ABSTRACT
The anatomical pathologist must be a quick and natural observer and capable of linking this skill to a careful and rigorous approach to the study of disease. A good visual memory is required and the ability to integrate observations of disease with clinical practice. In recognition of the appeal of patient contact, modern medical education is increasingly structured upon the early introduction of clinical scenarios or patient-based teaching. The intention is to foster interest in the underlying basic sciences through the demonstration of their direct clinical relevance. Pathology has immediate clinical relevance and importance, impacting directly on diagnosis and prognosis, and therefore determining subsequent management. The media presents a distorted view of pathology, focusing on forensic pathology and autopsy examination of persons dying under violent, unnatural or even supernatural circumstances. Anatomical pathology is based on the use of the microscope to examine wafer thin sections to achieve a diagnosis on behalf of a living patient.
