Pathology is the study of disease.
An understanding of pathology is a prerequisite for and an integral aspect of the practice of medicine, regardless of the specialty. The sequence of courses extends from the summer term of year one through the first three periods of year two. In the summer term of year one, the general pathology segment introduces students to general principles, including cellular injury, inflammation and repair, immunopathologic processes, abnormal hemodynamics, metabolic diseases, and neoplasia. Examples of specific diseases are used to illustrate these principles. The morphologic alterations caused by disease are emphasized using gross specimens, microscopic slides, and videotapes.