Gestalt's Clifford Interviewed for being named in Top 10 Workflow Solution Providers
Bringing Pathology Laboratories into the Age of Digital
Atypical pathology laboratory workflow is a complex, lengthy, and complicated series of events, which requires a manual review of tissue specimen on glass slides to render a diagnosis. Digital pathology has been successful in overcoming the numerous limitations associated with traditional pathology. By using a computerized, image-based (digital slides) system for managing and interpreting information, technicians can now deliver rapid and accurate test results worldwide. Gestalt, a digital pathology solution provider, is committed to bringing anatomic pathology into the digital age. The company provides enterprise solutions and services that help transform anatomic pathology laboratories from glass slides, microscopes, and couriers, to a more automated, electronic digital workflow. In an inter-view with CIO Applications, Lisa Jean Clifford, COO and Chief Strategy Officer, of Gestalt Diagnostics, sheds her insights on digital pathology and how their solution brings the conventional pathology workflow to the electronic digital workflow. She has over 20 years of experience in high-tech industries, nearly 3/4 of which is specifically in healthcare tech.
Can you give me a brief overview of Gestalt Diagnostics?
Gestalt Diagnostics leading product is PathFlow, a universal, easy to use digital platform for pathology laboratories. Through our platform, we enable Pathologists to interpret, and di-agnose patient cases quickly, efficiently, and in a fully automated fashion. Our company also provides top-notch IT services and support to include consulting services, staff augmenta-tion, and interfacing, along with custom development work for our clients. Gestalt’s development philosophy is based on an open, interoperable architecture. For that reason, we are application and vendor agnostic and work closely with multiple vendors in the industry. By working with numerous applications, we incorporate all of the relevant case information, providing a seamless workflow for the Pathologist. What are some of the challenges your clients face and how do you enhance their workflows with your solutions? We serve a diverse range of clientele, which includes hospitals, integrated health networks, commercial laboratories, reference laboratories, midsize laboratories, physician owned la-boratories, and more. The biggest challenge for our clients is the ability to support clients and patients in multiple and remote locations. For many
clients, implementing the best of breed solutions to enhance their workflow is an uphill challenge. In a laboratory there are two levels of workflow; the technical workflow, and the pathologist’s workflow. Technical workflow occurs between the instruments, specimens, and
technicians. Pathologists do not want to be bogged down by the laboratory’s technical workflow like they are in a typical laboratory information management solution. Our solu-tion elevates the pathologist to be on top of that workflow by providing a unique, fully au-tomated, and completely integrated environment. Through our platform, we provide the Pathologist with access to their case information, including patient data, patient history, whole slide images, integrated natural language processing such as voice recognition, AI and Image Analysis Algorithms, report templates and we even support manual, glass cases within the same, unified workflow. Our automated report templates, or ability to integrate directly with the lab’s LIS reporting application supports automated reporting, to include
synoptic reports. We use artificial intelligence and image analysis algorithms to augment such processes. The single window approach enhances the workflow and also the working environment. This approach enables the pathologist to diagnose a patient and sign out their cases faster and more efficiently than before. Above all, digital pathology increases the ac-curacy and the safety of the diagnosis.
What are the features and functionalities of the platform?
Our product is web-based and we offer hosting for the entire platform for the client in the cloud. For that reason, the clients do not have to worry about OS updates or IT support. However, we also allow the clients to host the platform themselves on premises, if that is the model they prefer. Asa web-based application, our PathFlow solution enables true global access for pathologists 24 hours per day, 7 days per week with a unique, secure login for each user. The platform enables interoperability, communication across time zones and across countries. We
have an image management solution that integrates with multiple vendor’s scanners and to do so simultaneously. This provides, the labs with the ability to de-termine which scanners they feel are the best fit for their use cases in each laboratory. Our image management system captures the images from the scanner and matches them with the appropriate case through integration with the laboratory’s ordering system (LIS, HIS, EMR, etc.). We provide automatic case matching and automatic case routing to a pa-thologist’s worklist. The robust, automated case routing is based on over 60 configurable rules. The laboratory can define and adjust these rules based on their preferences. We offer workflow routing based on parameters like work load balancing, scheduling, licensure, sub-specialty, customer preference, and pathologist’s preference. We provide the relevant case information, clinical history including prior visit history, and any images associated with ear-lier visits. We integrate artificial intelligence and image analysis algorithms for specific can-cer detection data directly within the pathologist’s cockpit for use during the case workflow. Moreover, we offer integrated templates for reporting, and voice recognition capability. We also integrate the platform with synoptic reports so that the information is captured automatically while generating the final report.
