Interesting Gross Case Workshop to Remedy Disconnect in Surgical Pathology Curriculum

This workshop was created by pathologists' assistants (PAs) who undertake specialized training programs heavily focused on grossing, which is the macroscopic inspection, evaluation, and sampling of pathology specimens for histologic evaluation by a surgical pathologist. Typically, pathologists or their trainees, during training, focus upon microscopic features, with less emphasis on the macroscopic appearance of disease.

We developed monthly hour-long "interesting gross case workshops" (IGCWs) led by PAs to aid in the process of educating and refining pathology residents' grossing skills and abilities to diagnose at a macroscopic level. Our workshops include gross photography, grossing vocabulary, reference to standardized sampling manuals, and viewing of a specimen library to reinforce subject matter. This workshop was designed to train multilevel pathology providers including PA students, residents, fellows, and medical students, in addition to actively practicing PAs. This resource offers the audience preparation materials to host a workshop in any medical training facility.

Our use of the IGCWs has been evaluated positively over a 3-year period, with 78 of 150 participants stating they have increased confidence and capabilities to accurately assess and diagnose at the macroscopic level.

Utilizing this workshop can be valuable to teach the importance of a thorough gross description and tissue sampling for the diagnostic process. Future work includes expansion to additional pathology learners, improving photography database quantity and quality, and incorporating microscopic correlation when necessary.