Pathology Interest Group

Pathology Interest Group

Pathology Interest Group (PathIG) Overview

The Pathology Interest Group (PathIG) was established during the 2013-14 academic year. Dr. Elena Stark MD PhD Vice-Chair for Medical and Dental Education is the faculty sponsor and advisor. The PathIG aims to inspire and educate the next generation of leaders in pathology and laboratory medicine. This student-led organization provides UCLA medical students with opportunities to explore the diverse roles within pathology and their impact on healthcare.

Mission & Activities

PathIG hosts a variety of events and initiatives to foster student engagement and understanding of pathology, including:

Educational Sessions: Informative talks with guest speakers and pathologists covering a wide range of topics in pathology, and differences in sub-specialties
Microscope Reviews: Small group sessions using multi-head microscopes to review material relevant to the medical curriculum, giving students hands-on experience akin to a practicing pathologist.
Shadowing Opportunities: Shadowing UCLA pathologists at Harbor-UCLA and Ronald Reagan Medical Centers to gain insights into their daily activities.
Research Fairs and Mixers: Annual research fairs where faculty present ongoing projects, allowing students to network and explore research opportunities.

Signature Events

The academic year begins with a pathology luncheon, where UCLA pathologists from various sub-specialties participate in an informal roundtable discussion. They share insights into their clinical, research, and educational roles while introducing students to the unique aspects of their fields. This event provides a welcoming introduction to the specialty and encourages students to consider pathology as a career path.

Another standout event is the introduction to dermatopathology, a field within pathology that appeals to many medical students. Both first- and second-year students find this event particularly engaging as it connects classroom learning to potential career opportunities. One student remarked, “During our first year of medical school, we learn about normal and abnormal histological findings; these talks are helping me understand how to translate my enthusiasm in histology lab to a future career.”

The group also hosts a virtual Meet & Greet each September, connecting medical students with pathology residents from across the country. This event provides a platform for students to hear directly from residents about their experiences and career journeys, offering valuable insights into residency life.

In March, PathIG offers case-based learning sessions and USMLE Step 1 review workshops, integrating pathology concepts with clinical scenarios to support students’ exam preparation. These events, along with the popular microscope review sessions held throughout the year, have become key components of PathIG’s programming.

Additional Opportunities

PathIG regularly promotes the Pathology Junior Fellowship as a way for students to delve deeper into the field or enhance their understanding of pathology’s applications in other specialties. The group also works with the United States and Canadian Academy of Pathology (USCAP) to advertise their annual meeting, encouraging interested students to attend.

New Initiatives

Starting in 2025, PathIG will introduce a new initiative: posting STEP-1 style practice questions on its Instagram page (@pathology.ig.dgsom). This effort is designed to supplement MS1 curriculum topics, encourage consistent review, and present material in an interactive and visually engaging format. PathIG is also working to organize community health education opportunities for interested students in collaboration with other medical student organizations.

Pathology Interest Group