A management informatics rotation for pathology residents

A formal, core, two-month rotation incorporating management concepts and computer usage has been instituted for residents in clinical pathology at Rush Medical Center. In this rotation, emphasis is placed on the pathologist's role as a laboratory director and decision maker and in the necessary computer skills and managerial background that must be acquired to make this role most effective. Specific behavioral goals and objectives were formulated for this rotation. The goals served as a guideline for the resident while involving each resident in the decision making process and in problem solving in day-to-day laboratory activities. The resident was encouraged to become familiar with the laboratory computer system, its operation, access, and reporting. Computer fundamentals were taught in instances where there was little or no prior computer experience. Management activities in which the resident was involved dealt with affirmative action, position searches, hiring and firing, laboratory accreditation, licensure laws, and decision making. This paper describes the rotation in detail and discusses each objective while incorporating both the resident's and laboratory director's perspectives.