, but a reflection of the trust so many people have placed in me, my work, and my vision. I see it as an opportunity to turn my dreams for the association into reality, and I hope to deliver as their president."
Dr. Ramya: "Your name is now on the global forefront, but we all start somewhere. Who or what was your inspiration? How was it growing up? How did you end up here?"
Dr. Usha Kini: "As a child, I never imagined myself in medicine. I enjoyed spending time with friends and nature. However, my parents instilled in me a strong sense of discipline, always reminding me to excel in whatever I chose to do. That philosophy kept me motivated when I eventually joined medicine. I was a quiet person, but I had exceptional mentors and teachers who shaped my journey. Even today, they remain a part of me, and I deeply miss those who are no longer with us."
Dr. Ramya: “Has pathology always been the field that you've always wanted to do?"
Dr. Usha Kini: "Initially, pathology was just another subject in my undergraduate days, and I never thought of it as a career. But during my residency, I realized its true importance. The integration of laboratory investigations with clinical decision-making fascinated me. Seeing how crucial pathology was in establishing a diagnosis changed my perspective. I took time to weigh the pros and cons, but I eventually embraced it, realizing that ‘pathologists are the doctors of doctors.’ Given my quiet nature, it felt like the right fit where I could make a meaningful contribution."
"Pathology is the heart of medicine - own it. Be the kind of pathologist the world needs, not just what you want to be. A good pathologist is also a good researcher and, above all, a good human being. Dedication and commitment to medicine should define your career. Think globally but act locally—because real change begins at your own institute before it can extend beyond."
Dr. Ramya: “You have touched the lives of many little ones with your work on Hirschsprung's Disease. Is there one such experience that has touched you, taught you some lessons that you would like to take with you on your journey?"
Dr. Usha Kini: "One case from 25 years ago remains deeply etched in my memory. We were handling a frozen section for a two-month-old baby with constipation. At that time, cryostats were not as advanced, and after careful examination, we initially diagnosed the biopsy as ‘not ganglionated,’ leading the surgeon to proceed with surgery. Later, my professor re-examined the frozen sections and found a ganglion cell in the final slide—indicating that it might not be Hirschsprung’s Disease. By then, the surgery was almost complete, and that realization was a jolt for me. I knew we needed more precise, foolproof methods to support surgeons with absolute confidence. It took years of effort, but today, our centre provides frozen section reports within 20 minutes, and with ancillary techniques, in 30 minutes—eliminating the need to wait for permanent sections. This approach has now been adopted widely, benefiting countless children."
Dr. Ramya: “Medical education and training is now constantly evolving. So, how does IAPM plan to support these global advancements and how can we make a mark at the international level with respect to the diagnosis, the research or even the medical education and the training at the basic level?”
Dr. Usha Kini: "To elevate pathology, we must raise academic standards and tailor the curriculum to India’s needs. Simply replicating Western models won’t work, as our students, teachers, and healthcare challenges are different. However, that doesn’t mean we are behind; we just need a system that suits us. The key is to establish standardized protocols for reporting and diagnosis. If each institution strengthens its framework, it can then be implemented at the state and national levels. Collaborative, multi-institutional work—whether in academics or research—will be crucial for the growth of pathology in India."
Dr. Ramya: “Now that you are the president of IAPM, what is your goal and what is your vision?”
Dr. Usha Kini: "My goal is to empower state chapters, as smaller, closely-knit teams can work more effectively. Local challenges must be understood first before implementing changes at the national level. When I began as vice president of the Karnataka chapter, I realized how important state-level initiatives are. KCIAPM nurtured me well, and I am proud of what we have achieved together. With teamwork and a shared vision, making a meaningful impact at the national level becomes much more achievable."
"I find solace in nature. Whether it’s nurturing plants or simply being surrounded by greenery, I feel deeply connected to it. Gardening is not just a hobby but a stress buster for me. I enjoy seeing how plants respond to care and attention. And apart from that, I love cooking - something I take great pride in."
Dr. Ramya: “What is the future for pathology?”
Dr. Usha Kini: "Pathology should evolve as a cutting-edge, patient-centric, and technology-driven specialty. For this, we need robust academic training, accurate diagnostic tools, and translational research that bridges the gap between the lab and clinical practice. Medical advancements should not only be innovative but also cost-effective and widely accessible. Every diagnostic test must be validated for reliability. While there are challenges, I believe that if we work together, we can build a strong foundation for the future of pathology."
Dr. Ramya: “Thank you so much, ma'am. Before we close, is there something that you'd like to share or tell everyone out there?”
Dr. Usha Kini: "We need to open our doors to students, including undergraduates, and encourage clinical-pathological interactions. Laboratories should be at the heart of hospitals, not tucked away in basements. Pathology should not be isolated but integrated with clinical and radiological findings. Workshops and live demonstrations can make learning more practical and engaging. While modern pathology is advancing rapidly, we must not lose sight of traditional pathology, as it forms the foundation for everything else. Standardized protocols will help ensure that our reports are globally accepted, just as we accept those from international institutions. We should also develop a telepathology network for second opinions, both nationally and internationally, to enhance diagnostic accuracy and collaboration."
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