Patology
BASIC INFORMATION:
Duration of the Elective: 1 month
Number of students: 2
Prerequisites: None
Location(s): Koç University Hospital
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Elective Director: Yersu Kapran-Pinar Bulutay
Elective Faculty: Volkan Adsay, Pinar Firat, Dilek Ertoy Baydar, Nilgün Kapucuoglu, Öner Dogan, Pinar Atasoy, Ibrahim Kulaç, Ayse Helvaci, Orhun Çig Taskin, Çisel Aydin
Other contacts: Seçil Atakan
BIREF DESCRIPTION OF STUDENT ACTIVITIES:
Anatomical pathology is the study of organs and tissues to determine the causes and effects of particular diseases. An anatomical pathologist’s findings are fundamental to medical diagnosis, patient management and research.
Anatomical pathology involves macroscopic pathology, histopathology (the combination of these two usually being referred to as “surgical” pathology), cytopathology, immunopathology and molecular pathology. Histopathology is concerned with the microscopic examination of tissues, taken either as biopsy samples or resection specimens. Tissues are assessed macroscopically, and material is taken for microscopic examination for the purpose of diagnosis, determination of prognosis and directing appropriate treatment. Cytopathology is the study of individual cells, aspirated or obtained from body fluids or tissues, including exfoliative cytology, to detect abnormalities. Anatomical pathologists work with almost all medical specialties, using techniques available in the anatomical pathology laboratory to provide information and advice essential to clinical practice.
During Pathology Elective, 5th year students attend all routine activities and meetings (Seminars, Case presentations, Mortality / Morbidity meeting, Tumor board, etc.) of the Department. Routine activities are macroscopy handling, histopathology and cytopahology slide reporting, frozen section, on-site evaluation of adequacy for fine needle aspiration, apply immunohistochemistry and molecular methods. Student activities are supervised by the tutors. There are no nightshifts during the elective.
Students attend research activities during the elective. They are encouraged to join a research project that they are interested and carry on after the elective.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
At the end of the elective a 5th year medical student will have a broad understanding on various activities of the Pathology Department and related clinical terminology.
Specific objectives are;
Medical Knowledge and skills: The student will acquire knowledge about established and evolving clinical, and clinically related sciences and will apply this knowledge to the understanding of basic pathologic processes in all of the following categories:
General Laboratory
Understanding of all branches of anatomical pathology and the role of anatomical pathology in diagnosis and patient management ?
Understand basic safety regulations and procedures employed in the laboratory
Understand specimen collection, labeling and handling protocols
Understand basic principles of the laboratory information system
Histology
Observe routine tissue processing, embedding, sectioning, staining and final preparation
Observe frozen section technique
Observe special stain slides – Iron, PAS, Trichrome, Reticulin, Giemsa, Acid Fast
Observe immunohistochemical stainig, uses and interpretation
Observe cytologic processing, staining and final preparation
Surgical Pathology
Observe gross examination of pathology specimens
Observe intra-operative consultations
Perform under direct supervision the gross examination and sampling of tissue samples (Skill)
Review teaching file reports of selected cases, then review slides with a pathologist
Gather the important information that is needed for the evaluation of specimens in anatomic pathology.
Observe surgical pathology sign out with different pathologists on at least 3 days a week
Recognize appropriate pathology terminology
Describe the morphological changes (gross and microscopic) of common and important lesions
Analyze the gross and microscopic data to reach an appropriate diagnosis
Cytopathology
Observe Fine needle aspiration biopsy techniques
Review teaching file reports and slides of selected non-gynecologic and gynecologic cytology cases with a pathologist
Observe cytology sign-out at least 2 days a week
Behavior: Demonstrate professional responsibility in working as a team member with other members of the subspecialty service team, technical and support staff.
ASSESSMENT OR EVALUATION:
Student’s knowledge, competencies including patient care, communication, professionalism and practice-based learning are observed throughout the elective. Although not graded, feedback on these competencies are provided continuously.
Students will present a topic and a related case at the end of the elective.
“KUSOM Clinical Performance Evaluation Form” is used for reporting.