UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH SCHOOL OF MEDICINE
DEPARTMENT OF PATHOLOGY

NEUROPATHOLOGY TRAINING MANUAL

Medical Students in Neuropathology
Goals/Expectations

The medical student neuropathology rotation is a 4-week experiental and self-study elective designed to consolidate and extend the students knowledge of diseases of the nervous system. It is of particular interest and value to those considering future careers in pathology, neurology, neurosurgery, radiology and psychiatry.

GOALS

On completion of the rotation students will be able to demonstrate competence in:
1. The functional neuroanatomy of the brain and spinal cord.
2. Diagnostic features of the major CNS tumors, including clinical presentation, radiologic findings, microscopic morphology, therapeutic approach and prognosis.
3. Pathophysiology and pathologic anatomy of the major diseases of the nervous system including cardiovascular, infectious, autoimmune, neurodegenerative and developmental.
4. The role of diagnostic neuropathology (why and when to biopsy) in the clinical management of patients with neurologic symptoms including neuromuscular disease.

ACTIVITIES

1. Supervised self-study of texts, web-based didactic material, specimen collections and primary literature.
2. Attendance of all diagnostic, clinical management and teaching conferences of the division as well as daily case reviews during the standard work-week (M-F 8:00-6:00).

EXPECTATIONS

1. Present at least one biopsy case at each weekly neuropathology diagnostic QA conference. (Summarize the pertinent clinical history, present key radiologic findings, capture and discuss images of the key microscopic findings and discuss the differential diagnosis.~10 mins.)
2. Have primary responsibility for the dissection and pathologic description of at least two autopsy brains.
3. One 10 minute presentation / paper summary on a research or clinical topic related to neuropathology.
4. Complete five web quizzes per week. The associated web-course lectures may be found helpful but are not required.
5. Maintain case management forms.

Students should meet with Dr.Clayton Wiley or other divisional staff prior to the first day of the rotation for further information and orientation.

Further Questions:

Address inquires relating to special interests, scheduling or prerequisites to Karen Weber, Neuropathology Coordinator, Presbyterian Hospital A506, 412-647-7897, weberkm@upmc.edu.