(Click here for Gynecologic Cytopathology)
Mission Statement
The main mission of the Non-Gynecologic Cytopathology Centers of Excellence (NGC COE) is to provide highly skilled diagnostic services to organ-based subspecialty areas. In this regard, we work closely with the Surgical Pathology Centers of Excellence, Molecular Genomic Pathology Division, Hematopathology Division, and other components of the Pathology Department. Since much of Non-Gynecologic Cytopathology is comparable to small biopsy practice, cutting edge diagnostic and theranostic molecular techniques are applied to provide the most advanced clinically relevant information. The faculty members are dedicated to performing research and training residents, fellows and students in our state-of-the-art practice.
Clinical Activities
At UPMC-Presbyterian, the Non-Gynecologic Cytopathology practice focuses on head and neck and thoracoabdominal cytopathology. In addition to aforementioned organ systems, UPMC-Shadyside Non-Gynecologic Cytopathology practice has additional expertise in genitourinary, bone and soft tissue cytopathology. Fine needle aspiration, brushing, washing, and/or lavage specimens are obtained mostly under radiologic guidance from various sites by clinicians and radiologists. Cytopathologists also perform fine needle aspiration on superficial sites (using ultrasonography as needed) and provide rapid on-site evaluation (ROSE). Telecytology technology is available for performing ROSE at remote locations. Each faculty member has further subspecialty interests in specific organ systems and the collective expertise provides the depth and breadth of our practice. Intradepartmental and multi-disciplinary conferences are held regularly.
Research
The major areas of investigation by the NGC COE include thyroid, head and neck, pulmonary, pancreatobiliary, genitourinary, fluid, and hematopathologic cytopathology. In particular, the application of molecular techniques and their correlation to diagnostic and clinical outcomes have been a central theme of our investigative activities. For further details on research activities, please visit individual faculty member’s website below.
Teaching and Training
The faculty members are dedicated to training students, residents, and fellows. Emphasis is placed on providing graduated responsibilities to the trainees so that they become independently practicing pathologists and investigators. Furthermore, the faculty members are involved in teaching at national and international meetings hosted by societies such as the American Society of Cytopathology (ASC), American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP), International Academy of Cytology (IAC), and the United States and Canadian Academy of Pathology (USCAP).
Faculty
UPMC Presbyterian
- N. Paul Ohori, MD - Medical Director
- Sheldon I. Bastacky, MD
- Omid Savari, MD
- Karen Schoedel, MD
UPMC Shadyside
- Samer Khader, MD - Medical Director
- Zarine Kamaluddin, MD
- Sigfred Lajara, MD
- Rana Naous, MD