Neuropathology

Catalog Description:  The course is a practical introduction to neuropathology. The students will work with the attending neuropathologist and residents (from LMP, Neurology and/or Neurosurgery) performing diagnostic services in neuropathology. Gross autopsy brain dissections are performed at the Fairview University Medical Center and the Hennepin County Medical Examiner’s Office. In addition there are autopsy brains received in outside consultation. Neurosurgical specimens from the Fairview University Medical Center as well as consultation cases from outside hospitals also are a part of the diagnostic service. A number of teaching conferences are held in conjunction with the Departments of Neurology, Neurosurgery, Diagnostic Radiology as well as the Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology. A large collection of gross and microscopic specimens is available for educational uses. Ample time is allotted for independent study, and pursuit of students' individual interests in the field of neuropathology is encouraged. An understanding of neuropathology also is fundamental for anyone intending to pursue a career in any of the clinical neurosciences.
This elective allows students to experience the daily activities of a neuropathologist. The students will be become acquainted with the nature of neuropathological practice and gain insight into the role that pathologists play in patient care and validation of clinical and radiological observations. Correlation between what is seen with imaging techniques and neuropathological changes is a major emphasis of the rotation.

Syllabus

Sites: 

View site addresses by clicking on the site name below or visiting the site codes table.

Required session attendance: A variety of conferences will be mandatory to attend and will be discussed at the start of the rotation.

Typical weekly schedule/Delivery Mode:  M-F, 8:00am-5:00pm, conference schedule will be discussed and may require earlier attendance.  There are no night or weekend assignments.

Direct patient care:  No

Consent Requirement: Open to Student Scheduling

Course Objectives:  By the end of this rotation, students will be able to:

• identify anatomic structures within the nervous system both grossly and microscopically
• generate a differential diagnosis for neurosurgical and autopsy specimens based on neuroimaging
• differentiate mechanisms of neurological disease by their microscopic appearance
• differentiate common tumors of the nervous system by their histological appearance

Graded Components:  

• Regular attendance
• Active participation in conferences, discussions and daily sign-out sessions
• Supervisor's Assessment of competency in the approach to the gross and microscopic examination of the nervous system
• End of rotation presentation
• Professionalism in interactions with faculty, staff, and other members of the team

Grading Scale:  H/E/S/N

Allow repetition of course: Repetition not allowed

Course equivalency:  Does not apply