Pathology is a bridge between the structural and laboratory sciences and clinical medicine. During the first two years of medicine school, the Department of Pathology participates in teaching that introduces students to the morphology and pathophysiology of disease processes that they will encounter the rest of their professional careers.

In the clinical years, the Department of Pathology – through electives in the affiliated hospital departments, teaching conferences and diagnostic presentations – provides the basis for clinical decision making and patient care. Within the departments of pathology at affiliated hospitals, residency and fellowship programs train pathologists of the future. The goal of the Department of Pathology is to provide objective data and the ability to analyze it to our students, trainees and the clinicians in our region.

Department chair

Jennifer Baccon, M.D., Ph.D., is professor and chair of the Department of Pathology. She is chair of the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine and Akron Children’s Hospital and chair of the Undergraduate Medical Education Committee for the Associate of Pathology Chairs. Dr. Baccon also directs the general pathology course and teaches labs throughout the curriculum.

Dr. Baccon earned her medical degree and Ph.D. in cell and molecular biology at the University of Pennsylvania. She completed her anatomic pathology residency, neuropathology and surgery fellowships, also at Penn.