The 2024 Allen Valentine Pathology Educational Symposium
Thank you for attending the Allen Valentine Pathology Educational Symposium. We value your input and would love to hear your feedback! To help us improve this event in the future, we kindly ask you to take a few minutes to complete our questionnaire. Please click the button below.
Attendance Documentation & Certificate Instructions
Attendance may be tracked in multiple ways:
- Logging into Zoom for each session for the entire session, if virtual.
- Swipe in using Activtracker. JHM I.D. badge is required for electronic attendance tracking.
- Other options may be available for your site.
Certificates
- Log in to Zoom or Swipe I.D. badge or sign in for all sessions attending.
- Complete evaluations.
- Certificates will be available on the ActivTracker website once evaluations have been completed.
Recorded Sessions
Below are the recorded sessions from this year's symposium.
Please answer the following questions based on the Pathology Symposium recording. Answers must be submitted by March 31, 2025 to receive 0.5 CE credit and you must achieve at least a 66%. Credit will be documented in Activtracker by the end of each month. Please log in to Activtracker to complete the evaluation and download your certificate.
Cancer in Cactus?
Cancer in Cactus? A Brief Introduction to the Field of Plant Pathology and Cytogenetic Mutations in Cacti
Course # 612-117-24 / 1.0 credit hours
CE Broker #: 20-1234282
Alison Shane, MS
Senior Cytogenetics Technologist, Genomics
Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
Level of Instruction: Basic
Category: Cytogenetics/Molecular
Target Audience: All are welcome
Description: A brief history of the field of plant pathology and its importance in past and current events will be discussed. Diseases differ between plants and animals and genetic mutations cause cancer but affect both species differently. Multiple species of cacti have evolved to survive genetic damage and continue to thrive with disease symptoms. This evolution in cacti inspires future cancer research in humans.
Objectives:
At the completion of the presentation, the audience will be able to:
- Describe the history and impact of plant pathology on famine, extinction, and economic stability.
- Differentiate disease in plants and animals.
- Explain how plants have adapted to the same genetic mutations that cause cancer in animals but continue to thrive.
- Discuss current research in plant pathology and its implications for future cancer research in humans.
CAP Inspection 101
CAP Inspection 101
Course # 612-105-24 / 1.0 credit hours
CE Broker #: 20-1234214
Samuel Harvey, MD, PhD
PGY4 Resident, Pathology
Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
Level of Instruction: Basic
Category: Administrative/Regulatory
Target Audience: All are welcome
Description: This presentation will provide an overview of the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) federal regulations and a discussion of the College of American Pathologists (CAP) inspections required for CLIA accreditation.
Objectives:
At the completion of the presentation, the audience will be able to:
- Identify the federal entities and CLIA regulations that govern clinical laboratories.
- Describe the criteria for designating CLIA test complexity and associated personnel requirements.
- Explain the major components of a CAP inspection including proficiency testing and checklists.
- List common CAP inspection deficiencies and identify how to avoid them.
Diagnostic Testing of Hemoglobin Disorders in the Laboratory
Diagnostic Testing of Hemoglobin Disorders in the Laboratory
Course # 612-118-24 / 1.0 credit hours
CE Broker #: 20-1234288
Amelia Gentilini, MLT(ASCP)
Clinical Laboratory Scientist II, Core and Specialty Laboratories
The Johns Hopkins Hospital
Ivo Francischetti, MD, PhD (consultant)
Assistant Professor, Hematologic Pathology
Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
Level of Instruction: Intermediate
Category: Hematology/Hematologic Disorders
Target Audience: All are welcome
Description: This is an overview of the most common hemoglobin variants and thalassemia and how they are diagnosed in the laboratory. Background and history, symptomology, and common laboratory findings in Hemoglobinopathy and Thalassemia Patients will be covered.
Objectives:
At the completion of the presentation, the audience will be able to:
- Define hemoglobin variant disorders and identify which ones are commonly tested for in the laboratory.
- Recognize the formation, shape, and size of erythrocytes for each hemoglobin disorder and how they affect complete blood count (CBC) values.
