Clinical and surgical pathology (Clerkship)
A.Y. 2025/2026
Learning objectives
The Clinical and surgical Pathology clerkship is designed to provide students with practical and immersive experience in diagnostic pathology, bridging theoretical knowledge with real-world clinical application. During the rotation, students will observe the workflow of an anatomic pathology department and the European Institute of Oncology (world top cancer center) and/or Niguarda Hospital (top general hospital), including gross examination, histological interpretation, intraoperative consultation (frozen sections), cytopathology, molecular diagnostics, and biobanking.
Expected learning outcomes
By the end of the clerkship, they should have a clearer understanding of how pathology contributes to diagnosis, prognosis, and therapeutic guidance, and develop an appreciation for the critical role it plays in modern, technology-driven clinical care.
Lesson period: Second semester
Assessment methods: Giudizio di approvazione
Assessment result: superato/non superato
Single course
This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Course syllabus
The student will attend Pathology departments to acquire skills in the specialist field, learning the peculiarities of instrumental examinations and their usefulness both diagnostically and therapeutically
Prerequisites for admission
To take Clinical and surgical pathology exam, students must have already passed all the exams of the first and second year (Fundamentals of Basic Sciences, Cells, Molecules and Genes Genetics, Human Body, Functions 1 and 2 and Mechanisms of Diseases).
Teaching methods
Practical activities will be used, through simulation or in the lab, to consolidate technical and soft knowledge and skills developed during frontal lectures.
Teaching Resources
All lecture presentations (PowerPoint slides) will be made available to students and are intended to support and guide your learning throughout the course. However, they are not sufficient on their own to ensure full preparation for the exam or a deep understanding of the subject matter. To truly master the complexity of pathology, students are strongly encouraged to consult recommended textbooks (Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease is the best!), review selected scientific articles, and actively participate in class discussions. Take advantage of the professors' expertise—ask questions, challenge ideas, and engage in dialogue. Writing your own notes, summarizing key concepts, and connecting pathological findings with clinical scenarios will be essential to making the most of this learning experience.
Assessment methods and Criteria
Internship activities should be carried out before taking the exam.
The final exam is designed to be an engaging and rewarding opportunity to apply what you've learned during the course. It includes two parts:
1. A brief 5-minute oral presentation of a clinical case, previously chosen by the student from the pathology reports provided and discussed in class. Students are expected to demonstrate their ability to interpret histopathological and molecular findings, correlate them with clinical data, and articulate the diagnostic and prognostic implications. No need for memorization, just clear thinking and good clinical insight!
2. One to two oral questions on broader topics covered during the course, aimed at assessing the student's understanding of pathology in a clinical context.
The final exam is designed to be an engaging and rewarding opportunity to apply what you've learned during the course. It includes two parts:
1. A brief 5-minute oral presentation of a clinical case, previously chosen by the student from the pathology reports provided and discussed in class. Students are expected to demonstrate their ability to interpret histopathological and molecular findings, correlate them with clinical data, and articulate the diagnostic and prognostic implications. No need for memorization, just clear thinking and good clinical insight!
2. One to two oral questions on broader topics covered during the course, aimed at assessing the student's understanding of pathology in a clinical context.
MED/08 - PATHOLOGY - University credits: 1
Clerkship (professional training): 25 hours