Autopsy Rotation

The autopsy is an extremely important tool for the study of human disease and for acquiring a solid foundation in basic morphology and pathophysiology. One three-month autopsy rotation occurs in the first year of training and forms the basis for subsequent anatomic pathology rotations. Fetal, perinatal, pediatric, and adult autopsies are performed for Parkland Hospital, St. Paul University Hospital, Zale Lipshy University Hospital, and Children's Medical Center.

Additional autopsies are performed during a one-month senior autopsy rotation at Parkland, a one-month rotation through Forensic Pathology, and during the VA rotation.

In addition to instilling sound technical skills, this experience is designed to foster critical review of the medical record and to facilitate the correlation of morphologic changes with clinical data. Pediatric and perinatal cases are staffed by members of the Division of Pediatric Pathology. Neuropathologists participate in the gross and microscopic examination of cases of neurologic disease. While on the autopsy service, residents have no other conflicting service responsibilities.

Faculty

Anatomic Pathologists:

Pediatric Pathologists

Duration

First rotation: Two months of active case accrual followed by one month dedicated to case completion.

Second rotation: One month of active case accrual. The case completion period runs concurrently with the following Neuropathology rotation.

Prerequisites

None, although residents on their second rotation will be expected to show competency in additional activities beyond those required of residents on their first rotation.

Objectives

Conferences

  • Autopsy
  • Pathophysiology
  • Brain Cutting Conference
  • Children's Medical Center Autopsy Review
  • Children's Medical Center Cardiology and ICU Conferences

Basic Reading

Robbins Pathologic Basis of Disease, 7th Edition, by Cotran RS, Kumar V, and Robbins SC