Residents rotate on the autopsy service in the first two months, during which anatomy, gross pathology and histology provide the basis for further study of anatomic pathology.
The techniques of organ dissection and tissue cutting are mastered, as well as methods for correlation of pathologic findings with the patient's clinical history. A fortnightly autopsy conference provides a stimulating forum for sharing postmortem findings with clinical faculty and housestaff members in attendance. First year residents hone skills in more formal conference presentation during a monthly intradepartmental autopsy conference.
There are a total of five months of autopsy pathology at Cedars-Sinai, four in the first year and one as a more senior resident, encompassing both adult and pediatric autopsies. In-depth experience in the forensic autopsy is gained during a one month rotation at the Los Angeles County Coroner's Office later during the residency program.
