From Microscope to Monitor: A Visionary’s Journey to Unprecedented Growth - with Westley Bernhardt

Join Bianca Collings on PathPulse: Pathology Innovators in Action as she speaks with Westley (Wes) J. Bernhardt, a true pioneer in digital pathology and Managing Partner of OnePath Diagnostics. Wes is an accomplished operations executive with a remarkable track record of transforming organizations and an early adopter who successfully leveraged digital technology to navigate the challenges of a pathologist shortage, rising costs, and stagnant reimbursements.

In this insightful episode, Wes shares his unique journey, inspired by his pathologist father, from an early career in healthcare benefits to becoming a visionary leader in laboratory medicine. Discover how his diverse background equipped him with an unparalleled understanding of the healthcare ecosystem, from patient insurance struggles to the intricacies of lab operations.

Tune in to hear:

• Wes's personal story of building and scaling Bernhardt Laboratories from a small local practice to a successful regional operation, and the unexpected challenges that led to its acquisition by Aurora Diagnostics.
• The "why" behind OnePath Diagnostics' early commitment to digital pathology, driven by a foresight that technology would eventually catch up to the needs of the industry, as well as a desire to improve pathologists' quality of life.
• How Wes and his team strategically vetted and built their "tech stack," including their choice of Lumea for Image Management System (IMS) and the crucial integration with their Laboratory Information System (LIS).
• The transformative impact of digital pathology on recruiting top talent, enabling pathologists to work remotely and flexibly, freeing them from the "cockpit" of traditional microscopy.
• Why operational efficiency and automating 85-90% of daily tasks were paramount in their digital adoption, focusing on routine workflow over "bells and whistles."
• Wes's candid advice for navigating the leap into digital pathology, stressing the importance of thorough vetting, making tough decisions, and trusting your vision, even when it means being "uncomfortable."

This episode is a must-listen for anyone in the healthcare industry seeking to understand how bold leadership, strategic innovation, and a focus on improving daily operations can lead to exponential growth and a better future for pathology.

Podcast transcript: https://lumeadigital.com/microscope-to-monitor-podcast/

Submit questions for our future recordings here: https://lumeadigital.com/ask-a-pathologist-podcast/

Sponsored by the Digital Diagnostic Summit and Lumea.