The Department of Pathology and Anatomical Sciences

           The Department of Pathology and Anatomical Sciences is responsible for introducing the student to the structural and functional alterations in disease and the mechanisms whereby such alterations are produced. The subject represents both and an applied science that touches almost every other area of medical knowledge and hospital practice
           The dual aspect of pathology is emphasized in the teaching program. Initially, the fundamental principles of disease, such as inflammation and repair, metabolic and hemadynamic disturbances, and neoplasia are presented parallel to actual base studies based on current autopsies and surgical material. From the beginning, an attempt is made to correlate basic principles, morbid anatomy, and clinical syndromes. Later in the course, specific diseases are studied in detail. The characteristic changes produced by disease, in particular organ systems and their relationship to clinical manifestations, are explored.
           Laboratory work involves the study of gross and microscopic specimens and may be supplemented by student attendance at autopsies, as well as by student participation in informal seminars.
           The department is also involved in the organization and teaching of several subjects in collaboration with other departments which present to the student an integrated view of normal and abnormal function of selected organ systems.
           The department offers a program leading to the PhD in Experimental Pathology which may be adapted to the needs of students who wish to obtain a combined M.D.-Ph.D. as preparation for a career in academic medicine. Such programs are planned on an individual basis.
           Members of the staff are engaged in research in immunochemistry, immunopathology, renal pathophysiology, experimental renal disease., experimental endocrinology and hypertension, genitourinary pathology, muscle pathology, perinatal and adult neuropathology, reticuloendothelial function, biology and neoplasms.

PTH-618-0 – Electron Microscopy - Variable credit; second semester. Prerequisite – Histology course. Dr. Nickerson, Number of students: 15

           Pathology 618 is designed to familiarize the students with the principles and practice of electron microscopy as it is applied to biomedical research.
           Lectures will concentrate on the theory behind the electron microscope and the rationale behind general and specific preparation methods for the technique. The laboratory will emphasize the actual application of the technique.
           Upon completing the course, students will be able to process tissue from fixation through electron microscopy, thereby producing acceptable electron micrographs and be able to interpret them.

PTH-620-0 – Endocrine Pathology 1-3 credits; spring semester. Prerequisites – Biochemistry and General Pathology. Dr. Samuel Gallant and staff. Number of students: 20.

           The objective of this course is to provide an in-depth analysis of the pathology and pathophysiology of endocrine disease. Special emphasis will be given to correlating biochemical and metabolic derangements with structural alterations. Recent advances derived from laboratory and clinical investigations will be discussed
           Upon completing the course, the students will be able to recognize, predict, and interpret the biochemical derangements in various endocrine disorders and to correlate these with structural alterations.

PTH 699 Independent Study in Pathology Variable credit; Spring semester. Prerequisite-PTH600 or equivalent. Department Chairman and staff

           The objective of this course is to supplement systemic pathology course experience with in-hospital experience in practical
pathology.
           Students will receive practical exposure to autopsy and surgical pathology in a hospital care setting. At the conclusion of the course, students should have improved abilities to use knowledge of disease processes and to apply this knowledge to actual diagnostic and management problems.

PTH-800 HOSPITAL PATHOLOGY 4 credits. Modules B-L. Prerequisite-Senior medical student or permission of OME and instructor. Dr. Lucia Balos, Number of students 3. G-Kaleida Health Systems/Buffalo General Hospital.

      This rotation provides students with a four-week elective period in hospital pathology, specifically autopsy and surgical pathology, as they relate to patient care. Emphasis is placed on a correlation of pathologic findings and clinical problems.
      Students may also have an opportunity to obtain some practical experience in clinical pathology, which includes the areas of microbiology, clinical chemistry, hematology and blood banking. Particularly in this part of the elective, students develop a better understanding of the role of the laboratory in the hospital and of how to best utilize the services of the laboratory.

PTH-800 HOSPITAL PATHOLOGY 4 credits. Modules B-L. Prerequisite-Senior medical student or permission of OME and instructor. Number of students:1-2. R. Roswell Park Cancer Institute.
      This rotation allows the medical student to be exposed to oncologic pathology in the Anatomic pathology section of the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at Roswell Park Cancer Institute. The student may elect a four week period of time for this elective. The emphasis is on Surgical Pathology as well as Cytopathology and may include Flow Cytometry, Cytogenetics, or Molecular Diagnosis.  The students will assist in various laboratory procedures and gain expertise in evaluation/diagnosis of tissue specimens from cancer patients. The pathologic findings are correlated with the clinical findings.  There is extensive interaction with the pathology faculty, residents, and fellows. Participation in the Institute’s Multidisciplinary Tumor Boards will give the student a unique perspective on the relationship between the pathology diagnosis and patient management.  Students have an opportunity to assist in autopsies and are expected to participate in Departmental conferences.
PTH-810 FORENSIC PATHOLOGY 4 credits. Modulates B-L Note: a "E" after the module in the Class Schedule indicates the Erie County Medical Center (Medical Examiner’s office) as the site. Prerequisite-Senior medical student or permission of OME and instructor. Dr. James Woytash. Number of students: 3

      This rotation will provide the future physician the following foundations:

  1. Determination of the Cause of Death
  2. Determination of the Manner of Death
  3. Type of case referred to Medical Examiner/Coroner
  4. Review of Gross Anatomy

      Upon completion of the future physician will be able to:

  1. Properly fill out a death certificate
  2. Understand what cases must be referred to the Medical Examiner
PTH-890 COURSE AT OTHER UNIVERSITY 4 credits. Modules B-L, fourth year. Prerequisites- Senior medical student. By arrangement with other university and department chairman
PTH-950 RESEARCH IN PATHOLOGY  4 credits. Modulates B-L. Prerequisite- Senior medical student or permission of OME and instructor. Department chairman and staff.

           The goals of this course are to provide students with insight into research and practical experience in a small project.
           Students will engage in research projects involving one of the current areas of scientific investigation engaged in by department members. These include experimental immunology, transplantation immunology, cytokines, neuroimmunology, experimental hypertension, experimental endocrinology, cell biology of tumors, and neuropathology.
           At the end of the research course, the students should have developed an appreciation of the investigative approach and practical experience in a small research project.