Elective Goal
The overarching goal of this elective is that WCM-Q students, by focusing on the study of several cancers, acquire an enhanced general understanding of malignant diseases, and therefore, a foundation for sound clinical practices in oncologic pathology and oncology.
Elective Objectives
By the end of this elective, WCM-Q students will:
- Demonstrate a solid knowledge of some complex pathology entities, including challenging borderline and low-grade malignant lesions.
- Recognize the critical importance of clinico-pathological correlations in the care of patients with a cancer diagnosis.
- Explain the rationale for using targeted therapies in patients with malignant tumors.
- Explain the rationale for preventive approaches in malignant diseases.
- Describe the advantages of virtual microscopy and telemedicine in the practice of pathology and cancer diagnosis.
Elective Duration:
The course duration of this elective is two full weeks.
Elective Learning Modalities:
- Case-Based Learning & Study
Using virtual microscopy slides, students will examine pathological cases throughout the two weeks. These cases are examples of challenging pathological entities, with significant clinico-pathological correlations and also fundamental therapeutic implications, including the application of targeted therapies and preventive approaches for malignant diseases.
The cases will be somewhat more complex than those examined during the foundational sciences curriculum, since students have already completed their EPOM and HID courses.
Students will be provided with internet links for direct and simple access to all these virtual slides, kindly provided by the University of Leeds. In addition, students will be given complementary readings and the corresponding 2020 College of American Pathologists (CAP) cancer protocols, for each case that they review.
- Self-Directed Learning (SDL)
Students will be provided with all cases at least 72 hs in advance, including access to virtual online pathology slides, readings, CAP protocols, and any other materials.
During this time, learners will review all these items on their own. They will be expected to create a meaningful differential diagnosis, and eventually arrive to their own specific cancer diagnosis. In addition, students will be provided with basic first-order questions, and also USMLE-like questions, specifically related to each case.
Therefore, this time represents an excellent opportunity for SDL and independent self-discovery, consistent with what pathologists do in a real-life hospital-based practice, always focusing on complex and challenging cancer diagnoses.
- Virtual Group Discussions
Following the SDL time, all students and the instructor/s will meet via Zoom, and every case will be analyzed. These meetings will allow for questions and answers/feedback, and discussions of the USMLE questions that were provided for each case. Ultimately, these virtual meetings will work as consensus conferences, similar to what is done in a hospital-based practice, when pathologists meet as a group to share and discuss difficult cases.
Feedback & Evaluation
Students will be evaluated based on their:
- Preparation for virtual meetings (review of virtual slides, development of differential diagnoses, completion of readings, answers to questions, etc).
- Participation and contributions during virtual meetings.
- Completion of a 500-words summary review of a case discussed during the elective. This review will be graded by Dr Guiter and/or Dr Sapia (Pass or Fail). This review must address all significant pathological and related clinical issues for the case. In conjunction with the grading, feedback will be provided to each student.
Note: Attendance to every Zoom session is obligatory. Any personal circumstances should be discussed in advance with Dr Guiter or Dr Sapia.
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