Pathology (PA)

PA 0106 - Introduction to Forensic Pathology

3-6 Credits

This elective is designed for first and second year medical students who wish to explore the world of forensic pathology. Emphasis will be placed on the performance and interpretation of forensic autopsies, toxicology, forensic anthropology, and death investigation. This elective will provide the student with an introduction to the practice of forensic pathology, an opportunity to view autopsies and visit the medical examiner's facility, and to interact with several forensic scientists.

PA 0109 - HCV -Hepatitis C Vaccine

3-6 Credits

HCV mediated pathogenesis Mechanism of MBP-1 (a killer gene) mediated prostate cell growth arrest Role of bitter melon in cancer growth, micro RNA, Cancer stem like cells.

PA 0302 - Pathology Career Exploration

1-2 Credits (Repeatable for credit)

This course may be used to register for Pathology career exploration The location of the experience may be at a SLU SOM affiliate or at another health care institution.

PA 0401 - Anatomic Pathology

2-12 Credits

The clerkship is tailored to the student’s particular interests and goals. The student may choose to concentrate on the surgical pathology service where he/she gains first-hand experience in the gross and microscopic interpretation of surgical biopsies and resections. The significance of pathologic diagnosis in patient management and the importance of clinician–pathologist collaboration are emphasized. Alternatively, the student may choose to concentrate on autopsy pathology and develop the clinicopathologic correlative skills that form the basis of that service. During the elective, students will attend divisional conferences and may present cases in these conferences.

PA 0402 - Pediatric Pathology

2-12 Credits

Light and electron microscopy will be used to study common and uncommon diseases in children. Students will assist in the gross and microscopic examination of surgical specimens and post-mortem examinations. Special study of congenital heart disease, muscle, pulmonary, or renal pathology can also be accomplished during the course if desired.

PA 0404 - Cytopathology Clerkship

2-12 Credits

The clerkship is designed to introduce the student to the anatomic pathology subspecialty of Cytopathology. Cytopathology involves the examination of cellular elements collected by various means. The student will learn about specimen collection, processing, and microscopic diagnosis. Fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) is the direct procurement of cells from a mass by needle aspiration. The student will be able to assist the pathologist in procuring percutaneous FNAB (i.e., breast, thyroid, etc.) and participate in on-site evaluation of deep-seated radiologically guided aspirates. As time permits, students may participate in other patient care activities in the division of Anatomic Pathology.

PA 0406 - Forensic Pathology

2-12 Credits

Students are assigned to the St. Louis City Medical Examiner's Office where they have the opportunity to observe medicolegal examination of victims of sudden unexpected death or violence, and accompany staff to court to observe legal proceedings. Students are able to attend the Medicolegal Death Investigation Course (week-long didactic course) if the rotation overlays the scheduled course sessions (course offered 3 times per/year).

PA 0408 - Hematopathology and Laboratory Hematology

2-12 Credits

Introduction diagnostic hematopathology, to include flow cytometry and bone marrow and lymph node morphologic evaluation. Review of peripheral blood smears and body fluid specimens as clinically indicated.

PA 0409 - Gastrointestinal / Hepatic Pathology

2-12 Credits

Students will obtain hands-on experience in surgical pathology of gastrointestinal and liver diseases. Specimens include resections and biopsies of GI tract and liver. During the rotation, students will participate in microscopic examination of GI tract and liver specimens, participate in intraoperative consultations, assist residents in gross examination, and attend department clinical and didactic conferences. As time permits, students may participate in other patient care activities in the division of Anatomic Pathology.

PA 0410 - Human Histology

1-4 Credits

Histology is a foundational skill for a pathologist. This course is designed for fourth year medical students needing a solid review of histology or who have not previously taken a course in the subject. This 2-week non-patient care elective utilizes an online histology lecture course (https://www.lecturio.com/medical-courses/histology.course) which is broken down into two main sections: Basic Tissue Types and Organ Systems. A $49.99 fee is required to access the website material for one month, students must cover this themselves.

PA 0412 - Introduction to Laboratory and Transfusion Medicine

2-12 Credits

This course is designed to provide students with experiences in the practice of laboratory medicine (aka clinical pathology) and transfusion medicine. The primary goal of this rotation is to provide the student with an inside look into how the clinical laboratories and blood bank operate to support and facilitate patient care. Discussions will focus on clinical lab test methodologies, ordering, interpretation, and utilization. Students will learn about each section of the clinical core laboratory (i.e. chemistry/immunology, hematology, hemostasis, and point of care testing) and about all aspects of transfusion medicine service, including blood product compatibility, therapeutic apheresis, and patient blood.

PA 0901 - Pathology Direct Patient Care

1-12 Credits (Repeatable for credit)

This course may be used to register for a Pathology elective. The elective experience must fulfill the requirements for a reading elective. The location of the experience may be at a SLU SOM affiliate or at another health care institution.

PA 0903 - Pathology Research

1-12 Credits (Repeatable for credit)