- Identify the screening and confirmatory tests performed to determine homozygous and heterozygous hemoglobin disorders.
Duffy-null Associated Neutrophil Count
Duffy-null Associated Neutrophil Count: Race/Ethnicity Should Not Preclude Evaluation
Course # 612-116-24 / 1.0 credit hours
CE Broker #: 20-1234280
Kathy Haddaway, MLS(ASCP)SBB
Technical Specialist II, Transfusion Medicine
The Johns Hopkins Hospital
Jennifer Keates Baleeiro, MD, MA
Assistant Professor, Pediatric Hematology
Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
Level of Instruction: Intermediate
Category: Immunohematology/Blood Groups, Hematology/Erythropoiesis, & Ethics/Health Disparities
Target Audience: All are welcome
Description: An ANC below the reference range has historically been observed in persons of African ancestry called “Benign Ethnic Neutropenia”, but is now known to be related to the Duffy-null phenotype of erythroid cells that is common in those of African descent and does not represent true neutropenia. Failure to recognize Duffy-null Associated Neutrophil Count may have implications for patient care, exclusion from clinical trials, or treatment discontinuation. We will discuss the process and importance of identification to ensure appropriate patient care.
Objectives:
At the completion of the presentation, the audience will be able to:
- Describe the function of the Duffy blood group system.
- Interpret Fya/Fyb antigen testing results.
- Recommend evaluation of Duffy-null Associated Neutrophil Count based on laboratory and clinical data.
- Discuss two ways that the identification of Duffy-null Associated Neutrophil Count can impact patient care.
Going with the Flow: A MOG Lab Developed Test
Going with the Flow: A MOG Lab Developed Test
Course # 612-109-24 / 1.0 credit hours
CE Broker #: 20-1234244
Conlan Tran, MLS(ASCP)
Lead, Immunology
The Johns Hopkins Hospital
Level of Instruction: Intermediate
Category: Immunology/Techniques
Target Audience: All are welcome
Description: Myelin Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein Antibody-Associated Disease (MOGAD) is a central nervous system (CNS) demyelinating disease that targets the optic nerves, brain, and spinal cord. Patients with this disease develop autoantibodies against myelin Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein (MOG) that are responsible for causing clinical manifestations. Given that the symptoms and presentations of MOGAD can resemble CNS demyelinating disorders like Multiple Sclerosis, the detection of MOG autoantibodies is crucial in its diagnosis and treatment. A new and improved method for MOG serology has been developed by the Immunology laboratory and is currently in clinical use.
Objectives:
At the completion of the presentation, the audience will be able to:
- Describe MOGAD, its clinical features, and laboratory findings.
- Recognize challenges in MOG antibody detection.
- Describe our new flow cytometry-based assay and how it’s used for MOG antibody detection.
Hepatitis B: The Silent Epidemic
Hepatitis B: The Silent Epidemic
Course # 612-119-24 / 1.0 credit hours
CE Broker #: 20-1234304
Bernice Agana, PhD
Fellow, Clinical Chemistry
Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
Level of Instruction: Intermediate
Category: Clinical Chemistry/Diseases
Target Audience: All are welcome
Description: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) remains a significant global public health challenge even though there is an effective vaccine available. The WHO estimates 296 million individuals worldwide and 1.6 million in the USA are chronically infected with HBV with 1.5 million new infections occurring annually. Alarmingly, 90% of HBV-infected individuals are unaware of their status, highlighting the need for increased vaccination and awareness. This presentation will focus on the epidemiology of HBV, screening diagnostics, management strategies for individuals with chronic HBV as well as antiviral agents for treatment.
Objectives:
At the completion of the presentation, the audience will be able to:
- Differentiate HBV infection from other viral hepatitis infections.
- Describe the pathophysiology of Hepatitis B infection and its progression to disease.
- Discuss the methods for screening and diagnosing Hepatitis B, including the use of biomarkers to monitor disease progression.
