Institution: Dorn Veterans Affairs Medical Center

Location: Columbia, South Carolina

Duration: 4 weeks on either Anatomic Pathology or Clinical Pathology, or 8 weeks combined (and 2 weeks short rotation for combined program for M-III students.)

Course Offered: Throughout academic year

Number of Students: 1 to 2 per rotation

Students Report To: Ziad A. Al-Assaad, M.D., Dorn Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Room 1A166, 8:30 a.m.

*USC SOM Third Year Elective

This rotation will consist of an introduction and experience relative to all phases of Anatomic and Clinical Pathology. The student will participate in the performance of autopsies and examination of surgical material and cytologic material as well as participate in evaluation of abnormal laboratory tests and the clinical correlation of those tests. Also, there will be some experience and insight into basic areas of Clinical Pathology, including Hematology, Microbiology, Clinical Chemistry, Immunopathology, Urinalysis and Blood Banking. Certain areas may receive more attention or concentration than others depending on the interest or background of the individual student. During this rotation, the student will gain a better understanding of the scope and role of pathology services and will better understand the role of the pathologists and the laboratory in the overall care of patients and function of the hospital.

The attending staff consists of three pathologists.