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Neuropathology Objectives

Rotation-Specific Objectives for Neurosurgical Residents on Neuropathology Services

Neuropathology is an important subject area for practicing neurosurgeons. Accordingly, residents in the neurosurgery training program at the University of Toronto must undertake at least a 3-month rotation on a neuropathology service at a University of Toronto-affiliated hospital. The following are the goals and objectives of the Neuropathology rotation for neurosurgery residents.

MEDICAL EXPERT

KNOWLEDGE: At the completion of their rotation, the resident will be able to:

  • Demonstrate an understanding of the basic pathological processes (general pathology).
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the basic processes peculiar to the pathology of the nervous system, such as Wallerian degeneration and regeneration, trans-synaptic degeneration, demyelination, tumours.
  • Demonstrate an understanding the anatomy and functions of the regions, tracts and nuclei of the CNS, taking advantage of the material at hand for brain-cutting and anatomic dissection.
  • Recognize and interpret evidence of gross and microscopic disease of the nervous system, and acquire an understanding of the causes and mechanisms of the changes.
  • Correlate clinical and pathological findings related to the nervous system, and to relate these to findings in other systems.
  • Demonstrate familiarity with basic neuropathological and neuroanatomic texts, and learn to locate and analyze pertinent literature.
  • Demonstrate an appreciation for the diagnostic contribution made by the neuropathologist, and for the factors which may limit this contribution in some situations. e.g. the problems of small specimens or sampling error in the assessment of tumours.
  • Demonstrate some familiarity with neuropathological research, and with the contributions to neurosurgical research made with neuropathological techniques.

CLINICAL SKILLS: At the completion of their rotation, the resident will be able to:

  • Perform basic dissections of the brain and spinal cord in accordance with standard neuropathological techniques.
  • Appropriately prepare and fix gross and microscopic specimens of the nervous system for further examination.

COMMUNICATOR: At the completion of their rotation, the resident will be able to:

  • Contribute effectively toward the preparation of neuropathological reports with attention to clinical-pathological correlation

COLLABORATOR: At the completion of their rotation, the resident will be able to:

  • Actively participate in the neuropathological examination of specimens. Show an interest in learning the role and duties of a neuropathologist.
  • Communicate effectively with attending neuropathologists and paramedical personnel.
  • Communicate examination results effectively to referring physicians and the health care team.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the neurosurgeon's and neuropathologist's role in the examination and diagnosis of neuropathological disease/disorders

 

LEADER: At the completion of their rotation, the resident will be able to:

  • Recognize the necessary safety precautions entailed in the examination of tissue specimens removed at surgery and postmortem.
  • Show the appropriate respect to neuropathological specimens and results of the neuropathological examination.
  • Effectively use time to coordinate participation with diagnostic activities in the laboratory and reading.

HEALTH ADVOCATE: At the completion of their rotation, the resident will be able to:

  • Identify important determinants related to neuropathological diagnoses, which may include the following:
    • Knowledge of the genetic basis for certain disorders and inheritance pattern.
    • Knowledge of infectious disorders that may require preventive action (e.g. HIV, AIDS-related illnesses, Jacob-Creutzfeld disease).

SCHOLAR: At the completion of their rotation, the resident will be able to:

  • Demonstrate independent pursuit of knowledge during the Neuropathology rotation especially around cases seen while on clinical neurosurgery services where neuropathology is involved.
  • Critically assess the neurosurgical literature as it relates to neuropathological diagnoses.
  • Participate in academic activities where available during the Neuropathology rotation such as neuropathology conferences, brain cutting, and neurosciences seminars.

 

PROFESSIONAL: At the completion of their rotation, the resident will be able to:

  • Appraise accurately his/her own professional performances and show that he/she recognizes his/her own limitations with regard to skill and knowledge by appropriately consulting other physicians and paramedical personnel.
  • Expand on one's knowledge base through reading and other resources.
  • Demonstrate punctuality and respect for the workings of the neuropathology service.