Department of Pathology (2024)

2014

CONTENTS

• Chairman’s Corner

• Introducing Charles A. Parkos

• Facing Fears to Improve Patient Care

• A Brief History of Pathology Chairs

• Paradigm

• Faculty Perspectives: Ethics and Pathology

• Faculty Profile: One Old Guy's Perspective on Pathology at Michigan

• Molecular and Celluar Pathology Graduate Program

2016

CONTENTS

• Chairman’s Corner

  An update from the Department Chair from 2015-2016

• Wayne County Medical Examiners Office + University of Michigan

  Collaborates between Wayne County and the Department of Pathology and Social Work at U-M are imporving the lives of patient families and the faculty and staff who serve them, becoming a model for the future.

• The History of Pathology Imaging

  For over 60 years, photpographers have been on staff to provide imaging services for Pathology, covering departmental events, documenting research, and more. Go back in time through historical photos.

• Staff in Focus

  Lab Ambassador Program: Bridging the Gap between Patients and the Laboratory

• Featured Methodology

  MALDI-TOF: A new Paradigm for Diagnostic Microbiology

• Reflections

  Faculty member and former chair, Peter Ward, reflects on his decades of service at the U-M

• Uncovering the Truth

  Director of Autopsy and Forensic Services, Dr. Jeffrey Jentzen, reflects on his career, beginning with his training in Minneapolis in the early ‘80 and including high profile cases such as the Jeffrey Dahmer serial killings.

• Moving Forward - Relocation of Pathology

  In December, 2015, the Board of Regents approved the design for the Clinical Pathology Laboratories Relocation and Renovation project. Senior Project Manager, Christine Baker, explains how Lean Facility Design is being used to involve faculty and staff in creating the plans for their new workspace.

2017

CONTENTS

• Chairman’s Corner

  An update from the Department Chair from 2016-2017

• Understanding Pediatric Brain Cancer

  Dr. Siram Venneti's lab explores the interface of metabolism, epigenetics and brain development in order to better understand and eventually treat childhood cancer.

• More than a Blood Draw

  Phlebotomists are on the front lines, influencing the patient experience with each blood draw.

• Featured Methodology

  Cancer cytogenomic arrays detect genomic legions in tiny amounts, resulting in big impacts on patient care, including more targeted therapy for pediatric brain tumors.

• Through the Looking Glass

  A personal breast cancer diagnosis leads to new perspectives on medicine and the patient experience for Laura Cooling, MD.

• The Smallest Among Us

  Rajah Rabah, MD works to make autopsy reports more accessible to families and change the perceptions of pediatric pathology.

• Life as a Pediatric Pathology Fellow

  Interview of pediatric fellow Nathan Shaller, MD

2018

CONTENTS

• Chairman’s Corner

  An update from the Department Chair from 2017-2018

• Building Better Bridges

  A new U-M initiative aims to improve the patient experience by forging connections between pathologists and the people they serve.

• Rohit Mehra, MD, saw patient after patient with metastatic therapy resistant cancer. As a pathologist, he knew something unconventional was needed to understand why the patient's cancer would not respond to treatment.

• Question & Answer: Helping Patients and Families in Ghana—A Staff Perspective

  Senior Histotechnologists, Stephanie Allen, descibes her experiences as she accompanied Dr. Richard Lieberman and his team in bringing quick diagnoses to GYN patients in Ghana.

• Understanding the Living

  John H. Finger, MD got to know his father through walks in the Department of Pathology. Now, a gift from the family is inspiring future leaders in the field of forensics.

• She Designed a Life She Loves

  The story of how Kathleen R. Cho, MD, the Peter A. Ward Professor of Pathology, created a career in which she excels at diagnostics, research, and administration.

• Alumni Story: Hidden Gems

  Catch up with U-M residency program alumna, Dr. Güliz Akdaș Barkan and learn how the mentorship of Dr. Bernard Naylor shaped her career.

• Striving for Zero

  To solve one of the most complex challenges of the department's move to north campus, pathology informatics put together a team to create a new specimen tracking applications, in house.

2019

CONTENTS

• Chairman’s Corner

  An update from the Department Chair from 2018-2019

• Navigating Change

  The Department of Pathology embraces the future while navigating through multiple changes as it settles into its new laboratory home.

• A Once-in-a-Lifetime Project

  Duane Newton, PhD, reflects on how communication, determination, and commitment have led to the best possible outcomes for patients and the department through the Pathology Relocation and Renovation Project (PRR).

• A Blank Canvas

  A look at the artists behind the artwork hung in the newly renovated facility.

• Making Sense Out of Tragedy

  Sheryl Silver became an advocate for women’s health after her sister’s diagnosis of ovarian cancer. Now, a gift from the Silver Family Foundation is funding research at Michigan Medicine.

• A Fundamental Passion

  Bryan Betz, PhD, was inspired by his late wife, Sharon, to pursue a career in clinical diagnostics. This is his story.

• Alumni Story: Jiaying Tan

  Catch up with alumna, Jiaying Tan, PhD, and learn how her mentorship shaped her career.

• Engaging Our Future

  Our faculty want to give High School students the best chance to learn about pathology.

• Living Big

  In January, the Department of Pathology lost Dennis Serras who was a dear member of the Patient and Family Advisory Council (PFAC). What was his viewpoint and how did he help?

