Course Location: Palm Springs, CA
Course Director: Elizabeth A. Montgomery, MD.

Diagnostic surgical pathology is a rapidly evolving field, informed by discoveries in molecular genetics and improvements in tumor classification. Uterine, hepatic, bone, lymphoma, gastroesophageal and soft tissue tumor pathology are examples of subspecialty areas that have made dramatic changes in recent years. Surgical pathologists must become familiar with recent changes in tumor classification, recently developed diagnostic markers, recently discovered molecular genetic alterations and evolving diagnostic criteria for neoplastic and non-neoplastic disorders in surgical pathology. They must also be intuitively conversant with relevant differential diagnoses, ordering appropriate panels of markers and molecular tests, and applying diagnostic criteria to arrive at specific diagnoses.

As a companion interactive microscopy course to the "Fascicles", and with a superbly experienced and creative, visually motivated faculty, this USCAP-ARP experience promises unparalleled mentoring in an aesthetic ambiance, driven by the art of microscopic images.

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Every general surgical pathology practice routinely receives gallbladder specimens, yet many pathologists lack sufficient expertise in gallbladder pathology to feel comfortable when confronted with unusual patterns of inflammation such as vasculitis, parasitic infestation and immune-mediated conditions. Gallbladder neoplasms are uncommon and often discovered at the time of histologic examination, provoking angst among surgeons and pathologists who infrequently encounter such cases and may not be aware of updated terminology and staging issues. Widespread use of cross-sectional imaging in the evaluation of patients with abdominal symptoms has led to increased numbers of incidentally discovered pancreaticobiliary lesions. Many of these are initially evaluated with fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) or limited tissue biopsy samples. As a result, pathologists are often faced with cytology, biopsy and resection specimens that feature disorders relatively uncommon to their practices. They may be required to deal with such specimens under pressure, such as in the frozen section laboratory where immunohistochemical stains and other ancillary tools are not available. This course is intended to provide learners with practical information and diagnostic pearls that may aid them in their day-to-day practices. Intimate mentoring with experts at 18-head teaching microscopes reinforces learning and practice improvements.

Course Location: Palm Springs, CA
Course Director: Rhonda K. Yantiss, MD

Gastrointestinal pathology emerged as a subspecialty in the early 1980s, roughly coincident with development of endoscopy and mucosal biopsy for diagnosis and management of patients with gastrointestinal disorders. At that time, a number of pathologists dedicated their efforts to recognizing and classifying patterns of disease based on careful morphologic assessment, unassisted by immunohistochemical and molecular techniques. Many of their observations and conclusions have held true for several decades underscoring their validity. These individuals have tremendous knowledge to share with learners at all stages in their careers, many of whom have come to rely heavily on ancillary tests to establish diagnoses rather than morphologic assessment. Pathologists must be able to hone-in on key features in order to narrow the differential diagnosis and facilitate patient management. This special Emeritus course concentrates on the pioneers in gastrointestinal pathology and their prophetic perspectives.

Course Location: Palm Springs, CA
Course Director: Jason L. Hornick, MD, PhD

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.