Pathologists’ assistant students present case studies at national conference, represent WVU as student delegates
WVU School of Medicine students Toni Bolser and Morgan White were selected to represent the Pathologists’ Assistant program as student delegates at the American Association for Pathologists’ Assistants (AAPA) 50th annual national conference in Denver, Colorado.
To be selected for the competitive conference, Bolser and White submitted an abstract based on a surgical or autopsy pathology case they worked on, which was evaluated by a review committee.
“It was truly an honor to be selected as one of WVU’s student delegates,” Bolser, a second-year student from Indianapolis, Indiana, said. “Being chosen to represent the program reflects the high standards of our training, and it meant a lot to be trusted with that responsibility. It gave me a real sense of confidence and reassurance that I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be.”
During the conference, Bolser and White participated in workshops alongside other student delegates from pathologists' assistant programs across the country. They also networked with professionals and attended resume and cover letter writing sessions.
“Being able to attend the conference as a student delegate allowed me to get out of my comfort zone, become active in my new profession and network,” White, a second-year student from Lynchburg, Virginia, said. “I was able to attend lectures and learn new techniques to approach challenging cases.”
A highlight of their experience for both students was presenting a poster showcasing a case study they grossed during their surgical or autopsy pathology clinical rotation. Grossing is an industry term meaning to inspect specimens, describe and measure the samples, and complete any additional processing for diagnosis.
Bolser and White each selected a case that interested them the most for their rotations. Bolser presented a poster titled “From Post-Workout Pain to Cancer Diagnosis: Primary Pelvic Osteosarcoma in a 15-year-old,” and White’s poster was titled “Concurrent Clear Cell Papillary Renal Cell Carcinoma.”
“My biggest takeaway from the conference was finding a real sense of community,” Bolser said. “It was meaningful to meet and learn from people who share the same interests and goals in advancing the field. It reminded me how much we can grow by connecting with others, and I’m excited to continue building those relationships and expanding my network.”
“Their participation in the national conference reflects a dedication to professional growth and demonstrates a commitment to advancing their knowledge and preparing for their role in the healthcare community,” Michelle Costas, MHS, PA (ASCP), director of the Pathologists’ Assistant program, said. “As emerging members of the pathologists’ assistant profession, Toni and Morgan were outstanding ambassadors for our program and the University.”
The WVU Pathologists’ Assistant program is one of only 15 programs in the nation accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). WVU’s program also has a 100% board certification pass rate and a 100% job placement rate.
To learn more about the Pathologists’ Assistant program at WVU, visit medicine.wvu.edu/pathologists-assistant-program.