Pathology and Oncology

Catalog description

This elective will introduce students to the practice of pathology, the role of the pathologist in diagnosis and management and provide exposure to several subspecialty areas within the pathology department. An effort will be made to tailor the elective experience to the needs and interests of the individual student, including those interested in pathology as a career, and those interested in broadening their understanding of pathology in general, or in relation to their chosen field. The course consists of a two-week rotation in surgical pathology/autopsy and one-week rotations in hematopathology and cytopathology. In surgical pathology, students will have the opportunity to participate in: supervised prosection of surgical cases, frozen section evaluations, ancillary techniques and diagnostic sign-out of cases with the attending staff. Participation in autopsy procedures will take place as available. In hematopathology, the student will participate in the diagnosis of blood and bone marrow disorders and take part in daily sign-out of bone marrow biopsy specimens. In cytology, the student will assist in the work up and sign out of gynecologic and non-gynecologic cytologic specimens and participate in FNA procedures. At the end of the rotation each student will present a case in PowerPoint format to faculty and residents. Final grade is based on attendance, participation in daily activities, knowledge of general concepts and practice of pathology, and final case presentation. Prerequisite: Completion of core clinical clerkships.