Pathology is defined simply as the study of disease. However, pathology has evolved over centuries to become a complex and unique discipline recognized as both a basic biomedical science and clinical specialty. From its ancient roots in anatomy, pathology has helped spawn other basic science disciplines such as physiology, microbiology, immunology, and cell-molecular biology. In contrast, the clinical practice of pathology is relatively new, representing the logical application of scientific method and technology to characterize disease for guiding clinical treatment. Thus, the modern discipline of pathology can be defined as the study of mechanisms and in vitro manifestations of disease.

Recently, differences among basic biomedical science disciplines are becoming blurred because of common techniques and overlapping interests. Yet the distinguishing characteristic of pathology as a basic science is becoming more evident and important: the basic science pathologist studies fundamental cellular, molecular, and genetic processes to provide a basic understanding of disease mechanisms. Likewise, recent changes in health care reimbursement and delivery are altering the clinical practice of generalists and specialists. Yet again, the distinguishing characteristic of pathology as a clinical specialty is also becoming more evident and important: the clinical practice pathologist studies cellular, molecular, and genetic manifestations of a patient's disease to provide an accurate diagnosis and determine appropriate treatment. These diverse aspects of pathology provide extensive opportunities for those interested in biomedical research and training.

The Department of Pathology at Johns Hopkins offers an extraordinary environment for biomedical research and education focused on both the mechanisms and manifestations of disease. Of course, the key component of this environment is the expertise of our faculty. At Hopkins we are privileged to have distinguished faculty engaged in research and training in virtually every subspecialty area of basic and clinical pathology. The many outstanding research and training programs in Pathology are described in this brochure.

An important factor that enhances the research and training environment at Hopkins is mentorship. The faculty of Johns Hopkins Pathology are firmly committed to the following principles of mentorship in the education of all our trainees: that they obtain expert knowledge, skill, and ability in their field of study; that they are treated with respect as individuals; that they receive ongoing feedback on their progress; and that they receive meaningful career counseling. To optimize the effectiveness of mentorship, annual evaluations are made of every trainee by his/her mentor and of every mentor by his/her trainee. In addition, the directors and co-directors of our departmental training programs (fellowship, residency, graduate student, medical student; see Contacts Page) and the Vice-Chairman for Education (Mike Borowitz, MD, PhD), all help to promote the quality and effectiveness of our educational programs.

In addition to an outstanding faculty with diverse interests and a commitment to education, the Department of Pathology has excellent material resources to support its academic mission. The breadth and depth of the clinical sub-specialty programs at Hopkins provides a wealth of patient specimens for research and training experience in pathology. The facilities for these activities are also exceptional. Basic pathology research is located in 55,000 square feet of space in the Ross Research Building, the Bond Street Building, in the Cancer Research Building II, and on the Bayview campus; with state-or-the-art equipment and facilities, this provides a superb setting for modern biomedical research. Applied and clinical research in pathology is conducted in labs adjacent to pathology service activities in the Carnegie, Pathology, Meyer, Park, and Weinberg Buildings. Most of these recently renovated diagnostic labs are connected by bridge to the pathology basic research labs in the Ross Building. This arrangement facilitates interactions among our research, service, and educational activities.

Core equipment and lab facilities in the Department of Pathology include the following: a reference histology lab, immunohistochemistry lab, electron microscopy lab, laser capture microscopy lab, molecular diagnostics and cytogenetics labs, a flow cytometry lab, computerized image analysis and transmission, extensive tissue banks, a full service photography lab, and a departmental data system-computer network.

Support for research training and experience with faculty in the Department of Pathology is available for graduate and medical students through various pre-doctoral training grants and programs, for residents during elective periods in their training, and for postdoctoral and clinical research fellows through available fellowships and individual investigator's grants.

In summary, we believe that the environment for research and training in Pathology at Johns Hopkins is extraordinary because of our physical resources, our patient population, and most importantly the expertise, diversity, and commitment of our faculty. We hope this brochure will provide you with a sense of this outstanding environment and the many opportunities that are available.


J. Brooks Jackson, M.D., M.B.A.
Baxley Professor and Director
Department of Pathology