Can you tell us a recent customer success story? A large laboratory that offers different contractual work for their customers, including TC, PC, and Global work, approached us to support their disparate workflows into one single platform. The PathFlow solution provides our customer with the ability to provide a single platform for each workflow and provides their pathologists with access to their cases re-gardless of their location which includes multiple laboratories, states, and the US Virgin Isl-ands in this instance. Their remote customers are able to access their cases with their virtual slide tray the same day vs. having to wait for the glass slides to be shipped.
What are some of the key differentiating factors for Gestalt Diagnostics?
Gestalt Diagnostics enjoys the challenge of addressing unique workflows and maintains an entrepreneurial approach to addressing each customer’s need. We have an advanced tech-nology staff who are continually innovating new features requested by our customers as standard capabilities or custom applications to seamlessly integrate specific functionalities that enhance their workflows. In addition, the experience and expertise of our IT services staff is incomparable. Our IT staff is able to think out of the box and collaborate with the client’s IT department to help them enhance their workflows, support legacy applications and build automated reporting. We also provide interim CIO and staff augmentation in addition to consulting services.
What is the next big step for your company?
We are continuing to push the technology around AI and image analysis and we are conti-nually augmenting our platform by adding more features and functionalities. We are also looking to develop new applications that are relevant to the healthcare industry, such as BugHub™, our wellness tracking app for screening and monitoring of health symptoms such as for Covid-19. At present, our applications include clinical, research and education mod-ules in a single unified and truly interoperable platform.
By Maarion Napora At Gestalt, we understand the role of education for physicians and why it is important to have a focus specifically on pathology. It is our goal to provide the proper digital tools and platforms for pathologists to learn how to use the latest technology in their training. PathFlow ’ s Education Module provides academic medical centers and residency programs with leading tools and digital technology to train the next generation of pathologists. Designed to meet the demands of modern techniques, the module offers the ability to develop courses, easily clone and copy courses, and assign teaching lists, images, and tests. You can set the timing for a course, automatically send out messages to remind students of outstanding courses and test deadlines, etc. We support multiple forms of media, including videos, PowerPoint presentations, and word documents. These enable educators to deliver immersive, digital-first learning experiences. The PathFlow Education Module Revolutionizes pathology training by providing a unified platform for interactive learning. Trainees can access a comprehensive library of annotated digital slides, practice diagnosing complex cases, and receive real-time feedback. Professors can easily grade, provide comments and feedback on assessments, and can even assign certificates. The module’s credentialing management capabilities streamline competency assessments, notifications for deadlines, and reminders if not completed, ensuring residents meet rigorous standards while tracking progress seamlessly. We believe education and access to leading technology is the cornerstone of advancing pathology. With PathFlow’s Education Module, we’re empowering academic programs to train confident, tech-savvy pathologists, who will lead the field forward with current skills in available technology informatics.
Spokane, Washington, July 9, 2025 – Gestalt, a leading provider of AI-powered digital pathology solutions, showcased its AI-powered pathology platform, PathFlow, at the Spring 2025 DICOM WG-26 Interoperability Connectathon, confirming its readiness for real-world clinical integration and multi-vendor environments. The Connectathon was co-sponsored by the Digital Pathology Association (DPA) and the European Society of Digital and Integrative Pathology (ESDIP). The event, hosted virtually from January to June and featured at the European Congress on Digital Pathology in Barcelona, brought together over 30 organizations to validate end-to-end workflows, in varying categories, using DICOM standards. The categories included image acquisition, storage, viewing, and AI-driven annotations. Gestalt’s platform stood out as a leader in interoperability, particularly as an Image Display (Viewer). Gestalt’s Viewer successfully displayed images from 8 of 9 different WSI Scanners, demonstrating seamless compatibility with multiple diverse systems such as 3DHISTECH, Grundium, Leica, Hamamatsu and Pramana. This robust performance ensures pathologists can access high-quality whole slide images effortlessly, regardless of the source, streamlining diagnostic workflows. Additionally, PathFlow excelled in displaying annotations from five AI Evidence Creators, including industry leaders like Visiopharm, Hologic, TechCyte and identify.bio, further demonstrating its ability to present structured data for precise diagnostic insights. As an Evidence Creator itself, (AI Annotations), Gestalt showcased its advanced AI capabilities, by analyzing and annotating images from eight scanners. These annotations were successfully transmitted to five different image management archives using standard DICOM Web protocols, highlighting Gestalt’s ability to deliver accurate, standards-compliant AI-driven outputs. This functionality empowers pathologists to integrate AI seamlessly into routine clinical operations, improving efficiency and diagnostic accuracy. “Gestalt’s performance at the Connectathon reflects our dedication to building interoperable, scalable solutions that empower pathologists globally,” said Brian Napora, VP of Innovation, Gestalt Diagnostics. “By investing in open standards, we’re helping lead digital pathology toward a more integrated and intelligent future.” The Connectathon’s rigorous testing environment validated Gestalt’s ability to handle real-world challenges, such as legacy image integration and complex multi-vendor workflows without requiring custom workarounds. Gestalt’s commitment to DICOM standards positions PathFlow as a cornerstone for vendor-neutral, future-ready pathology solutions. About Gestalt Gestalt Diagnostics is a Spokane-based company dedicated to revolutionizing pathology through digital solutions. Founded in 2017, Gestalt provides advanced technology, proven digital expertise, and artificial intelligence to enable pathologists to diagnose diseases faster and more efficiently. The company's PathFlow platform is at the forefront of digital pathology innovation, offering significant improvements in diagnostic accuracy and workflow efficiency. To learn more, visit www.gestaltdiagnostics.com and follow @Gestalt on LinkedIn
July 2025 Digipath Dispatch – Industry news, digital pathology insights, product updates, and events from Gestalt Diagnostics.
