A system of learning pathology based on new teaching methods is described and compared with traditional teaching. The Integrated Pathology Audiovisual Learning System (IPALS) is the product of an international team of pathologists and consists of three tiers. Tier I deals with general pathology, Tier II with the pathology of organ systems, and Tier III with diseases in individual organs. Each unit consists of a textbook with basic definitions, a set of slides and one or more short lessons on tape as a commentary. The importance of teaching in small groups and of clinical-pathological conferences is explained. Autopsy demonstrations and the use of gross and microscopical specimens should, of course, complement the system. The system is in use at many universities all over the world, most extensively at the universities of Oslo and Rotterdam. The advantages and disadvantages of the system and the students' and teachers' reactions to it are discussed.