Hope for the Future of Laboratory Quality in the Philippines

Abstract

Editor’s Note: In this issue of the Philippine Journal of Pathology, we spotlight a principle at the core of diagnostic medicine: quality. Though much of pathology’s work is unseen, the accuracy of laboratory results guides every clinical decision. Few have advanced this cause as strongly as Dr. Sarah Jane Datay-Lim. In the interview that follows, Dr. Datay-Lim reflects on her path from stepping into quality assurance with no clear roadmap to becoming a leading advocate through the Philippine Council for Quality Assurance in Clinical Laboratories (PCQACL). Her experiences highlight both the country’s progress and the challenges that remain in strengthening a true culture of quality. She underscores a shift in how we view quality—no longer as a punitive exercise, but as a collaborative, systems-oriented approach that promotes learning and continuous improvement. Her insights are timely as diagnostics evolve with genomics, point-of-care testing, digital pathology, and artificial intelligence. She calls for expanded external quality assessment, harmonized standards, and sustained education to build the next generation of quality champions. Ultimately, Dr. Datay-Lim reminds us that quality is about patients and the trust they place in laboratory medicine. We hope this conversation inspires continued commitment to a stronger, safer, and more accountable laboratory system for the Philippines.