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Given the minimal number of
required courses and the flexible design of the training program to fit
the needs and interests of each student, this training program is relatively
unstructured. However, the requirement for passing the graduate pathology
course series on Mechanisms of Disease (PATH 713) and Systemic
Pathology (PATH 715), and their associated laboratory courses (PATH
714 and 716), with a grade of P imposes the mastery of a defined set of
factual knowledge. Moreover, the development of research skills also
imposes definite structure in the demand for incisive experimental design
based upon a high degree of understanding of the scientific literature.
Critical review of experimental literature is a fundamental element of
the training program. Periodic demonstration of research progress
is encouraged in group meetings with faculty members, research associates,
postdoctoral fellows, other graduate students and technicians. In
this program, the successful completion of an original research project
represents the fundamental requirement, for the student must demonstrate
knowledge and understanding of the relevant literature, the ability to
master a variety of experimental techniques, the ability to compile meaningful
data sets that relate to specific hypotheses, and the ability to organize
this information, to interpret it, and to present it within a cohesive
and coherent document. This effort is deemed to be the best test
for mastery of skills that are needed in the professional life of an experimental
pathologist.
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