We are observing a gradual and important change in the pathologist's profession because a new character has appeared in our daily practice: we can define this character as the “interventional pathologist.” Every day, we now spend most of our time outside of the pathology department: we help nonpathologist physicians and radiologists to solve difficult clinical cases, we aid oncologists in selecting medical procedures, and we verify the adequacy of gastrointestinal biopsies in the endoscopy room. We also discuss the best procedure for molecular characterization of neoplasms. Broadly speaking, we give an effective, direct, and crucial contribution to the patients' diagnostic and therapeutic workup. Moreover, in our hospitals, pathologists personally perform cytologic biopsies, such as thyroid or lymph node fine-needle aspiration biopsy, and histologic sampling, such as breast core needle biopsy. Therefore, we have to interact with radiologists for correct localization of target lesions. [...] This expanded approach to the practice of pathology requires a unique multidisciplinary knowledge. For example, we believe that the pathologist should have a basic knowledge of imaging, and be able to interpret radiography and ultrasound images. [...] The interventional pathologist becomes a modern and all-encompassing figure in the diagnostic process. Are we ready for this cultural revolution?
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