Academic PathologyPub Date : 2026-04-01Epub Date: 2026-05-05DOI: 10.1016/j.acpath.2026.100251
Hafsa Nebbache MD , Aaron Daniel Shmookler MD , Justin Rueckert DO , Daniel Crump MD , Sahar Nozad MD , Nathan Shelman MD , Derek B. Allison MD , Robert J. McDonald DO , C. Darrell Jennings MD , Leanna Brignola MAED , Therese J. Bocklage MD , Janna H. Neltner MD
{"title":"Novel adult learning-based curriculum for pathology residents: components and critique at five years","authors":"Hafsa Nebbache MD , Aaron Daniel Shmookler MD , Justin Rueckert DO , Daniel Crump MD , Sahar Nozad MD , Nathan Shelman MD , Derek B. Allison MD , Robert J. McDonald DO , C. Darrell Jennings MD , Leanna Brignola MAED , Therese J. Bocklage MD , Janna H. Neltner MD","doi":"10.1016/j.acpath.2026.100251","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.acpath.2026.100251","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Active learning forms the foundation of adult education methodology as it promotes durable retention of knowledge in accessible long-term memory. The most successful active learning strategy uses periodic testing, a memory recall, application, and consolidation activity termed “retrieval practice.” After reviewing adult learning science evidence, we created a two-year anatomic and clinical pathology residency core curriculum (Pathology Core Curriculum) in which we deployed six principles of adult learning, prioritizing retrieval practice as our key learning strategy. We hypothesized that the Pathology Core Curriculum would improve long-term knowledge retention which would correlate with progressively higher retrieval practice and resident in-service exam scores. Residents showed a significant upward trend in retrieval practice scores after initiation of the Pathology Core Curriculum. Retrieval practice scores most strongly positively correlated with surgical pathology resident in-service exam scores, as expected, given the preponderance of surgical pathology questions in the retrieval practices. For UK residents, the annual improvement in resident in-service exam scores post Pathology Core Curriculum significantly outpaced the pre–Pathology Core Curriculum resident in-service exam scores in eight of 10 disciplines and outpaced national gains/year in five of 10 disciplines. We also conducted an anonymized survey of residents and graduates to gauge satisfaction with and perceptions of the curriculum. Survey results indicated most residents agreed or strongly agreed the Pathology Core Curriculum promoted effective learning. Most graduates strongly agreed or agreed the Pathology Core Curriculum facilitated practice competency. In summary, the innovative and adaptable adult learning–based Pathology Core Curriculum is effective and well received by trainees. Long-term retention of accessible knowledge may endure for years through using spaced retrieval practices and other adult-learning principles in a pathology residency curriculum.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":44927,"journal":{"name":"Academic Pathology","volume":"13 2","pages":"Article 100251"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147859009","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Academic PathologyPub Date : 2026-04-01Epub Date: 2026-04-13DOI: 10.1016/j.acpath.2026.100248
Gary W. Procop MD, MS, MEd , Ty McCarthy MSS , Anthony Schlinsog MS , Mohiedean Ghofrani MD
{"title":"A comparison of free-response and multiple-choice questions on the American Board of Pathology primary certification examinations","authors":"Gary W. Procop MD, MS, MEd , Ty McCarthy MSS , Anthony Schlinsog MS , Mohiedean Ghofrani MD","doi":"10.1016/j.acpath.2026.100248","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.acpath.2026.100248","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The American Board of Pathology is exploring alternate forms of assessment, and herein has undertaken a comparison between free-response, short-answer questions with paired, construct-equivalent standard multiple-choice, closed-response questions. Four short-answer, free-response questions were compared with four paired multiple-choice, closed-response questions that had equivalent stems and measured the same constructs. The percentage correct responses of the paired question types were compared using chi square analysis, with a level of significance set at <em>P</em> < 0.05. Candidates were surveyed regarding the perceived difficulty of the short-answer question type, the question type that they preferred, and why the preferred question type was favored. All four short-answer items had fewer correct responses compared with their paired multiple-choice questions. The percent-correct responses for the short-answer items compared with the paired multiple-choice items, respectively, were: item 1: 73.5% vs 91.6%, item 2: 79.0% vs 90.8%, item 3: 3.3% vs 28.6%, and item 4: 64.7% vs 90.0%. All differences were statistically significant at <em>P</em> < 0.01. The short-answer questions, even when liberally graded, were much more difficult compared with the corresponding multiple-choice questions, even though the questions targeted for this evaluation were simple recall type items. The short-answer item responses raised questions about the clarity of the stem for one item, whereas the response to another item clearly disclosed a lack of understanding concerning the construct tested. The candidate survey regarding these question types disclosed an overwhelming candidate preference for multiple-choice questions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":44927,"journal":{"name":"Academic Pathology","volume":"13 2","pages":"Article 100248"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147710359","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Academic PathologyPub Date : 2026-04-01Epub Date: 2026-04-06DOI: 10.1016/j.acpath.2026.100246
