Surgical Pathology (Clinical Elective)

2 units

This elective is designed to familiarize students with the discipline of surgical pathology and to encourage the development of basic skills in gross pathology and histopathological interpretation. The laboratory of surgical pathology at Barnes-Jewish Hospital receives a broad range of medical biopsy material in addition to specimens derived from the busy surgical subspecialty practices. As a result, this elective is beneficial not only for students considering a career in pathology but also for students planning careers in internal medicine, surgery, obstetrics-gynecology, pediatrics, radiology, radiation oncology and dermatology. Students on this elective will: 1. Learn how patient specimens are received and processed 2. Acquire skills in the gross examination and microscopic diagnosis of disease through active participation 3. Learn the role of the pathologist in the preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative care and management of patients. Students will function as junior house staff managing their own cases with supervision from residents, fellows and attending pathologists. Students may also wish to participate in ongoing research projects within the department as time, and interest allows. At the end of the rotation, the students are required to do a formal case presentation for the residents, fellows and attending staff.