Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine
Laboratory Medicine
Physicians planning a career in pathology need to acquire an overview of laboratory medicine and specific expertise in one or more of the individual laboratory subdisciplines. Our training program in Laboratory Medicine includes introductory rotations through each of the clinical laboratory divisions. Later in training, the resident chooses one or two laboratories in which he or she will take advanced rotations permitting the resident to gain experience and develop expertise in particular specialty areas.Through interaction with the laboratory technical staff, staff pathologists, and clinicians, residents develop a variety of essential skills. Residents learn the basics of methodology and instrumentation, the interpretation of data, the role of the laboratory in solving patient care problems, and the principles and value of quality control as an essential component to the successful operation of a laboratory. Residents learn to interact effectively with both laboratory personnel and with their clinical colleagues through their function as consultant physicians and play an active role in the diagnosis and management of patient problems.
Computers are basic tools for information management in most large hospitals, and their role in medicine is expanding rapidly. The pathologist entering practice today requires skills in the use and application of computer technology. Both our hospital information system and our clinical and anatomic service laboratories are served by sophisticated computer systems. Residents gain considerable experience in generation of test results, the rapid distribution of results to the clinical staff, and the effective management of the clinical laboratory through computer technology.
Pathologists today are assuming an important new role in quality assurance and cost containment. With regard to this role, residents learn how to effectively monitor not only the performance of tests, but also the selection of appropriate tests for each problem being evaluated. Lastly, residents focus on the application of laboratory technology and management practices in a cost efficient manner.
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