The Registry of Radiologic Pathology of the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology

Abstract

The mission of the Registry of Radiologic Pathology is fivefold: (1) To provide a Library of Roentgen Pathology, a central archives where there are assembled for review and study not only cases referred directly to the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology, but also representative cases from teaching collections throughout the country. (2) To conduct a teaching program for residents and fellows in roentgenology, which features a correlation of roentgen signs with pathologic findings. The meetings and seminars of the established course are based on joint teaching by a radiologist and pathologist team. (3) To provide for the loan to individuals or groups throughout the country of teaching materials based on the massive library. These materials consist of projection slides of radiographs and correlations of gross and histological pathology with an appropriate text as a guide. The loan set is the means whereby all radiologists may be provided with the basic teaching that is carried out in the Registry courses. (4) To conduct a research program for the analysis of roentgen signs. The library material is studied and coded for recurrent patterns of disturbed morphology, and these are summarized into groupings. The results are published in teaching notes and “gamut cards” (differential diagnosis awareness lists). Recently there have been discussions about possible computer applications since AFIP is now operating an IBM 360, model 30, computer. (5) To emphasize the importance of radiologic-pathologic correlation in the education of radiologists through lectures, conferences, seminars, and exhibits at the AFIP and elsewhere. Articles emphasizing this correlation will be submitted to the national radiology journals regularly in the future. Scope The facilities of the Registry are a part of the public domain of the AFIP and are open to radiologists everywhere without fees. The only requirement is that an applicant for the formal course have at least one year of diagnostic radiology training. Radiologists do not necessarily have to enroll in the formal course but are welcome to observe or study for a few days, weeks, or even months upon application to the AFIP. Residents and fellows from all over the world and every part of the United States have been enrolled. Most of the major medical teaching centers have been represented. There have been innumerable visits by native and foreign radiology faculty members, either for observation, for file review, or in guest lectureships. A program of monthly consultant appointments has resulted in the regular participation in Registry activities of men bearing some of the most illustrious names in the history of radiology. Support Over the years the Radiological Society of North America, the American Roentgen Ray Society, the American College of Radiology, and recently the Canadian Association of Radiologists have given generously toward fellowship stipends, secretarial salaries, and other important needs of the Registry.