2021 Tutorial In Pathology of the GI Tract, Pancreas, and Liver

Gastrointestinal pathology emerged as a subspecialty in the early 1980s, coincident with development of endoscopy and mucosal biopsy for diagnosis and management of patients with gastrointestinal disorders. Since that time, changes in tissue acquisition techniques and ancillary testing have drastically transformed the discipline; current practice bears little resemblance to that of our mentors. The past two decades have seen an explosion in the number and types of biopsy samples pathologists encounter in daily practice. Virtually every part of the tubular gut is now amenable to visualization and sampling, and most liver biopsies are performed by radiologists who utilize small-caliber needles. As a result, pathologists are expected to generate comprehensive and accurate differential diagnoses for a variety of inflammatory and neoplastic disorders based on limited biopsy material. Pathologists must be able to concentrate on key features in order to narrow the differential diagnosis and facilitate patient management.

This course in a charming medieval city in Belgium, built on canals, provides an ideal venue and faculty for learning what you need to improve your practice as a general surgical pathologist, gastrointestinal diagnostic specialist or pathologist-in-training. The Sint-Janshospitaal has been partially converted to a modern conference facility, but retains the essence of its tenure as a medical facility, supported by a fascinating museum.

Course Director: Rhonda K. Yantiss, MD