Course Description

Join USCAP in Prague, Czech Republic, for the 2026 Diagnostic Pathology Update, where you will experience expert-led education and a vibrant destination. This program convenes distinguished faculty to deliver cutting-edge insights across various pathology subspecialties, emphasizing pragmatic approaches for daily practice. Immerse yourself in an intimate setting ideal for collaboration and networking with peers and luminaries in your field. All taking place in The City of a Hundred Spires on the beautiful Vltava River, Prague!

Course Objectives

1. Describe the morphologic features of common and less common myeloid and lymphoid neoplasms and reactive non-neoplastic hematolymphoid proliferations.
2. Learn how to apply the diagnostic criteria (WHO 5th edition and ICC) for hematopoietic neoplasms in practice, including how to handle cases where the two classifications may yield discrepant diagnoses.
3. Learn when to order ancillary studies based on morphologic and clinical findings, which studies to order (in a cost-effective manner), and how to interpret and integrate the results of these studies into the final diagnosis.

Thursday, June 4 at 2:00 PM ET / 11:00 AM PT

This session features Professors Gaurava Agarwal, MD, and Carla Ellis, MD, MS, who will discuss the realities of physician burnout, particularly as it relates to pathology and laboratory medicine. They will highlight infrastructural and strategic approaches that organizations can use to address systemic workplace well-being, the role pathologists can play in that work, common causes of burnout, the importance of work–life integration, and strategies to support individual and organizational wellness

Course Description

Head and neck and endocrine pathology can often be diagnostically challenging due to the complexity of disease and the diversity of entities that can be encountered. In addition, the field is ever evolving with advances in molecular diagnostics, the identification of novel entities, and updated classification schemes. It can be challenging for pathologists to remain up to date and accurate diagnosis is essential for prognostication and risk stratification.

This course is designed to provide a practical approach to the diagnosis of both common and uncommon lesions encountered in head and neck/endocrine pathology. Participants will become familiar with updated classifications, key diagnostic features, as well as important prognostic features of varying entities encountered in daily practice.

Learning Objectives

• Identify and classify common and uncommon thyroid lesions and define an approach to follicular patterned lesions.
• Recognize the key diagnostic features to differentiate various salivary gland tumors and sinonasal lesions and identify potential pitfalls.
• Identify common and unusual oral and odontogenic lesions.
• Understand the use of ancillary studies (molecular and immunohistochemistry) in the diagnosis and risk stratification of head and neck/endocrine tumors.

Tuesday, May 12 at 2:00 PM ET / 11:00 AM PT

Join Dr. Sarah Dry, MD, in conversation with Dr. Terri E. Jones, MD, for a dynamic discussion on leadership in pathology. This session will provide tips on important leadership skills and how to develop them, explore a range of leadership styles, discuss pathways to the many varied leadership roles in pathology, suggest strategies for personal wellness for leaders, and explore options for overcoming leadership challenges.

Course Description

This interactive microscopy course offers a practical, case-based review of recent updates in cytologic classification and reporting across key organ systems, including the thyroid, salivary gland, urinary tract, pancreatobiliary tract, serous fluids, lung, soft tissue, and lymph nodes. Participants will explore newly described entities, revised terminology, and updated management guidelines that impact daily diagnostic practice. Emphasis will be placed on diagnostic pearls, common pitfalls, and distinguishing neoplasms from key mimics. Designed for cytopathologists, general pathologists, pathologists-in-training (residents and fellows), and cytotechnologists, this course provides essential tools for accurate, standardized cytology reporting in any practice setting.

Learning Objectives

• Learn new concepts and terminological guidelines and demonstrate knowledge of existing concepts in the cytologic classification of neoplastic and non-neoplastic lesions from multiple sites including lung, mediastinum, bone and soft tissue, serous fluids, pancreatobiliary tract, liver, genitourinary tract, adrenal, thyroid, salivary gland and head and neck region.
• Discuss the most reliable pearls and recognize the limitations and pitfalls in cytologic diagnosis of neoplastic and non-neoplastic lesions from the different organ sites under review.
• Learn when and how to integrate clinical findings and ancillary tests with key cytomorphologic features in precise cytologic diagnosis of lesions from these sites.
• Use an algorithmic approach to the differential diagnosis for neoplastic and non-neoplastic lesions in the various sites.
• Discuss practical guides to the proper handling of specimens.

Course Description

Join expert faculty as they discuss the significant updates occurring in the field of gynecologic pathology. With the upcoming release of the 6th edition of the World Health Organization (WHO) Classification of Tumours of Female Reproductive Organs, and updates to other established diagnostic and staging frameworks, such as FIGO, the International Collaboration on Cancer Reporting (ICCR), and NCCN guidelines, now is the time for an in-depth course to keep your practice up to date. A thorough understanding of these advanced diagnostics is crucial for pathologists and clinicians. Trainees and practicing pathologists alike will need to familiarize themselves with new terminology, recognize newly characterized entities, and adapt to the evolving criteria that may influence patient management. New resources increasingly incorporate molecular markers and biomarker testing to refine risk stratification, prognostication, and targeted therapies, contributing to the trend toward precision medicine in gynecologic oncology. This course offers a concise and interactive educational approach in a small group setting. Participants will learn to utilize key resources, interpret changes in classification, recognize scenarios requiring molecular diagnostics, and integrate biomarker data into clinical decision-making.

