First Annual W.A.D. Anderson Lecture Presented by Johns Hopkins Pathologist Dr. Jonathan Epstein

W.A.D. Anderson, M.D., was the founding chair of the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. Internationally recognized as a key force in the early stages of the practice of modern pathology, Dr. Anderson stated, “Pathology should form the basis of every physician’s thinking about the patient.”

Paying homage to Dr. Anderson’s innumerable contributions, the department hosted the first annual W.A.D. Anderson Memorial Visiting Professorship in April. Jonathan Epstein, M.D., professor of pathology at Johns Hopkins, who is widely regarded as one of the leading genitourinary pathologists, was chosen to be honored in the inaugural event.

In his presentation titled “Active Surveillance for Prostate Cancer: Critical Role of the Pathologist,” Dr. Epstein reviewed all aspects of diagnosis and how the outcome of the screening process truly hinges on the detailed observations made by the pathologist.

The lecture was a hybrid event with over one hundred people attending in person or joining virtually.

“The theme of Dr. Epstein’s lecture truly embodied the spirit of the department and of our founding chair,” said Carmen Gomez, M.D., professor and vice chair of education. “We could not have had a better start to this annual event. As this memorial initiative grows, it is expected to provide even more influential content that can be shared to educate and inspire pathologists around the world.”

As a remembrance of this occasion, Dr. Gomez presented Dr. Epstein with a copy of “Anderson’s Pathology,” one of Dr. Anderson’s iconic books that served as a key reference for pathologists and textbook for trainees for over 30 years.

While in Miami, Dr. Epstein met with faculty members and had a special lunch with the residents and fellows. Later in the day, he also led a slide review session with the trainees, joined by Oleksandr N. Kryvenko, M.D. A former fellow of Dr. Epstein now serving as clinical professor of pathology and laboratory medicine and director of the Genitourinary Pathology Service and Fellowship Training Program, Dr. Kryvenko initiated contact with Dr. Epstein for this award.

“Dr. Epstein has had an impactful career serving to educate most of us who specialized in genitourinary pathology,” said Merce Jorda, M.D., Ph.D, M.B.A., professor and chair of the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine. “His lecture and visit marked a wonderful opportunity to teach the next generation of pathology leaders which we are fortunate to be training in our programs.”

Tags: Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Dr. Carmen Gomez-Fernandez, Dr. Jonathan Epstein, Dr. Merce Jorda, Dr. Oleksandr Kryvenko, Dr. W.A.D. Anderson, W.A.D. Anderson Memorial Visiting Professorship