Pathology

On

DEPARTMENT OF PATHOLOGY

Prof Patrick Kafui Akakpo

HOD

VISION

To build a department that is strongly positioned for innovative teaching, research and practice of anatomic pathology in Ghana.

MISSION

To use modern molecular pathology and histopathology research methods to improve our understanding of disease processes especially cancer and also improve the teaching of anatomic pathology through the use of innovative teaching techniques.

MUSEUM

The department has increased the number of pots at the museum. Pots from the department are routinely used by the Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons as part of our close collaboration with the College. Specimen are still being potted to increase the number of pots at the museum.

Welcome to the Department of Pathology, University of Cape Coast. Anatomic pathology is a discipline of laboratory medicine that deals with the study of the molecular basis of diseases using gross, microscopic and molecular techniques that involve organ dissection (autopsy), microscopic tissue examination (histopathology), examination of cells (cytopathology) and the study of genes, proteins and other molecules that form a basis for the diagnosis, treatment and prognostication of diseases (molecular pathology).

The department is currently responsible for teaching of Anatomical pathology, including histopathology, cytopathology and autopsy practice to medical students (SMS), Physician Assistantship students, Biomedical Science students and Forensic Science students. The department is also actively engaged in the teaching of residents (specialists in training) in the Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons (GCPS) and the West African College of Physicians (WACP).

CLINICAL AND MEDICOLEGAL DUTIES

The department is currently involved in the investigation and diagnosis of diseases. In line with this the department runs an autopsy service for natural deaths considered to be of academic value as part of clinical audits and also for forensic cases under investigation by the police. We assist the high court as expert witnesses during the trial of relevant forensic cases. 

PRIORITIES

  • Engage in modern collaborative molecular pathology cancer research.
  • Utility of Artificial intelligence in anatomic pathology diagnostics.
  • Engage in current anatomic molecular pathology research relevant to cancers and other common disease conditions prevalent in our setting.
  • Develop innovative and novel ways of teaching anatomic pathology to under graduate and postgraduate students.
  • Develop relevant academic and professional programs to help improve delivery of anatomic pathology services in Ghana and beyond.
  • Build a department made up of academics with requisite clinical knowledge and skills who lead molecular pathology research and practice and also make anatomic pathology relevant to medical care in Ghana.

 

DEPARTMENTS

COLLABORATIONS

LOCAL

The department collaborates with all clinical departments in the School of Medical Sciences, UCC and the Cape Coast Teaching Hospital. In addition, the department works with all university wide departments that require anatomic pathology support such as department of forensic science, biomedical science, and physician assistantship. The department also works with postgraduate medical colleges such as the Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons, the West Africa College of Physicians and the West Africa College of Surgeons. In addition, the department partners the Ghana Health Service to provide continuing professional development for practicing medical officers in the Central and Western regions and residents in training.

INTERNATIONAL

The department collaborates with Precision Medicine for Aggressive Breast Cancer (PMABC) in partnership with the Jiagge laboratory of the Henry Ford Health Systems, USA. This partnership is in breast cancer research, awareness, and capacity building in Ghana and Tanzania.

 

COURSES (MEDICAL SCHOOL)

  • MED 304: Mechanisms of Disease I
  • MED 310: Systems Failure
  • MED 401: Introduction to Clinical Practice
  • MED 403: Investigation of Disease I
  • MED 411: Cardiovascular II
  • MED 407: Respiratory II
  • MED 408: Renal System and Body Fluids II
  • MED 404: Alimentary System and Liver II
  • MED 402: Endocrine II
  • MED 417: Forensic Medicine & Toxicology
  • MED 405: Musculoskeletal II
  • MED 418: Integument II
  • MED 419: Neuroscience II
  • MED 508: Oncology & Palliative Care
  • MED 503: Investigation of Disease II
  • MED 519: Reproduction and Growth II
  • MED 699: Dissertation Problem Based Learning (PBL) level 400-600