Journal Article

Enhancing Molecular and Cytogenetic Fellow Education With an Integrative Hematopathology/Molecular Genetic Pathology Joint Conference

Tashkandi, Hammad, Yatsenko, Svetlana, Verdoni, Angela, Swerdlow, Steven H, West, MaryAnn, Aggarwal, Nidhi

2022

Overview

Abstract Objectives To overcome the challenges associated with molecular and cytogenetic (MG) education in hematopathology (HP), a monthly joint HP/MG conference with specific curricular goals was established and evaluated by the participants. Methods All cases from the HP/MG conference over 56 months were reviewed. To assess the educational impact, a survey was distributed to current/former HP/molecular genetic pathology fellows and faculty. Results During the study period, a total of 252 cases covering MG testing considered important for HP fellowship training were presented. The 100 most recent cases since 2018 discussed findings of diagnostic (85%), prognostic (40%), or therapeutic (10%) importance. A broad range of technologies were discussed such as karyotyping, cytogenetic fluorescence in situ hybridization studies, microarrays, polymerase chain reaction–based tests, next-generation sequencing, and Sanger sequencing. Twenty-three (95.8%) of 24 survey respondents agreed that the conference achieved all of its goals, and all agreed it was worth implementing. Conclusions This educationally based HP/MG conference supplements existing rotations, didactic presentations, and consensus case conferences and enhances MG education in HP without excessive time commitment or need for extensive in-house MG testing. It also contributes to enhancing HP knowledge among the MG faculty and fellows.

• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Subject: Conferences and conventions / Conferences, meetings and seminars / Cytogenetics / DNA sequencing / Education / Fluorescence in situ hybridization / Genetic research / Health aspects / Market surveys / Next-generation sequencing / Nucleotide sequencing / Pathology / Surveys