The Department of Pathology introduces students to the study of human disease. The department faculty are all Anatomic and Clinical pathologists, some of whom are actively engaged in clinical practice.  

Through a lecture and reading based format, the department teaches students to focus on the human body as a group of integrated systems, and provides them an understanding of the pathophysiologic mechanisms that underlie disease manifestations. Students are familiarized with the vast spectra of human diseases using an organ system approach. They are taught to understand the relationships between basic scientific principles and the practice of clinical medicine, while integrating these principles into the study of human pathology. This approach provides students a complete overview of human illnesses as they affect organ systems and the patient as a whole. Through faculty guidance, students explore pathophysiologic, anatomic, histologic, cellular, and genetic alterations unique to these conditions. Skills are fostered that allow students to incorporate and interpret laboratory data in diagnosis and treatment. The department is strongly aligned with osteopathic principles and perspectives, which are incorporated into the curricula of its courses. Because the faculty are experienced anatomic and clinical pathologists, they are able to draw upon their vast experiences, sharing them as part of the curricula. The department recognizes the value of research, and some of the faculty are able to provide students with research opportunities. Additionally, faculty engaged in clinical practice may provide students opportunities for shadowing and practical experience.