Anatomic Pathology Rotations

Autopsy Rotation

The autopsy rotation is interspersed within the AP module, allowing the resident to perform at least 50 autopsies. The resident learns to eviscerate, dissect, observe the results of disease on tissue, record the gross and microscopic findings, arrive at correct anatomic diagnoses and correlate the anatomic findings with the overall clinical symptoms, laboratory data, and course of the disease. Autopsies provide a valuable source of teaching and quality assurance and are frequently presented at interdepartmental conferences. 

During the third year of residency each resident will complete a two week rotation at the Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner’s Office. This experience provides a solid introduction to forensic pathology.

Dermatopathology 

We read about 7500 specimens per year and have a lecture series covering all the main topics in dermpath which repeats on an annual basis. 

Faculty: Harry Winfield, MD, Arlene Rosenberg, MD, Stephen Somach, MD

Surgical Pathology

The surgical pathology rotation is organized on a weekly basis, incorporating large surgical cases and small surgical cases. Annually, approximately 25,000 surgical specimens provide the resident with ample opportunity to achieve proficiency in the ability to handle and dissect, describe, and sample a tremendous variety of pathology specimens and to arrive at an accurate anatomic diagnosis.

The resident will become proficient in the performance and interpretation of frozen sections and the ability to communicate with clinicians.

Participation in many departmental and interdepartmental conferences and tumor boards promotes proficiency in preparation, presentation, and discussion of pathology. The resident will master gross photography and the use of photomicroscope and computerized video microscope systems.

The resident has opportunity to apply modern techniques including flow cytometry, molecular diagnostics and immunohistochemistry to anatomic specimens. The faculty in anatomic pathology provides expertise in many subspecialty areas. A state-of-the-art laboratory information system facilitates electronic submission of pathology reports and ready access to the electronic medical record.

Cytopathology

The cytopathology laboratory provides the residents ample opportunity to interpret common GYN and non-GYN specimens, annually totaling over 23,000 cases including approximately 1,000 FNA specimens.

Performance of fine needle aspiration biopsies of palpable masses and evaluation of direct smears for adequacy and reporting an immediate impression is a daily opportunity to develop diagnostic acumen.

The resident will review and apply laboratory methodology, develop an understanding of diagnostic terminology utilized in cytology, participate in cytology quality assurance studies including cytology-histology correlation, review and apply CLIA requirements, participate in relevant tumor board conferences, and prepare and present a small project/study in cytology.