PATHOLOGY CLUB MEETING NOVEMBER 2002

Passion for Pathology

Most of you think Pathologists go around muttering, 'I see dead people.' Actually, pathology's much, much, much more than just autopsies. It's a diverse, interesting subspecialty. Michelle Riddick-Young, 5th Year Pathology Resident

Most Pathologists work with the living as members of an expert medical team striving hard to offer patients the best diagnosis and treatment modern technology and training can provide.

"I have a passion for pathology," Dr. Mary Jo Martin
Still some, like Dr. Mary Jo Martin, 5th year Pathology Resident, love cracking the forensic case. Dr. Martin will complete a Pathology Fellowship in the Commonwealth's Medical Examiner's Office next year.

She presented Forensic Cases during the Pathology Club Meeting, and free lunch, held Thursday, November 7 in the Sanger Hall Conference Room.

Using actual cases, she led Path Club members through the rigors of the medical examination from initial gross findings, through the toxicology report, the microscopic findings, to the final diagnosis, with a spattering of gunshot wound technology along the way. "Knowing the exact distance in a range of fire is a critical factor in determining who fired and from where," she said.

Dr. Martin also presented a forensic slant on some symptomatology behind two pediatric mystery conditions. 

For more information about the VCU Pathology Club contact Hattie Wyche at (804) 827-1079, hmwyche@hsc.vcu.edu.