David N. Bailey MD , Shelli Herman MA , Jan D. Hirsch PhD
{"title":"Faculty recruitment to academic health systems in difficult times: defining current challenges and best practices","authors":"David N. Bailey MD , Shelli Herman MA , Jan D. Hirsch PhD","doi":"10.1016/j.acpath.2026.100246","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.acpath.2026.100246","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Faculty recruitment to academic health systems (AHS) is difficult even in the best of times due to the inherently complex interfaces between health sciences schools, medical centers, affiliated institutions, faculty, and administration as well as the limited availability of top talent. However, with diminishing research and healthcare funding, coupled with proliferating regulations, recruitment has become even more challenging. These factors make it more important than ever to define best practices in AHS recruitment and may prompt the recruitment of internal candidates rather than external ones, the pursuit of philanthropic support for capacity building and start-up packages, the consolidation of academic units, and the combination of leadership positions. The specific needs will vary considerably depending on the type of position sought (e.g. “rank-and-file” faculty member, department chair, dean, academic medical center chief executive officer) as well as the specific responsibilities expected of them. Leadership roles may be particularly difficult to recruit for at this time and may appear too daunting for some potential candidates to consider. These challenges may lead to a reevaluation of roles and responsibilities, reporting relationships, and, perhaps, the redefinition of the positions themselves. The authors draw on their collective experience to define best practices in recruitment to AHS during these turbulent times.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":44927,"journal":{"name":"Academic Pathology","volume":"13 2","pages":"Article 100246"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147657715","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Academic PathologyPub Date : 2026-04-01Epub Date: 2026-04-09DOI: 10.1016/j.acpath.2026.100247
Daniel Low MD , Lindsey Youngquist MD , Daniel Reiter MD , Emily Glynn MD, MPH , Monica B. Pagano MD , Elizabeth U. Parker MD
{"title":"Narrative medicine-inspired pedagogy for pathology residency: One pathology and laboratory medicine residency program's experience creating and implementing a narrative medicine-inspired curriculum as a component of didactics","authors":"Daniel Low MD , Lindsey Youngquist MD , Daniel Reiter MD , Emily Glynn MD, MPH , Monica B. Pagano MD , Elizabeth U. Parker MD","doi":"10.1016/j.acpath.2026.100247","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.acpath.2026.100247","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The implementation of narrative medicine in graduate medical education residency programs is on the rise but has not yet been adopted by pathology residency programs. Pathology training, due to its emotional intensity and relative isolation, is uniquely positioned to incorporate reflective, collaborative trainings into didactics. We describe the design and implementation of a narrative medicine-inspired interdisciplinary pedagogy, focused on meaning and motivation, value and authenticity, ambiguity and uncertainty, imposter syndrome and resiliency, health equity, and joy. We believe these teachings have increased camaraderie among trainees in our program, improved residency culture, and as a result, we encourage adoption of narrative medicine didactics by other pathology training programs.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":44927,"journal":{"name":"Academic Pathology","volume":"13 2","pages":"Article 100247"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147657719","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Academic PathologyPub Date : 2026-01-01Epub Date: 2025-12-01DOI: 10.1016/j.acpath.2025.100229
Jose H. Salazar PhD, MLS (ASCP), Amber Asghar DCLS, MHA, MLS(ASCP), Juan U. Rojo PhD, MLS (ASCP) MB
{"title":"The doctorate in clinical laboratory sciences: current status and outcomes","authors":"Jose H. Salazar PhD, MLS (ASCP), Amber Asghar DCLS, MHA, MLS(ASCP), Juan U. Rojo PhD, MLS (ASCP) MB","doi":"10.1016/j.acpath.2025.100229","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.acpath.2025.100229","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The Doctor of Clinical Laboratory Sciences (DCLS) degree was implemented at the University of Texas Medical Branch in 2016 with the goal of training laboratory professionals who can improve patient outcomes by participating as part of the healthcare team, providing input regarding the use of laboratory testing in clinical decision-making, and optimizing the utilization of laboratory tests. The University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB)-DCLS program presented data regarding the implementation of the program from 2016 to 2021. This follow-up study presents the DCLS program outcomes to date. A DCLS alumni, clinical supervisor, and employer surveys were distributed to evaluate the effectiveness of the program and explore the role and patient-care impact of DCLS graduates. The majority of UTMB DCLS alumni secured employment before graduation or shortly thereafter and currently work in academic medical centers and reference laboratories as medical or laboratory directors. Clinicians rate the perceived contribution of DCLS graduates to clinical practice to be highly beneficial, and employers indicate a significant impact of DCLS graduates on patient outcomes. The results presented in this study demonstrate the active participation of DCLS in the healthcare team, thus supporting the need to invest in academic DCLS programs to further the growth of this advanced practice degree.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":44927,"journal":{"name":"Academic Pathology","volume":"13 1","pages":"Article 100229"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145624940","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Academic PathologyPub Date : 2026-01-01Epub Date: 2026-01-21DOI: 10.1016/j.acpath.2025.100235
