Anatomy, Microbiology, and Pathology

The composite department has existed as such since 2004 when fusion occurred.  Pervading the new unit is a strong dedication to education and research.  The widely disparate faculty utilizes a wide variety of teach methods, virtually of it computerized.  The driving force behind the newly minted mega department is a major commitment on the part of each faculty member to give of his or her best to each student in general principles of molecular and cell biology.  Most annual teaching awards over the years have been garnered by members of this cabal, long before fusion occurred.  [The research interests of individual members of the group are detailed in personal sketches.]

In the Division of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, much of the first year is devoted to general pathology including immunopathology.  Also surfacing in the first year—in tandem with neuroanatomy—is the first module in systems pathology, i.e., neuropathology.  At the end of the first year, a further block of systems pathology is introduced, a composite of dermatopathology and the pathology of the musculoskeletal system.  Clinical aspects of disease are interwoven with presentations in the pathophysiology of these systems.  The second year in pathology is devoted entirely to systems pathology.

The Division of Anatomy and Cell Biology is responsible for teaching clinically relevant gross, developmental, microscopic, and nervous system anatomy to medical students.  One of the first courses the beginning medical students encounter is Applied Anatomy, a course integrating gross anatomy and physical diagnosis.  This course is followed by Histopathology, a course that integrates microscopic anatomy and general pathology.  The anatomy of the nervous system is taught in a Nervous System course that includes significant content from all the basic science disciplines, as well as clinical neurology.  Developmental anatomy is taught in the Principles and Applied Anatomy courses, and in systems-based courses throughout the two-year curriculum.  The anatomy faculty utilizes the most effective and modern educational techniques centered around laboratory experiences and web-based tools, and the faculty are recognized for their outstanding teaching by the medical students.  Innovative educational materials have been and continue to be developed by the faculty.  Faculty research includes the exploration of innate immunity and natural anti-cancer compounds, and research in education and assessment of teaching techniques.

The Division of Medical Microbiology and Immunology is responsible for teaching medical school topics on bacteriology, virology, mycology, and parasitology, as well as the immunological mechanisms involved with host defense to these pathogens.

The faculty actively provides biomedical education for both undergraduate and graduate students.  Popular course offerings include an introductory Immunobiology course emphasizing a survey of host defenses to infection, an Advanced Immunobiology course directed to graduate students, and an advanced course in Molecular Pathogenesis.  The Advanced Immunobiology course uses the Problem Based Learning method to analyze current literature for innovative theories and experimental methods.  The graduate level course on Molecular Pathogenesis surveys current literature to cover the molecular mechanisms underlying infection as well as current topics such as viral transformation and re-emerging infectious diseases. The Division also provides educational opportunities for under-represented minorities to participate in biomedical research. 

Cutting edge research in the division includes the contribution of chemokines and viral infection to the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, bacterial pathogenesis and bacterial biofilms, the isolation of much-needed anti-mycobacterial compounds, and the effects of stress hormones on host defenses.  Graduate and undergraduate students are actively involved in departmental research programs that build upon some of the curricular offerings described above.