Nutrition and its Role in Immunity
Nutrition and its Role in Immunity
Course # 612-120-24 / 1.0 credit hours
CE Broker #: 20-1234322
Henrietta Eugene, MS, HT(ASCP)
IHC/IP Research Specialist, Surgical Pathology
Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
Level of Instruction: Intermediate
Category: Histology & Immunology/Disease States
Target Audience: All are welcome
Description: Nutrition plays a vital role in the body’s immune response. Nutrient consumption influences the body’s immunocompetence and its response to infection and illness. In this presentation we will be discussing nutrition and its role in immunity and how nutrient intake could be the reason most have unhealthy immune systems resulting in overall health being compromised.
Objectives:
At the completion of the presentation, the audience will be able to:
- Describe the role of nutrition in the body’s immunity.
- Compare and contrast malnutrition and overnutrition as it impacts immunity.
This Yeast, what a Beast!
This Yeast, what a Beast! Tracking Down Hospital-Acquired Cases of Candida auris
Course # 612-121-24 / 1.0 credit hours
CE Broker #: 20-1234324
Shannon Murphy, PhD
Fellow, Clinical Microbiology
Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
Level of Instruction: Intermediate
Category: Microbiology
Target Audience: All are welcome
Description: Candida auris is a rapidly emerging fungal pathogen that poses a major threat in healthcare settings. Advanced techniques such as whole genome sequencing (WGS) play a crucial role in distinguishing between closely related strains, helping to pinpoint cases of hospital-acquired Candida auris and aiding in effective infection control. In our study, infection control and the laboratory collaborate to track down cases of hospital-acquired Candida auris.
Objectives:
At the completion of the presentation, the audience will be able to:
- Describe the rising threat of Candida auris in healthcare settings.
- Explain the role of advanced technologies in outbreak investigations.
Weird Micro, Kid Stuff
Weird Micro, Kid Stuff: Microbiology Cases in Pediatrics and Young Adults
Course # 612-113-24 / 1.0 credit hours
CE Broker #: 20-1234264
Paula C. Mister, MS, MT, SM(ASCP)
Education Coordinator, Clinical Microbiology Laboratory
The Johns Hopkins Hospital
Level of Instruction: Intermediate
Category: Microbiology/Bacteriology
Target Audience: All are welcome
Description: Fun and interactive session in which the audience will try to “guess the organism” based on patient and laboratory information provided! This session will focus on unusual microbiological infections in a younger age group, pediatric and young adults. Classic and current identification methods, epidemiology, and treatment for each organism will be presented.
Objectives:
At the completion of the presentation, the audience will be able to:
- Postulate the causative microorganism for each presented case given patient history and laboratory testing.
- Describe the identification, epidemiology, and treatment for each infection presented.
- Respect the interesting, unexpected, and unusual microbiological infections in the pediatric and young adult population.
FAQs
- How do I register for the Pathology Symposium if I plan to attend virtually?
- Click on "Register Here" Pathology Education Calendar will open.
- Click on arrows to get to October 2024.
- Choose your session and click on the Virtual registration link.
- Scroll down and enter your information using your jh email address.
- Click "Register" button. A "Webinar Registration Pending Approval" form will open and you will receive and email once approved - How do I register for the Pathology Symposium if I plan to attend in-person?
- Click on "Register Here" and Pathology Education Calendar will open.
- Click on arrows to get to October 2024.
- Choose a session that is available for in-person attendance.
- Click on in-person registration. Complete the form. Make sure to enter your jh email address. - Who should I email if I have questions or trouble registering?
[email protected] - Do I need my supervisor's approval to attend?
Yes, supervisors must ensure that the lab has enough staff during the symposium. - When will I see my CE credit on Activtracker?
Attendance will be in Activtracker within 7 days of the symposium's last day. If you do not see your attendance after 7 days or have other issues with Activtracker please email [email protected] no later than November 30, 2024 so we can resolve the issue. Issues may not be able to be resolved if contacted after November 30, 2024. - How do I get my CE certificates?
Your attendance must be recorded for the session and you must complete the evaluation in ActivTracker to be able to download your CE certificate.