2020

CONTENTS

• Chairman’s Corner

  An update from the Department Chair from 2019-2020

• A Holistic Approach

  Now in its 35th year, and tasked with a range of daunting responsibilities, the Division of Education Programs is key to "having the best pathology education department in the country," says new director Carol Farver, MD.

• Throwing Open the Doors to Pathology

  The new medical school curriculum offers students a unique opportunity to gain exposure to the clinical practice of pathology.

• First-Class Team Guides Trainees to Success

  When third-year medical students are deciding where they want to spend their residency, our department has a dedicated team ready to guide them through the process.

• Towards the Future of Biomedical Graduate Education

  Dr. Zaneta Nikolovska-Coleska gives her perspective on the Molecular and Cellular Pathology Graduate Program, and insights as to it’s growing future.

• A Metric Ton of Challenges

  After landing in the emergency room with acute chest syndrome, patient Jamison Lundy had his first experience with apheresis and gained full trust in Michigan Medicine.

• Embracing the Chaos

  Allecia Wilson, MD, grew up in a poverty-stricken area in Detroit and had a career in the military before a eureka moment led her to pathology. The Director of Autopsy and Forensic Services shares thoughts on mentorship, family, and more.

• Renaissance Man

  U-M Pathology Alumni John Goldblum has developed an impressive resume since attending medical school, but reflects how his love of the field was inspired by his teachers.

• Fellowship Q&A

  There are a number of questions that surround being involved in a fellowship. We interview four of our own about its advantages.

2021

CONTENTS

• Chairman’s Corner

  An update from the Department Chair from 2020-2021

• Inside the COVID Pandemic

  The SARS-CoV-2 virus brought laboratory testing to the headlines. Learn how Michigan Medicine Pathology responded to this unprecedented challenge.

• Leading the Charge

  Leadership at all levels engaged in the fight against COVID — a behind-the-scenes look at what was required to keep patients and colleagues safe while providing exceptional care.

• The Yin and the Yang of Research in the COVID Era

  As COVID closed down research labs, researchers sgifted focus to new areas of research, publications, and grantsmanship.

• Flexibility is the Key to Activation

  More than 18 months into the renovation effort at University Hospital and University Hospital South, flexibility has been key to the ever-changing environment.

• A Journey Through Chemistry and Medicine

  A faculty perspective from the department's Dr. Carmen Gherasim, who offers a unique insight into her personal life, career endeavors, and staying afloat during the COVID-19 pandemic.

• Facing Down COVID One Patient at a Time

  Pathology phlebotomists discuss their experiences working with patients through the COVID pandemic, balancing compassion and safety.

• Schnitzer Lectureship and Resident Wellness Funds

  Honoring the legacy of Dr. Bertram Schnitzer and supporting our pathology residents one gift at a time.

2022

CONTENTS

• Chairman’s Corner

  An update from the Department Chair from 2021-2022

• Pathology in the Modern Age

  The field of Pathology is changing quickly as technology advances, with deep learning and artificial intelligence expanding into diagnostic arenas

• From Red to Blue

  Nebraska native shucks Scarlet and Cream for Maize and Blue as he moves up the ranks in Pathology.

• Creating the Opportunity

  Karen Barron, the Allied Health Education Program Manager in the Department of Pathology offers a glimpse into her role, daily responsibilities, and what it's like to help create opportunities for young laboratory professionals.

• 30 Years of Research at Michigan Medicine

  Walk with us through a 30-year career in research as Dr. Gabriel Núñez highlights his key discoveries in Crohn's Disease research, his perspectives on work/life balance, and hear from some of those he mentored along the way.

• Learn more about our DEI efforts, as Dr. Angela Wu offers some insight into the events, initiatives, and strategies related to this important aspect of the Department of Pathology.

2023

CONTENTS

• Chairman’s Corner

  An update from the Department Chair from 2022-2023

• Building a Culture of Development, Inclusion and Wellness

  Assistant Chairs, Drs. Laura Lamps, Angela Wu, and Maria Westerhoff address the departmental focus on creating change in the areas of Faculty and Staff Development, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, and Wellness and Culture.

• Only Steps Away From the Finish!

  In the multi-phase, multi-year effort to relocate and renovate spaces at the North Campus Research Complex and University Hospital, a finish line is within sight.

• Mentorship by Managers—Empowering the Next Generation of Scientists

  Lisa McMurry and Michele Cusato describe their roles as mentors/managers in research laboratories within the Department of Pathology.

• Individualized Opportunity: Physician Scientist Training Pathway

  Gain perspectives from both the mentor and the trainee on the department’s Physician Scientist Training Pathway (PSTP) program.

• Cheryl's Journey

  Read about Cheryl and her experience as a living donor and how pathology plays a pivotal role.

• Visual Recognition Talent Leads to Career in Dermatopathology

  A special talent in visual pattern recognition led Dr. May Chan to her career in Dermatopathology. Dr. Chan discusses her path from Hong Kong to her current role as the Interim Service Chief for Dermatopathology at Michigan Medicine Department of Pathology.

• ASOs To The Rescue!

  Dr. Andrew Lieberman’s research into neurological diseases is making inroads into potential treatment therapies for impacted patients, including an exciting finding utilizing ASOs to reverse the impact of Kennedy’s Disease in mice.