Gestalt’s PathFlow and PathCloud unify pathology workflows, enabling seamless, multi-vendor integration for faster, accurate diagnoses.
Discover why digital pathology is gaining momentum and how it’s shaping diagnostics, improving workflows, and addressing workforce challenges in healthcare.
Discover how Lisa-Jean Clifford is helping shape the future of AI in pathology through a new framework designed for safe, scalable clinical integration.
Spokane, Washington, June 17, 2025 – Gestalt, a leading provider of AI-powered digital pathology solutions, today announced the addition of Dr. Renuka Kulkarni, MD, as Chief Medical Officer (CMO). A physician scientist with over 20 years of experience in surgical and digital pathology, Dr. Kulkarni will join the team in guiding Gestalt’s product direction and clinical usability. Dr. Kulkarni brings a rare blend of diagnostic precision and scientific innovation to the organization. Her expertise in breast pathology, immunomarkers, machine learning, and image analysis strengthens Gestalt’s mission to revolutionize diagnostic workflows and clinical decision-making through technology. “Renuka’s addition signals our deepening investment in the future of pathology,” said Lisa-Jean Clifford, President of Gestalt Diagnostics. “Her leadership and experience at the intersection of clinical insight, AI, and enterprise lab operations will ensure our solutions continue to serve both pathologists and the patients they care for.” Before joining Gestalt, Dr. Kulkarni played a pivotal role in developing one of the earliest digital pathology programs at a leading full-service reference laboratory. Her extensive hands-on experience with Gestalt’s solutions, as a customer and direct user for four years, along with image analysis platforms, and combined with her understanding of real-world lab operations, positions her to help bridge the clinical and commercial realms—ensuring the scalability and impact of Gestalt’s solutions. As CMO, Dr. Kulkarni will help shape the development of next-generation diagnostic tools, supporting Gestalt’s mission to enhance diagnostic accuracy, efficiency, and interoperability across health systems worldwide. “I’m honored to join Gestalt at such a transformative moment in digital pathology,” said Dr. Kulkarni. “Together, we have the opportunity to shape solutions that truly serve pathologists and ultimately improve outcomes for patients everywhere.” About Gestalt Gestalt Diagnostics is a Spokane-based company dedicated to revolutionizing pathology through digital solutions. Founded in 2017, Gestalt provides advanced technology, proven digital expertise, and artificial intelligence to enable pathologists to diagnose diseases faster and more efficiently. The company's PathFlow platform is at the forefront of digital pathology innovation, offering significant improvements in diagnostic accuracy and workflow efficiency. To learn more, visit www.gestaltdiagnostics.com and follow @Gestalt on LinkedIn
Date : Wednesday, May 21, 2025 Time : 1:45 PM Location : Auditorium 1, Marriott Eagle Crest Resort (Ann Arbor, Michigan) Session Title : The Long-Term Advantages of Digital Pathology are Only Realized Through True Interoperability We’re proud to announce that Lisa-Jean Clifford , COO & Chief Strategy Officer at Gestalt Diagnostics, and Sumie Edwards (ARUP) will take the stage at the 2025 Pathology Informatics Summit to share key insights into the critical role of interoperability in digital pathology. In this featured session, Lisa-Jean will explore: Why interoperability is the linchpin for scalable, future-ready digital pathology programs How health systems can unlock long-term value and efficiency through seamless integration Real-world considerations for IT infrastructure, workflow design, and cross-platform compatibility Her session will offer a strategic lens into how institutions can achieve meaningful digital transformation, not just implement new tools. About the PI Summit : The Pathology Informatics Summit is a premier annual event for professionals at the forefront of digital pathology, laboratory medicine, AI, and healthcare data innovation. It brings together leading physicians, researchers, and informaticists to discuss the rapidly evolving field. Mark your calendar for May 21 at 1:45 PM to hear Lisa-Jean share her vision for a more connected and impactful future in pathology.
