Genitourinary Pathology
The Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at NorthShore has embarked on an exciting new journey to establish research initiatives in the fields of genitourinary pathology, digital pathology, and artificial intelligence (AI). Recognizing the immense potential of these areas, the department is actively collaborating with experts and acquiring cutting-edge technologies to propel its research endeavors forward. By focusing on genitourinary pathology, we aim to deepen our understanding of diseases affecting the urinary tract and reproductive organs, paving the way for improved diagnostics and treatment strategies. Additionally, the department is investing in digital pathology, a rapidly evolving field that allows for the digitization and analysis of histopathological samples. This advancement not only enhances workflow efficiency but also enables the integration of AI algorithms. Through these exciting new initiatives, the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine is poised to make significant contributions to the field, ultimately benefiting patients and advancing healthcare outcomes.
Gynecologic Pathology
With over 7500 gynecologic biopsy and resection specimens per year, including close to 200 gynecologic cancer resections, NorthShore University HealthSystem has abundant clinical resources for gynecologic pathology research. The institution houses the Kellogg Cancer Center, with 4 full-time gynecologic oncologists on staff and numerous opportunities for multidisciplinary collaborations.
Major ongoing and future gynecologic pathology projects within our department include the use of digital pathology and AI in the diagnosis of challenging gynecologic lesions (with an initial focus on fallopian tube neoplasia), standardization of reporting formats with exploration of patient-centered verbiage, and development of algorithms employing comprehensive molecular characterization for endometrial carcinomas. Our faculty and trainees also conduct studies on the use and refinement of biomarkers in the diagnosis of gynecologic neoplasia and preneoplasia, and publish reports and series of unusual gynecologic entities (such as mesonephric-like carcinoma of the endometrium), which our residents frequently present at national meetings.