Laboratory Investigation, 2026/03, 106(S3):104697. doi: 10.1016/j.labinv.2025.104697, type of study: pretest posttest design

Full text    (https://www.laboratoryinvestigation.org/article/S0023-6837(25)00608-7/fulltext)

Keywords:

conference abstract [126]
curriculum [301]
medical students [693]
osteopathic medicine [2110]
pathology [18]
pretest posttest design [240]
USA [1752]

Abstract:

Background: Pathology exposure is limited in osteopathic medical schools, where clinical training often takes place in community-based centers that lack specialized resources such as pathology departments, faculty, electives, and student-led interest groups. To help address this gap, a novel pathology elective was piloted at Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine (MSUCOM) to provide early exposure for DO students, offering an innovative approach despite limited resources. Design: This 4 month-long elective comprised eight sessions: seven microscope sign-outs and one grossing workshop. Each began with one hour of independent slide preview, followed by a two-hour sign-out led by pathology faculty and delivered both in person and via Zoom for MSUCOM medical students of all years. Across ≈30 contact hours, students engaged in microscopic and macroscopic pathology with earlier sessions focusing on foundational principles of pathology including cellular adaptations, hemodynamics, and neoplasia, while later sessions were subspeciality-oriented. Anonymous pre- and post-class surveys assessed prior exposure, self-rated confidence, specialty interest, and perceptions of curricular adequacy. Results: Fifteen students completed the pre-survey, sixteen the post-survey, with ten paired. Baseline experience was limited: 60% had never grossed a specimen nor attended a sign-out. No learner reported high confidence in histology, gross pathology, or lab report interpretation. Among paired respondents (n=10), mean confidence increased by +1.4–1.5 points on a five-point scale, with ≥80% showing improvement (Figure 1). Post-class data (n=16) showed 81% reported the elective reshaped their perception of pathology, 93% of medical students planned a pathology rotation, and 100% recommended the course (Figure 2). Attendance rose across sessions, underscoring demand for pathology opportunities otherwise absent at MSUCOM. [Formula presented] [Formula presented] Conclusions: This student-led, faculty-mentored elective produced measurable gains in confidence, engagement, and career interest at an osteopathic medical school without a pathology department. It revealed unmet demand for structured pathology exposure, as students reconsidered curricular adequacy after direct engagement in sign-outs and grossing. Brief, immersive experiences can not only enhance skills and interest but also recruit learners to the specialty. This scalable model offers a roadmap for integrating pathology into pre-clinical education and strengthening the pathology pipeline.