Date : Thursday, May 22, 2025 Time : 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM Location : Auditorium 1, Marriott Eagle Crest Resort (Ann Arbor, Michigan) Panel Title : API Focus Session: Expert Panel on LDT Regulation Overhaul and Data Challenges in Pathology Informatics Join Lisa-Jean Clifford , COO & Chief Strategy Officer at Gestalt Diagnostics, for an important panel discussion at the 2025 Pathology Informatics Summit alongside top voices in the field of pathology informatics. This focus session will dive into: The impact of the FDA’s Final Rule on Laboratory Developed Tests (LDTs) Data governance, standardization, and access challenges for AI in pathology The urgent need for broadly sourced datasets to support the next generation of clinical AI models Panel Moderator : Ulysses Balis, MD Expert Panelists : Victor Brodsky, MD – Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis Lisa-Jean Clifford – Gestalt Diagnostics Bruce Friedman, MD Ronald Jackups, MD, PhD – Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis Amrom Obstfeld, MD, PhD – Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Michelle Stoffel, MD, PhD – University of Minnesota J. Mark Tuthill, MD – Henry Ford Health System This dynamic session includes two panel discussions followed by open Q&A: The FDA’s Final Rule on LDTs The Growing Crisis of Limited AI Training Data in Pathology Why it matters : With regulatory landscapes shifting and AI innovation surging, this session offers a rare chance to hear from experts shaping the future of diagnostics, data ethics, and clinical technology adoption. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from Lisa-Jean and fellow leaders who are building the next chapter of pathology informatics.
Spokane, Washington, April 28, 2025 – Gestalt, a leading innovator in AI-powered digital pathology solutions, announced the completion of a $7.5 million Series A financing. The round was led by Cowles Ventures, TVF Funds, Inland Imaging Investments, KickStart Funds, and prominent angel investors from the Pacific Northwest. Gestalt’s PathFlow® platform is used by leading healthcare, academic medical centers, and research organizations. Customers implement PathFlow as their preferred solution because it integrates seamlessly into their existing laboratory information systems, enabling faster, more accurate diagnoses and improving access to expert consultation, education, and research—regardless of location. "PathFlow is transforming pathology by leveraging robust digital workflows and AI algorithms to support scoring of key biomarkers. This enables organizations to accurately match patients to known therapies and generate rich datasets for research and new drug development," said Dan Roark, CEO, Gestalt. "Our technology is designed to improve patient outcomes by enabling faster, more accurate diagnoses and broadening access to clinical expertise." This new funding will facilitate broader market adoption and increased profitability. The capital will be used to expand the company’s customer base, enhance AI capabilities, and pursue FDA clearance. This comes at a critical moment, with rising cancer rates and a declining number of practicing pathologists intensifying the need for scalable, digital-first diagnostic solutions. “We are incredibly grateful for the continued support from our investors,” Roark added. “This funding allows us to expand on the solid foundation we’ve built. We’ve already streamlined how pathologists navigate fragmented systems by creating PathFlow, a unified platform for viewing pathology cases digitally and collaborating with leading experts in real-time without the need to ship specimens. Now, we’ll accelerate innovation and scale our reach to meet the growing demands of modern pathology.” Gestalt is at the forefront of a critical shift in diagnostic medicine, helping transform pathology from a manual, microscope-based process to a scalable digital solution leveraging artificial intelligence tools — like the digital transitions already seen in radiology and cardiology. The company’s platform not only improves diagnostic speed and precision which is critical for cancer patients who can wait for days to weeks or more for a diagnosis, but also unlocks AI-powered insights that enable: Biomarker scoring to support the optimization of patient-therapy matching, Image and data analysis for disease progression studies, And the interoperability that enables pathologists access to valuable aides and insights that streamline their workflows, highlight areas of positivity and reduce missed diagnoses. With this Series A funding, Gestalt remains committed to expanding its impact through the deployment of its’ PathFlow software in healthcare, making high-quality, scalable pathology solutions more accessible to clinicians and researchers worldwide. About Gestalt Gestalt Diagnostics is a Spokane-based company dedicated to revolutionizing pathology through digital solutions. Founded in 2017, Gestalt provides advanced technology, proven digital expertise, and artificial intelligence to enable pathologists to diagnose diseases faster and more efficiently. The company's PathFlow platform is at the forefront of digital pathology innovation, offering significant improvements in diagnostic accuracy and workflow efficiency. To learn more, visit www.gestaltdiagnostics.com and follow @Gestalt on LinkedIn
