The role of the Pathologist when diagnosis is uncertain

Pathology is the bridge between basic sciences and clinical medicine. It is the scientific foundation for medicine, according to Dr. Gerardo Guiter, Assistant Professor of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at Weill Cornell Medical College in Qatar.

Speaking at a Medicine and U Public Lecture Series entitled the role of the Pathologist when diagnosis is uncertain, held at the WCMC-Q campus in Education City, Dr. Guiter pointed out that the job of the pathologist is to study and diagnose disease through examination of organs, tissues, and cells; in addition to diagnosing and characterizing disease in patients by examining biopsies and other specimens. Pathologists also conduct autopsies to investigate causes of death. 

Dr. Guiter mentioned that there has been an explosion of new tests and techniques in pathology, which enhances pathology practice immeasurably. “Pathological analysis is important for estimating a patient's prognosis,” Dr. Guiter said. “For example, a pathologist's interpretation of a biopsy is critical to establishing the diagnosis of a benign or malignant tumor, and can differentiate between different types and grades of cancer.”

Dr. Guiter currently serves as Course Director for Basis of Disease, a course in the second year of the Medical Program at WCMC-Q. He has been the recipient of numerous teaching awards, both at WCMC-Q and Brown University School of Medicine.  He has conducted research in endocrine tumors, immunohistochemistry and cytopathology, authoring papers and book chapters in all these areas.