This educational activity is based on case presentations and subsequent small group discussions of patients with hematologic malignancies that are being evaluated, treated and followed in the Department of Hematology and Oncology, and that have diagnostic or follow-up material evaluated in the Division of Hematopathology.  The goal of this multimodality approach is to insure that the best patient care is being delivered by both Hematologists/Oncologists and Pathologists.

This educational activity is designed to improve competence, so that Hematologists/Oncologists will be able to appropriately order expensive ancillary diagnostic tests; Hematologists/Oncologists will be able to recognize the salient morphologic, immunophenotypic, cytogenetic, and molecular features of common hematologic malignancies; Hematologists/Oncologists will know the diagnostic and prognostic characteristics of the disease entities described in the current WHO classification of leukemias and lymphomas; Hematopathologists will be familiar with emergent therapeutic options and clinical trials available and how they apply to patients diagnosed in our service; Hematopathologists will be constantly updated with the clinical practices of the Department of Hematology and Oncology, in order to continue to improve and provide optimal patient care. 

Hematologic malignancies comprise a unique spectrum of disorders as they are associated with significant morbidity and mortality, and the diagnostic algorithm is complex and involves a multidisciplinary approach, including clinical, morphologic, immunophenotypic, and cytogenetic findings, as outlined in the current WHO classification of hematolymphoid neoplasms.  There is a constant process of improving and refining diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic modalities, in order to maximize favorable outcomes in this group of patients.  Because of the amount of rapidly changing information in the specialties of Hematopathology and Hematology/Oncology, it is necessary for practitioners to be knowledgeable of the most recent developments in these fields, in order to provide the most optimal patient care.  Based on department findings, gaps identified through evaluation of previously held meetings, and the planning committee’s judgment of learner’s needs, we developed this educational intervention to provide Hematologists/Oncologists with continuing exposure to Hematopathology diagnostic and prognostic knowledge, and the Hematopathologist with continuing exposure to the current and emerging clinical practices in Hematology/Oncology. 

 Learning objectives:

Learning objective were identified for both Hematologists/Oncologists and Hematopathologists.

For Hematologists/Oncologists:  By completing this activity, I will be able to:

1. To improve my ability to appropriately order expensive ancillary diagnostic tests. 
2. To improve and maintain my ability to recognize the salient morphologic, immunophenotypic, cytogenetic, and molecular features of common hematologic malignancies.

For Hematopathologists:  By completing this activity, I will be able to:

3. To maintain and update my knowledge of emergent therapeutic options and availability of clinical trials, and how they apply to patients diagnosed in our service.
4. To constantly update myself with the clinical practices of the Department of Hematology and Oncology, in order to continue to improve outcomes and provide optimal patient care.