Creation and evaluation of a combined pathology resident rotation in immunology, histocompatibility, and coagulation

Clinical pathology curriculum assessment at our institution suggested improvements in coagulation, histocompatibility, and immunology. We created a 4-week rotation inclusive of these fields, and we describe here the curriculum and experience residents have had.

Didactic lectures, assigned reading, time at the bench, online modules, and case study discussions were implemented. There were 2 weeks of morning activities dedicated to histocompatibility, while the other 2 weeks were dedicated to immunology. Afternoons were dedicated to special coagulation. Resident surveys and medical knowledge assessments were completed at the beginning and end of the rotation.

We included in this analysis 22 residents. The average knowledge quiz score before the rotation was 15.7 (48% [range, 8-23]) correct answers, while the average score after the rotation was 25 (76% [range, 19-29]), corresponding to a 28% increase in scores. On a Likert scale of 1 to 5, 88% of trainees ranked the rotation at a 4. After the rotation, residents felt more confident interpreting studies for the 3 subspecialties, particularly for special coagulation.

Residents liked the rotation, and their evaluations demonstrate an increase in medical knowledge after the rotation. The training described here can be adapted to teach other compatible clinical pathology subspecialties.