Welcome
Welcome to the Department of Pathology at The Ohio State University. We have numerous opportunities within the medical specialty of pathology for medical students, both with an interest in a career in pathology or a career that will be interacting frequently with pathology, such as surgery and oncology. The opportunities described below are available to any medical student enrolled in a medical school within the Midwest.
The first question many medical students have is “What is Pathology”? Pathology is made up of 2 divisions: Anatomic Pathology and Clinical Pathology. Anatomic Pathology primarily involves looking at tissue or individual cells under light microscopy and making a diagnosis. These diagnoses, such as cancer, are often pivotal to patient management. Clinical Pathology involves laboratory testing that is ordered on patients daily. For example, serum values of sodium, potassium and hemoglobin are all a part of Clinical Pathology. Other examples of Clinical Pathology that medical students may routinely encounter include results from the areas of Microbiology and Transfusion Medicine.
How can medical students gain exposure to pathology? We offer the following opportunities for medical students:
- M2 Pathology Career Exploration: Open to medical students in all years and from any medical school in the Midwest.
- M3 Surgical Pathology Clinical Experience: Open to medical students in all years and from any medical school in the Midwest.
- M3 Pathology Selectives: Within the Surgery/ObGyn block, 9 different 1-week Pathology selectives are offered.
- M3 Autopsy Clinical Experience: Open to medical students in all years and from any medical school in the Midwest.
- M4 Electives: All 4th year medical students can apply for an M4 elective.
- Shadowing: Students of any year can sign-up for a 2-hour shadowing experience. Open to medical students in all years and from any medical school in the Midwest.
- Pathology Student Interest Group: Attend activities and events to learn about Pathology and other CV building opportunities. Open to medical students in all years and from any medical school in the Midwest.
- Research: Numerous faculty within the department mentor medical students on research projects. Open to medical students in all years. Medical students from other schools may apply.
Additionally, the national organization, the College of American Pathologists offers numerous resources for medical students interested in learning about Pathology. A great overview of what its like to be a pathologist is in this seminar.
For any questions or additional information, please contact the medical student administrator Chloe Ballow, the Anatomic Pathology administrator Marika Arledge or Dr. Lott-Limbach, Dr. Tozbikian or Dr. Zynger.
