It is my distinct honor and pleasure to present this series of articles written by many distinguished individuals around the United States with strong interest in pathology education and training.
In this special section of the Archives of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, contemporary issues that face residents, fellows, faculty, and those practices that employ our graduates are included. One of the articles resulted from survey data obtained by the College of American Pathologists Graduate Medical Education Committee on the expectations of employers of their new hires. This article summarizes the attitudes of both academic and private-practice pathologists who are the consumers of the pathology education “end product” with their perceptions of the current curriculum and its effectiveness in preparation for practice. This article is one of many activities of the Graduate Medical Education Committee of the college, which has also recently focused on professionalism in pathology.
An article based on survey results regarding resident perceptions on education in clinical chemistry is included. The survey was sent through program directors, asking them to extend an invitation to participate to their residents. The resulting manuscript provides some insights into the perceptions of residents on their educational experience and its impact on their future career paths.
An article on the performance of fetal, perinatal, and pediatric autopsies is focused on the current state of affairs in practice, and will hopefully serve as a guide to program directors of pathology on the needs of the community for the development of expertise in pediatric autopsies from a practical standpoint.
Recently, the pathology community has had great interest in assessment and determination of appropriate professional behavior and remediation of lapses in such. An article that reports on results of a survey of residents on lapses in professionalism is also included.
Finally, an editorial commentary from Michael Prystowsky, MD, PhD, a member of the College of American Pathologists Board of Governors and chair of the Council on Education, is included that poses questions regarding the evolving roles for pathologists as essential members of health care teams ensuring effective and efficient delivery of patient care. The editorial asks for consideration of changes to pathology training programs in an effort to produce adaptable and resilient pathologists who will be able to meet future needs of the profession.
As in the past, I dedicate this series of articles to all current and former members of the residency program directors' section (PRODS), PRODS Council, assistant and associate program directors, faculty, designated institutional officials, residency and fellowship coordinators, and undergraduate medical educators, but in particular to our residents and fellows who are the next generation of pathologists.
I cannot forget to acknowledge the dedicated service of Priscilla Markwood, who manages and monitors the Association of Pathology Chairs (APC) and APC Council and PRODS and PRODS Council email listserves that have been the vehicle for discussion and assistance to program directors over the years through surveys and electronic question and answer sessions. These listserves continue to be a resource for pathology residency program directors and pathology programs in need of guidance or wishing to have the input that only other program directors can provide.
Finally, I would be remiss if I did not also thank Philip Cagle, MD, editor in chief, and the staff of the Archives of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine for allowing me to recognize the efforts of the pathology community in the education of medical students, pathology residents and fellows, and the faculty who mentor them and for their dedicated efforts in the compilation of this special section on pathology education.
Suzanne Z. Powell, MD, has served as a professor of pathology at Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, New York, and a neuropathologist at Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, Texas, since 1998. Dr Powell received her medical degree from West Virginia University in Morgantown and completed pathology residency at the University of Florida, Jacksonville, and neuropathology fellowship at the University of Florida, Gainesville. Dr Powell has served as the chair of the Residency Review Committee for Pathology of the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) and as the chair of the program directors' section and is currently serving as a member of the ACGME Pathology Residency Milestones Working Group and as section chair of the Milestones Fellowship Committees for Neuropathology and Clinical Informatics. Dr Powell is also currently a section editor in residents affairs for the Archives of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine.
Suzanne Z. Powell, MD, has served as a professor of pathology at Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, New York, and a neuropathologist at Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, Texas, since 1998. Dr Powell received her medical degree from West Virginia University in Morgantown and completed pathology residency at the University of Florida, Jacksonville, and neuropathology fellowship at the University of Florida, Gainesville. Dr Powell has served as the chair of the Residency Review Committee for Pathology of the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) and as the chair of the program directors' section and is currently serving as a member of the ACGME Pathology Residency Milestones Working Group and as section chair of the Milestones Fellowship Committees for Neuropathology and Clinical Informatics. Dr Powell is also currently a section editor in residents affairs for the Archives of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine.