Introduction to Clinical Pathology Mini Elective Spring 2008 University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine Course Dates March 28 April 4 18 and 25 Fridays 3 00 5 00 PM Maximum Students 6 Class Year MS1 Course Director Trevor Macpherson MD Faculty Jeffrey Kant MD PhD Bruce Rabin MD PhD A William Pasculle ScD Mohammed Virji MD PhD Contact Information Trevor Macpherson MD tmacpherson mail magee edu 412 641 4655 Registration Betsy Nero Office of Medical Education betsy medschool pitt edu Description The field of pathology consists of anatomic pathology tissue and cell pathology and clinical pathology laboratory medicine Clinical pathology for the most part involves laboratory tests on body fluids versus anatomic pathology which involves the examination of tissues and cells This mini elective will focus on clinical pathology The purpose of this course is for students to interact with the faculty who direct the various clinical pathology laboratories to get acquainted with the different laboratory environments in clinical pathology and to have the opportunity to ask questions about the laboratory tests that will have an impact on the care of their patients Each of the four sessions described below will require prereview of one or more case studies in preparation for the discussion with the pathologist Upon completing the course students should have a better understanding of how to interact with the clinical pathology laboratories and of the role of the clinical pathologist as an expert available for consultation Office of Medical Education www omed pitt edu 412 648 8714 Course Objectives To help students develop an understanding of the appropriate use and interpretation of patient care tests in four sub specialty areas of clinical pathology clinical chemistry microbiology immunology and molecular diagnostics To become familiar with the consultation role of the clinical pathologist in patient care and research To provide students with a glimpse of the current state of the art technology and equipment of laboratory testing in clinical chemistry microbiology immunology and molecular diagnostics To enable students to understand the medical director role of the pathologist in the clinical laboratory Requirements Active participation in all four course sessions Course Outline Introduction to Clinical Pathology The Role of the Laboratory in the Care of Your Patient Course Director Trevor Macpherson MD Residency Director Department of Pathology Faculty Jeffery Kant MD PhD Division Director Molecular Diagnostics Bruce Rabin MD PhD Division Director Clinical Immunopathology A William Pasculle ScD Division Director Clinical Microbiology Mohammed Virji MD PhD Division Director Clinical Chemistry Course Objectives To help students develop an understanding of the appropriate use and interpretation of patient care tests in four sub specialty areas of clinical pathology clinical chemistry microbiology immunology and molecular diagnostics To become familiar with the consultation role of the clinical pathologist in patient care and research To provide students with a glimpse of the current state of the art technology and equipment of laboratory testing in clinical chemistry microbiology immunology and molecular diagnostics To enable students to understand the medical director role of the pathologist in the clinical laboratory Location Laboratory facilities in Children s Hospital and Scaife Hall Fridays 3 00 5 00 PM Session 1 March 28 2008 3 00 5 00 PM Clinical Chemistry Instructor Mohammed Virji MD PhD Division Director Clinical Chemistry Location Room 5845 Children s Hospital of Pittsburgh Main Tower Objectives Students will gain an understanding of The functions and organization of the clinical chemistry laboratory in a hospital The range of tests done in a clinical chemistry laboratory and their relevance to health care Appropriate use and interpretation of clinical chemistry tests for diagnosis and clinical care of patients Format This session will begin with a half hour tour of the chemistry laboratory facilities highlighting various aspects of laboratory functions from sample management through analyses and data handling The impact of near patient testing will be discussed in context of the continuity of laboratory services for effective patient care The remainder of the session will focus on discussion of selected clinical cases that illustrate the utility of laboratory tests for effective care of patients with different diseases Students will discuss patient presentation clinical findings diagnosis disease management and patient care with laboratory tests as an integral part of patient evaluation and care Session 2 April 4 2008 3 00 5 00 PM Microbiology Instructor A William Pasculle ScD Division Director Clinical Microbiology Location Room A807 Scaife Hall Objectives Students will gain an understanding of How the microbiology lab contributes to patient care Methods used to identify bacterial and fungal pathogens though a practical demonstration How to test for antibiotic susceptibilities and interpret the results The interface between the clinical microbiology lab and clinical research Format This session will include several case studies designed to illustrate the role of the microbiology lab in the diagnosis and treatment of patients Case studies will illustrate identification of bacterial and fungal infectious agents susceptibility testing and the interpretation of results particularly in how this information pertains to the care of the patient Session 3 April 18 2008 3 00 5 00 PM Immunopathology Instructor Bruce Rabin MD PhD Division Director Clinical Immunopathology Location Room 5725 Children s Hospital of Pittsburgh Main Tower Objectives Students will Appreciate the equipment that is found in an immunopathological laboratory Become familiar with some diseases for which immunopathological tests are employed Understand the characteristics of specific immunopathological laboratory tests Format This session will be held at the Clinical Immunopathology laboratory and students will be given a tour of this facility Students will work through a series of case studies where the laboratory has provided assistance in diagnosing or managing a patient Included will be a discussion of the disease and the immunopathogenesis of disease the relevant laboratory test and its characteristics technique costs turnaround time sensitivity specificity and how the test was used clinically in the patient Session 4