Training a new generation of professionals in pathology

There are many ways people learn. Some by reading, others by hearing or seeing an activity. At Overton Brooks VA in Shreveport, Louisiana, there is a unique lab that is all about being hands-on.

This lab partners with many academic institutions within the region serving as a clinical training site for many allied health and medical residency programs. The Shreveport VA’s Pathology & Laboratory Medicine Service has a literal and figurative approach to “hands-on” learning.

Accredited by the Joint Commission, the Pathology Lab has also been accredited by the College of American Pathologists in both clinical and anatomic pathology.

Pathology is the science of the causes and effects of diseases, especially the branch of medicine that deals with the laboratory examination of samples of body tissue for diagnostic or forensic purposes.

Residents gain new perspective

“I love my career and I always tell people that I have the best job in the lab,” said Lab Health Sciences Specialist Tony Tanner. “The opportunities here have allowed me to continue being involved with all aspects of anatomic pathology, working with a great group of people. It allows me to share my love of pathology with Louisiana State University pathology residents, Eastern Virginia Medical School’s pathologists’ assistant students, and Tulane University pathologists’ assistant students.”

Tanner believes the direction or path you take with each resident and student will change. “I tell both groups frequently that no matter how long you intend on being in our profession, you can always learn something new and gain new perspectives on how to handle a specimen.”

Tanner takes his job and responsibility serious. The role pathology plays in a person’s health, recovery, and treatment is little known to the outside world.

A graduate of Quinnipiac University’s Pathologists’ Assistant program, Tanner has more than 25 years of anatomic pathology experience. When he is on the job as a student’s trainer, he has a mental checklist of questions to ask students when they are dissecting organs submitted for pathology evaluation.

Condense a human to two paragraphs

“The tools of the trade include various inks, brushes, bendy things, handles, blades, scissors, cutting boards, photography, power tools, magnifiers, microphones, and a lot of different mediums, the specimens themselves,” he said. “And you must be a very good storyteller. Using the tools, your job is to take something the size of a full adult human and condense it into a paragraph or two and maybe 20 glass slides for a pathologist to diagnose.”

Tanner’s approach to pathology and teaching students is one that has taken years of refinement. “I tell our students to be confident in their abilities, always listen to criticism and embrace your weaknesses. Doing so will always allow you to grow no matter how long you have been doing a job and that’s why I train the students the way I do.”

The Pathology Lab at Shreveport VA goes hands-on with pathologist’s assistant students from Eastern Virginia Medical School, Tulane University and pathology residents from Louisiana State University School of Medicine in Shreveport. The pathology staff train approximately 15 pathologists’ assistant students and residents each year.

Testimonials from students about their experiences:

“VA offered me an experience I was able to adjust to fit my educational needs. I learned how to do tasks that I hadn’t had the chance to do at other sites. I felt comfortable asking for feedback and was able to speak to people outside of just pathologists, which allowed me to see my impact on workflow and how to make other employees’ lives easier.” – Daniela Torvalds, Tulane University

“Overton Brooks VA was my first clinical rotation site. The staff made this transition incredibly smooth for me. My experience was very well rounded. I saw specimens from as small as biopsies to as complex as total laryngectomies. I even got to do slide reviews with the pathologists. It is perfect for a well-rounded experience with great people who are ready to help with anything.” – Jordan Hartley, Eastern Virginia Medical School

“I started my first rotation as a Pathologist’s Assistant at Overton Brooks VA. I walked in nervous about both learning so many specimens while making sure I treated the patients with the highest level of care. What stands out the most about my time at VA was how every part of the lab truly worked as a team. I admire the closeness of the staff.” – Kelly Wise, Eastern Virginia Medical School