What inspires a doctor to pursue pathology?  

Dr. Elvio Silva, MD, was drawn to pathology because it’s the only specialty in medicine where you can SEE the disease. And his patient-centered approach to studying tumors has led to breakthrough research.  

On this episode of Inside the Lab, Dr. Silva, Professor in the Department of Pathology at MD Anderson Cancer Center, joins our hosts, Ms. Kelly Swails, MLS(ASCP), and Dr. Ali Brown, MD, FASCP, to discuss his storied career as a gynecologic pathologist. 

Dr. Silva explains the two kinds of pathology research, describing what inspired his revolutionary work in grading endocervical adenocarcinomas and why it’s crucial for medical journals to make room for new ideas. 

Listen in for insight on deciding between a career in academics versus private practice and find out what Dr. Silva learned from his most challenging cases in the diverse field of gynecologic pathology. 

Topics Covered 
· Dr. Silva’s accidental journey to becoming a gynecologic pathologist
· How pathology is the only specialty where you can SEE the disease and why Dr. Silva views that as the best part of pathology
· Dr. Silva’s response to people who say pathologists aren’t real doctors
· How Dr. Silva thinks about deciding between academics vs. private practice
· The two kinds of pathology research and what draws people  to research that involves understanding a disease
· What Dr. Silva says to people who are intimidated by the diversity in gynecologic pathology
· Why it’s challenging for pathologists to recognize when we’re wrong
· The publications Dr. Silva is most proud of (and why those papers were initially rejected)
· Examples of challenging cases and how they illustrate pitfalls pathologists should avoid
· Why it’s crucial for societies and journals to make room for people with new and unusual ideas
· Concerns around the training of pathology residents

Connect with ASCP
ASCP
ASCP on Facebook
ASCP on Instagram
ASCP on Twitter 

Connect with Dr. Silva
Dr. Silva on Twitter
Dr. Silva on LinkedIn 

Connect with Ms. Swails & Dr. Brown
Ms. Swails on Twitter
Dr. Brown on Twitter

Resources
Dr. Silva on ResearchGate
Inside the Lab in the ASCP Store