The residents acquire increasing responsibility for developing, maintaining, and utilizing a clinical database. Under the guidance of the laboratory section supervisors, residents learn the intralaboratory aspects of test performance, such as specimen handling, preparation, and analysis. They also become aware of preanalytical factors, such as specimen collection, patient and specimen identification, and transportation, as well as methods of communicating information to the right person, place, and time to benefit the patient. Exposure to laboratory management, including instrument selection, budgeting, proficiency testing, quality assurance, and laboratory inspection and certification occurs by participation in these processes. Communication skills are honed by presentations in laboratory conferences and journal clubs, with feedback in the form of written critiques.
Computers are available to access clinical databases and libraries, and for preparation of graphics.
During an advanced specialty rotation, the resident is usually expected to write a paper on some aspect of optimal test utilization or delivery of improved laboratory services. All clinical pathology residents rotate on call responsibilities for the entire laboratory. Residents are encouraged to return for advanced rotations of 3 to 12 months in years 3 through 5, depending on their interests and career goals. Opportunities for developmental research include collaborative projects with Pathology faculty, as well as investigators from clinical and basic science departments at Emory University and from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.