Cullen M. Lilley MD, MS, MA , Azmer Khan BSc , Anaisa S. Quintanilla-Arteaga MD, MS , Brian K. Cox MD, MAS , Alisha D. Ware MD , Marissa J. White MD , Kamran M. Mirza MD, PhD
{"title":"The role of web-based platforms as a novel approach to addressing access to pathology education: The PathElective.com experience","authors":"Cullen M. Lilley MD, MS, MA , Azmer Khan BSc , Anaisa S. Quintanilla-Arteaga MD, MS , Brian K. Cox MD, MAS , Alisha D. Ware MD , Marissa J. White MD , Kamran M. Mirza MD, PhD","doi":"10.1016/j.acpath.2025.100235","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.acpath.2025.100235","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>PathElective.com was created as a free, virtual, and modular pathology education platform in response to educational disruptions during the coronavirus disease pandemic. Since its launch, it has become a widely used resource across educational levels and geographic regions. This study aims to explore the extent to which PathElective has expanded access to pathology education<strong>.</strong> To accomplish this goal, a voluntary, anonymous, one-submission-per-user survey was distributed to PathElective users to gather self-reported demographic information, usage patterns, and perceptions of the platform's accessibility and educational value. Survey responses (n = 1003) demonstrated a broad range of geographic, ethnic, and professional identities among users. The most represented groups were White (23%), Indian (18%), and African (9%). Users ranged in age from less than 18 to greater than 80, with the majority being 25–50 years old. Most identified as female (62%), and 18% identified with a sexual orientation other than straight. Nearly one-quarter of respondents reported challenges accessing reliable internet, and less than half grew up in English-speaking households. Despite this, 76% agreed that PathElective was more accessible than other educational resources, and 72% felt it filled a previously unmet educational need. A significant positive correlation was found between the length of time using the platform and agreement that it met an unmet educational need. <span><span>PathElective.com</span><svg><path></path></svg></span> offers promise regarding improved access to curated pathology education for trainees around the world. Its free, virtual format supports learners across a range of backgrounds and training levels, positioning it as a valuable tool for scalable pathology education.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":44927,"journal":{"name":"Academic Pathology","volume":"13 1","pages":"Article 100235"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146023077","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Academic PathologyPub Date : 2026-01-01Epub Date: 2025-12-12DOI: 10.1016/j.acpath.2025.100230
Elizabeth L. Courville MD , Robert Seifert MD , Sam Sadigh MD , Xueyan Chen MD, PhD , Jeanette L. Calli MS , Robert Hasserjian MD , Alexa J. Siddon MD
{"title":"Joining the National Resident Matching Program Fellowship Match: the hematopathology experience","authors":"Elizabeth L. Courville MD , Robert Seifert MD , Sam Sadigh MD , Xueyan Chen MD, PhD , Jeanette L. Calli MS , Robert Hasserjian MD , Alexa J. Siddon MD","doi":"10.1016/j.acpath.2025.100230","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.acpath.2025.100230","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Hematopathology fellowships are a critical subspecialty within the field of pathology, and with a progressively earlier and earlier fellowship interview timeline, hematopathology decided to join the Pathology Fellowship Match in 2025. The pros and cons of participating in the National Resident Matching Program Match were evaluated, and ultimately it was decided to be undertaken. The National Resident Matching Program requires that 75% of programs and fellowship positions should be entered in order to sponsor the Match. The Society for Hematopathology Education Committee lead the process to recruit hematopathology fellowships into the Match, initiating a survey to assess initial interest, creating a listserv for program director questions, and maintaining a website with programs that ultimately decided to participate. The initial survey results showed that 79% of hematopathology program directors responded “yes” or “maybe” to whether they would participate in a formal Match. The Society for Hematopathology Education Committee then proceeded with a memorandum of understanding to show commitment to the Match. Multiple efforts to disseminate information followed, including informational webinars, social media outreach, and emails to program directors. Ultimately 83% of hematopathology fellowships participated in the 2025 Match, with 85% of positions filling, and 94.7% of hematopathology applicants matching. A follow-up program director survey showed that 98% of respondents planned to participate in the 2026 Match. This feedback solidifies that the Pathology Fellowship Match has shown mutual benefit for programs and applicants.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":44927,"journal":{"name":"Academic Pathology","volume":"13 1","pages":"Article 100230"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145737719","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}