Gastrointestinal Pathology Service Takes the Lead at the Florida Society of Pathology Conference

Director of Gastrointestinal (GI) Pathology Service Monica Garcia-Buitrago, M.D., led a team of experts in a special education symposium titled “Interactive GI Pathology: A Practical Approach to GI Biopsies” at the Florida Society of Pathologists (FSP) 49th Annual Pathology Conference, held in Orlando in mid-February.

While the faculty and trainees of the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine’s Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine always take an active role in the important state meeting, this special program was officially recognized as directed by Miller School faculty. Dr. Garcia-Buitrago was joined by other members of the gastrointestinal pathology team: Elizabeth Montgomery, M.D., professor; Nemencio Ronquillo, M.D., assistant professor; and Rhonda Yantiss, M.D., professor and chief of surgical pathology. Subjects included colitis, esophagitis, liver diseases, and polyps. FSP president Jim Zhai, M.D., commented that the Miller School group included “the most popular speakers on practical issues.”

The FSP annual conference provides a unique opportunity for trainees to interact with their peers and attending pathologists in a collegial gathering. Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine trainees presented 15 abstracts this year. Luiz de Lima Guido, M.D., and Chief Resident Diego Montoya, M.D., exemplified the pathology residency program with their presentations in “Rare and Interesting Cases” session, winning awards in third and first place, respectively.

The conference is also an ideal setting for networking and brainstorming on non-academic subjects related to the business of pathology and laboratory medicine. For the first time, the department was able to present the Reference Laboratory Services program at the exhibit hall, providing a unique opportunity for attendees to learn more about the internationally recognized consultation service. Books authored or coauthored by Miller School faculty were also displayed.

Dr. Garcia-Buitrago summarized the experience, “The FSP meeting is always a great opportunity to meet with colleagues and make new connections for trainees and faculty alike. Our program in GI pathology continues to grow, not only for our practice at the University of Miami and Jackson Health System, but also as part of an active reference laboratory consultation service.

“This was a great opportunity to disseminate diagnostic pearls to the attendees and remind them that our department is always available to help with their patients,” she said.

Tags: Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Dr. Diego Montoya, Dr. Elizabeth Montgomery, Dr. Luiz de Lima Guido, Dr. Monica Garcia-Buitrago, Dr. Nemencio Ronquillo, Dr. Rhonda Yantiss, Florida Society of Pathology