Cytopathology (Clinical Elective)

2 units

This elective is designed to familiarize students with the discipline of cytopathology and to encourage the development of basic skills. Cytopathology impacts many different areas of patient care and medical practice. The cytopathology laboratory at Barnes-Jewish Hospital receives a broad range of medical cytology material involving fine needle aspiration biopsies (FNA), body fluids and Pap tests. As a result, the elective is beneficial for students considering a career in pathology and for students planning careers in internal medicine, surgery, OB-GYN, ENT and radiology. The focus of the experience can be customized based on the interest of the student. Desk space and a microscope are provided. Students on the elective will: 1. Learn how patient specimens are received and processed 2. Acquire skills in the microscopic diagnosis of disease through active participation 3. Learn the role of the cytopathologist in the care and management of patients. Students will have the opportunity to function as junior house staff managing their own cases with supervision from residents, fellows and attending cytopathologists. There are textbooks and extensive study sets to permit students to focus on specific areas of interest.