Molecular Pathology - AP Only Track

Rotation Director:
Keri J. Donaldson, MD

Goals and Objectives:

The general goal of the Molecular Pathology rotation is to develop an understanding of when and why to order molecular tests, appreciate some of the technical and financial considerations, understand advantages and disadvantages of each of the clinically relevant technologies, and be semi-skilled in the performance and interpretation of several important nucleic acid-based assays.

The objectives of the rotation are encompassed by the six core competencies as defined by the ACGME and residents will be evaluated during their training in each of these areas. By the end of the rotation, the resident will be able to:

Patient care that is compassionate, appropriate, and effective for the treatment of health through the following:

• Gather essential and accurate information about patients using all relevant available modalities and incorporate into pathologic interpretations.
• Effectively interpret molecular pathology test results.
• Effectively consult to other clinicians in developing a diagnostic plan, when appropriate, based on specific clinical questions and relevant clinical and pathological information.
• Effectively consult on interpretation or follow-up of unusual or unexpected molecular test results.

Medical Knowledge:

• Use all relevant information resources to acquire and evaluate evidence-based information.
• Develop and maintain a knowledge base in the basic and clinical sciences necessary for effective consultation in Molecular Pathology that includes testing for genetic and malignant conditions by PCR, RT-PCR, quantitative real-time PCR, FISH, Invader, Southern blot, sequencing, capillary electrophoresis, and gene arrays.
• Understand the various levels of evidence in medicine and their translation into evidence-based practice.

Practice-based Learning and Improvement:

• Demonstrate the ability to critically assess the scientific literature.
• Demonstrate knowledge of evidence-based medicine and apply its principles in assay development and validation.
• Use multiple sources, including information technology, to optimize life-long learning and support patient care decisions.
• Develop personally effective strategies for the identification and remediation of gaps in medical knowledge needed for effective practice.

Interpersonal and Communication Skills:

• Demonstrate the ability to write an articulate, legible, and comprehensive yet concise consultation note; provide a clear and informative report, including when appropriate a precise diagnosis, a differential diagnosis, and recommended follow-up or additional studies.
• Demonstrate the ability to provide direct communication to the referring physician or appropriate clinical personnel when interpretation of a laboratory assay reveals an urgent, critical, or unexpected finding and document this communication in an appropriate fashion.
• Demonstrate the ability to work with other clinicians and other health care personnel and administrators to develop clinically advantageous and cost-effective care-delivery strategies.
• Use effective modes and mechanisms of communication.

Professionalism:

• Interact with others without discriminating based on religious, ethnic, sexual, or educational differences.
• Demonstrate positive work habits, including punctuality, dependability, and professional appearance.
• Demonstrate principles of confidentiality with all information transmitted both during and outside a patient encounter.
• Demonstrate a commitment to excellence and ongoing professional development.
• Demonstrate interpersonal skills in functioning as a member of a multidisciplinary health care team.

Systems-based Practice:

• Demonstrate understanding of the role of the clinical laboratory in the health care system.
• Demonstrate the ability to design resource-effective diagnostic plans based on knowledge of best practices in collaboration with other clinicians.
• Demonstrate knowledge of basic health care reimbursement methods.
• Demonstrate knowledge of the laboratory regulatory environment including issues related to home-brew assay development and validation.

Requirements:

• Residents are scheduled for this rotation during their senior years in the program.

Duration and Timing of the Rotation:

• The rotation is 1 four-week block in duration and is available throughout the year.

Teaching Staff:

• Clinical Pathology faculty: Keri J. Donaldson, MD, and Michael H. Creer, MD
• Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory Supervisor: Floyd A. Benko

Components:

1.  Service Responsibilities

• During the rotation, the AP resident and the CP Consult resident will work together to prepare interpretations for sign-out. The residents should check the pending log in the Molecular Diagnostics database each morning and afternoon and draft appropriate interpretations for sign-out with the Medical Director. The residents should be prepared to discuss results with clinical services when necessary.

2.  Specific Topics and Reading Assignments

3.  Teaching Sessions

• The AP resident and the Clinical Pathology Consult resident will meet with the Medical Director on Monday and Wednesday mornings at 9:00 to discuss reading assignments, laboratory exercises, and patient interpretations.

Method(s) of Evaluation:

• Evaluation will be performed by the Molecular Diagnostics Medical Director. Criteria used will include attendance, effort in performing bench work, and an informal assessment of knowledge gained from reading and didactic sessions with attention to integration of the knowledge with experience at the lab bench.

Updated:  3/2012