Anatomic Pathology Program

Electron Microscopy Introductory Rotation

 

Rotation Director:
Catherine S. Abendroth, MD
 
Goals:

To learn the technical aspects of electron microscopy including fixation, sectioning and scoping, and the ultrastructural features of tumors, infections, and renal and neuromuscular diseases.
 

Learning Objectives:

Note:  The core competencies addressed by the goals and/or objectives are indicated by PC (Patient Care), MK (Medical Knowledge), PBLI (Practice Based Learning and Improvement), ICS (Interpersonal and Communication Skills), SBP (Systems Based Practice), and P (Professionalism)

By the end of the rotation, the resident will be able to:
  • Independently process a specimen for electron microscopy (PC, MK)
  • Scan a grid on the EM scope (PC, MK)
  • Identify tumors, infections, and renal and neuromuscular diseases based on characteristic ultrastructural features (PC, MK)
 
Requirements:
  • 4-day rotation during autopsy/EM/elective block 

Components:

1.  Self-assessment         
  • Study of teaching collection (PBLI)
2.  Reading (covered independently by resident) (MK)
  • Hunter, E: Practical Electron Microscopy
  • Dickerson, GR: Diagnostic Electron Microscopy
  • Educational binder in EM lab
3.  Practical exposure to ultrastructural morphology
  • Preview any HMC and Diagnostic Services muscle, tumor and renal biopsies throughout the rotation (PBLI)
4.  Didactic learning
  • Instruction in and demonstration of specimen fixation, processing, cutting and scoping by EM technicians (MK)
5.  Active learning activities
  • Hands-on practice cutting thick and thin sections, supervised by EM technician (PC, PBLI)
  • Use of electron microscope, supervised by EM technician (MK, IPC, P)
 
Method(s) of Evaluation:
  • Observation (EM technicians)
  • Post-test performance (Drs. Specht and Abendroth)