Pathology Education Research and Development Award competition
OMPRN launched the Pathology Education Research and Development Award (PERDA) competition over the summer of 2024. The PERDA program aimed to support the development of molecular pathology educational resources or original research into education practices related to molecular pathology.
The winner of this competition is a team led by Dr. Marcio Gomes (University of Ottawa) for the project titled Development of an Outcomes-Based Curriculum in Molecular Pathology for Practicing Anatomical Pathologists. A summary of the project is shown below.
Please join us in congratulating Dr. Gomes and his team!
The rapid evolution of molecular pathology and the integration of genomics into routine diagnostic and clinical practice have highlighted a critical training gap among practicing anatomical pathologists, many of whom completed their education before molecular techniques were part of standard curricula. Initially, this gap was addressed through fellowship-level training programs targeting recent pathology graduates, PhDs with genomic expertise, and geneticists. However, the advent of next-generation sequencing (NGS) and the subsequent surge in molecular diagnostic tests and biomarkers have surpassed the capacity of genomics-trained specialists, necessitating that anatomical pathologists acquire fundamental competencies to manage simpler cases independently.
Current molecular pathology curricula are comprehensive and content-heavy, designed to establish a robust knowledge base. However, these curricula often exceed the practical needs of practicing pathologists who require targeted training to competently handle basic molecular diagnostic tasks.
This project aims to develop an outcomes-based curriculum tailored specifically to the needs of practicing anatomical pathologists. Using Kern’s six-step approach to curriculum development—comprising problem identification, general and targeted needs assessment, formulation of goals and learning outcomes, development of educational strategies, implementation, and evaluation—we will create a curriculum that is directly aligned with the essential competencies required for daily practice. The project deliverables will include a detailed educational curriculum, validated teaching and assessment methods, and workshops designed to disseminate the curriculum and its associated tools, thereby enhancing the capacity of anatomical pathologists to integrate molecular diagnostics into their practice.
Be Well Talks Webinar Series
OMPRN has been invited to deliver a series of four weekly webinars in March 2025 as part of the “Be Well Talks” series hosted by the Wellspring Cancer Support Foundation. These webinars will draw upon the content from OMPRN’s existing microlesson library, focusing on molecular pathology and its relevance to patient care. The aim is to provide accessible, informative sessions that will enhance patient understanding of complex medical topics. Stay tuned to your inboxes and OMPRN social media channels on Instagram and LinkedIn for more information on these sessions.
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