UTMB Department of Pathology Division of Surgical Pathology Residency Rotation

The rotation in Surgical Pathology represents a major segment of Resident training in Anatomic Pathology. The core rotation of 12 months is typically divided into several two- to three-month intervals across the four year Residency tenure.

Supervision

During the first month of rotation, the Resident is instructed and supervised in fundamental gross room techniques and the concepts of basic macropathology. For the remainder of the rotation, Residents rotate daily between gross Surgical Pathology dissection and sign-out microscopic examination and interpretation of Surgical Pathology material. At all times, for both gross and microscopic assignments, Residents are under the direction of an Attending Pathologist, Pathology Instructor and the Surgical Pathology Fellows.

Goals

To afford our patients and clinicians with the most accurate and timely diagnostic reports for Surgical Pathology specimens
To explore new approaches and strategies by which to optimize clinical efficiency and productivity
To concentrate our efforts in the instruction and training of Surgical Pathology Fellows, Residents, and Medical Students so as to be a reflection of strong commitment to the superior medical education at UTMB
To encourage and supervise Fellows, Residents and Medical Student in basic, applied and translational research with Faculty members from our Division

Objectives

The learning objectives are as follows:

Gross simple specimens (appendix, gallbladder, placenta, etc)
Gross specimens of intermediate complexity (pneumonectomy, colectomy, oopherectomy, hysterectomy, etc)
Gross complex specimens (pelvic exenteration, Whipple-type resection, laryngectomy, radical neck dissection, etc)
Generate accurate microscopic descriptions, distinguish normal from abnormal
Construct gross and microscopic differential diagnoses
Develop algorithms for use of special stains, immunostains, electron microscopy, etc, to arrive at final diagnoses
Develop competence in interpretation of immunohistochemistry and electron microscopy
Develop familiarity with the current literature on Surgical Pathology and Molecular Diagnostics
Understand the principles and practice of quality improvement and quality assurance and the procedures for meeting the requirements of accreditation agencies
Learn good management practices for Surgical Pathology and histology
Develop skills to communicate effectively with clinicians in settings of Intra-Operative Consultation, multidisciplinary conferences, etc

Resident Evaluation

Residents are continuously evaluated by the Faculty in the Gross Room, at the microscope during sign-out and during the numerous conferences. At the end of each rotation, each member of the Faculty completes an electronic evaluation form based on the six core competencies as dictated by ACGME. In addition, competencies specific to Surgical Pathology are also evaluated. All evaluations are sent to the Director of Surgical Pathology, who summarizes the Resident performance in a meeting at the end of the rotation. Both the evaluator and the Resident sign the evaluation. All evaluations are returned to the Pathology Program Director. A competency test is administered at the end of rotation to all residents based on their level in the program.