DIAGNOSTIC PATHOLOGY UPDATE 2020

USCAP is a transformative leader in pathology education, creating better pathologists with updates in relevant information requisite for their performance and professional growth. The Academy is sensitive to the personal and cultural needs of practicing pathologists by providing conferences that welcome them with their families to exotic destination venues at which they are enriched with new knowledge and unusual experiences. The 2020 Diagnostic Pathology Update course combines expert subspecialized, academic faculty with exposure to ocean and rain forests symbolic of the dichotomy that is Costa Rica. From zip-lining to surfing, this tropical paradise brings pathologists into contact with the cuisine, agriculture, art and geography of a unique country that values education as its primary core value. Costa Rica has eliminated its standing army to use the savings from defense to improve education, health care and a durable social safety net.

USCAP is changing not only how we learn, but where we learn by re-imagining the learning environment and continuously elevating the quality of content. Experience top educators. Refine cognitive skills. Hold coffee beans in your hand. Inhale vapor from raging waterfalls. Witness rainbows in the evanescent colors of iguana skins. Feel sunsets scalding your memory.

Bone and soft tissue pathology is challenging, even for experienced surgical pathologists. Mesenchymal tumors are rare, show a wide morphologic spectrum with significant histologic overlap between benign and malignant tumors and between mesenchymal and non-mesenchymal tumors. Moreover, the classification of bone and soft tissue tumors continues to evolve with rare "new" entities being described with ever-increasing frequency on the basis of distinctive molecular or histologic features. As the field grows more complex, surgical pathologists may struggle to stay up to date with new entities, changes in staging guidelines, recently developed immunohistochemical and molecular diagnostic tests, and may therefore struggle with accurate diagnosis. To help resolve these issues and update your current knowledge, USCAP is offering a unique mentoring opportunity with experienced educators who can help you focus on these updates through interactive dialogue and shared exemplary cases.

Course Location: Palm Springs, CA
Course Director: Elizabeth G. Demicco, MD, PhD

Mesenchymal tumors are inherently diagnostically challenging, but a significant practice gap in their interpretation has developed as new entities and genetic abnormalities have emerged. Diagnostic challenges are associated with distinguishing benign spindle cell proliferations from high grade sarcoma due to histologic and immunohistochemical overlap. In addition to benign and malignant categories, contemporary classification of mesenchymal neoplasms emphasizes lesions with intermediate biologic potential, including those that are locally aggressive or rarely metastasize. There are circumstances in which pathologists can render only descriptive diagnoses without precise classification. New discoveries in molecular genetics have clarified some of these problematic lesions. Furthermore, there are newly described entities that practicing pathologists should be aware of so that tumors are appropriately diagnosed and optimally treated. This course, presented by expert mentors and educators, explores a comprehensive panorama of lesions and anatomic sites.

Course Location: Palm Springs, CA
Course Director: Andre Pinto, MD