Value of a surgical specimen museum in teaching of pathology to medical and allied health professionals

Abstract

Tissue specimens remain important tools in medical education despite innovative imaging techniques and web based resources. Reduction in autopsies has made acquiring specimens difficult. Aim To create a surgical specimen museum as a teaching resource. Methods All surgical specimens are evaluated on accession in the department and photographed. The surgeon is contacted to obtain agreement to contact their patient. Following issue of the pathology report, a letter is sent to the patient inviting them to consent to donating their specimen. Following consent the specimen is either retained as a ‘wet’ specimen or mounted. Representative histology slides are produced. The students were surveyed as to the value of this learning resource. Results This museum was established 7 years ago. Consent has been obtained from 706/867 patients approached. The spectrum of diseases includes inflamed appendices, hydatidiform moles and other specimens which would rarely be seen at autopsy. Students rated this resource very highly and patients who have chosen to view their specimen have indicated benefit. Conclusions The spectrum of diseases represented in this museum is diverse and clinically relevant. There is widespread support from patients for the use of their surgical specimens for education. Students and patients have benefited from its establishment. Tissue specimens remain important tools in medical education despite innovative imaging techniques and web based resources. Reduction in autopsies has made acquiring specimens difficult. To create a surgical specimen museum as a teaching resource. All surgical specimens are evaluated on accession in the department and photographed. The surgeon is contacted to obtain agreement to contact their patient. Following issue of the pathology report, a letter is sent to the patient inviting them to consent to donating their specimen. Following consent the specimen is either retained as a ‘wet’ specimen or mounted. Representative histology slides are produced. The students were surveyed as to the value of this learning resource. This museum was established 7 years ago. Consent has been obtained from 706/867 patients approached. The spectrum of diseases includes inflamed appendices, hydatidiform moles and other specimens which would rarely be seen at autopsy. Students rated this resource very highly and patients who have chosen to view their specimen have indicated benefit. The spectrum of diseases represented in this museum is diverse and clinically relevant. There is widespread support from patients for the use of their surgical specimens for education. Students and patients have benefited from its establishment.