Darshana Shah, Ph.D.*, A. Betts Carpenter, MD Ph.D. and Mitali Baksi MD Department of Pathology, Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine at Marshall University, Huntington WV, 25701 U.S.A

One of the pathology course objectives is to give students some exposure to the practice of pathology and to gain an understanding of pathology as a medical specialty; regardless of what specialty they choose, they all will interact with pathologists.   To enhance the educational experience towards pathology; second year medical students are rotated through the anatomical pathology lab with the attending pathologists. Students are also given tour of the clinical laboratory, and some introduction to the processing of specimens. At the end of the rotation students are asked to write a report regarding their experience. 

Students reports (N=95) over two year period were qualitatively surveyed.  Ninety seven percent of respondents felt that the rotation provided an excellent source of knowledge regarding the role of the pathologist in patient care.  A majority (89%) felt that this experience may help them practicing medicine in future. Seventy six percent felt that the rotation provided knowledge regarding the tools and methods available in analyzing tissue and fluid samples for making the diagnosis. Eighty three percent responded that rotation provided the knowledge regarding the importance and diversity of pathology.   Upon completion of the rotation experience of a real world application of what they have learned in class was felt by 63%. The rotation also brought the awareness (74%) of how important it is to foster good team work. 

However a minimum number of students (8%) felt that they may choose pathology as their career.  Most students agreed that upon completion of the surgical pathology rotation they understand the role of pathologist and the value of the medical discipline.