Learning Objectives

• Understand and apply in daily practice essential resources, including the upcoming WHO classification of tumours of the female reproductive system, the most recent updates to the FIGO staging systems, ICCR resources, and current NCCN guidelines for the management of patients with gynecologic cancer.
• Appraise emerging information on clinically relevant forms of endometrial, upper genital and mesenchymal gynecologic neoplasia.
• Describe the novel classification systems for lower genital tract neoplasia including the currently recommended nomenclature.
• Identify the scenarios in which diagnosis of non-epithelial (mesenchymal, sex-cord stromal, gestational) gynecologic neoplasia, as per WHO criteria, requires molecular testing as an essential criterion, and how to proceed when such testing is not available.
• Discuss the role of biomarker testing in the diagnosis, prognosis and management of patients with ovarian cancer, endometrial cancer and cervical cancer.

Course Description

This course will cover some of the most challenging and intimidating areas in dermatopathology: nail pathology, alopecia and hair disorders, dermatologic emergencies, and melanocytic neoplasms. It will begin with a concise review of the normal microanatomy and physiology of the nail apparatus and the folliculosebaceous unit. Through a case-based approach, expert faculty will share their diagnostic strategies and practical tips for tackling these difficult cases, emphasizing clinicopathologic correlation and appropriate ancillary workup. Real-world examples of diagnostic “misses” and “near-misses” will highlight common pitfalls and how to avoid them. The interactive course will encourage active participation and discussion.

Learning Objectives

• To develop a systematic diagnostic approach to alopecia biopsies.
• To gain familiarity with neoplasms and inflammatory diseases that may affect the nail unit.
• To provide accurate and timely diagnoses for urgent skin biopsies by integrating clinical and histopathologic findings.
• To understand the nuances of classifying challenging melanocytic lesions and the diagnostic utility of relevant ancillary tests.
• To identify and avoid important diagnostic pitfalls in dermatopathology.

Course Description

Join USCAP and the International Society of Breast Pathology (ISBP) for a comprehensive overview and update of the rapidly evolving field of breast pathology. The course will highlight the changes in the new WHO classification of breast tumors (6th Ed.), review the most current guidelines in biomarker testing to guide patient management, and cover diagnostic challenges of benign to malignant lesions with an emphasis on identifying histologic mimics. This course features a novel format that incorporates introductory topic lectures, interactive microscopy slide-review, a panel Q&A, and a panel hot topics session. There is extensive opportunity to interact with the world-renowned faculty of current and past ISBP presidents and council members.

Learning Objectives

• Discuss diagnostic challenges in breast pathology and how to resolve difficult cases.
• Review recent updates on biomarker testing in breast cancer.
• Discuss the WHO Classifications updates.

Course Description

Pathologists who evaluate specimens from the gastrointestinal tract occupy an expanding role in disease management teams. The widespread availability of endoscopy coupled with advances in tissue acquisition techniques have drastically increased the number and variety of gastrointestinal samples pathologists encounter in daily practice. As a result, pathologists are now required to provide comprehensive diagnostic information based on review of scant material. Classification of tumors is often completed based on interpretation of immunohistochemical stains coupled with molecular analyses to identify druggable targets or underlying germline conditions. Pathologists also direct the evaluation of patients with gastrointestinal complaints, particularly when patients have persistent symptoms or are immunosuppressed. Thus, they must be able to hone in on key features present in biopsy material in order to narrow the differential diagnosis and better direct patient care. This course is intended to address these needs in a succinct and pragmatic fashion.

Learning Objectives

• Discuss criteria to facilitate distinction between different causes of esophagitis and gastritis
• Evaluate biopsy samples from patients with malabsorptive symptoms
• Classify patterns of colitis and recognize medication-related injuries
• Recognize inflammatory and neoplastic conditions of the anus and appendix
• Discuss biopsy interpretation of the liver
• Discuss diagnostic criteria for pancreatic pathology
• Formulate differential diagnoses for mesenchymal tumors of the gastrointestinal tract

Course Description

The Arthur Purdy Stout Society of Surgical Pathologists and USCAP continue their collaborative commitment to providing superb education for practicing pathologists. The Seventh Edition of Modern Surgical Pathology Through the Expert Eyes of APSS-USCAP is designed to eliminate a variety of practice gaps in diagnostic surgical pathology. The faculty’s review of the literature and collective clinical experience as consultant surgical pathologists have revealed areas that remain problematic for pathologists. Examples include the evaluation of invasion in biopsies of the genitourinary tract and lung, the classification of inflammatory conditions of the upper gastrointestinal tract, the distinction between neuroendocrine tumors of lung, the differentiation between reactive and neoplastic changes in the female genital tract, and the differential diagnoses of problematic breast tumors.

This course attempts to help pathologists eliminate diagnostic errors by highlighting pitfalls and providing approaches to resolve them using routine microscopic examination and immunohistochemistry. The roles of adjunctive molecular tests will be discussed as appropriate. Thus, this course will address both medical knowledge and competence with the goal of improving clinical practice.

Registrants will have the opportunity to experience USCAP’s international headquarters and learning center at the heart of vibrant Palm Springs, California, a unique and fascinating resort destination.

This course is a collaboration between the Arthur Purdy Stout Society of Surgical Pathologists (APSS) and USCAP.

Learning Objectives

• Eliminate diagnostic errors by recognizing typical pitfalls and utilizing provided approaches to resolving these pitfalls in surgical pathology using both routine microscopic examination of H&E-stained sections and ancillary studies.
• Discuss the uses and limitations of immunohistochemistry in diagnostic surgical pathology.
• Discuss the role of newer adjunctive molecular tests where appropriate.
• Address both medical knowledge and competence with the goal of improving clinical practice.

Course Description

Diagnostic gynecological pathology covers a wide range of diseases, many with complex histological variants. Advances, especially in molecular genetics, have led to new entity recognition, reclassification, and refined diagnostic criteria, highlighting the need for continuous education. In response to this rapidly evolving landscape, the World Health Organization is currently revising the Blue Book to incorporate the most recent evidence and expert consensus. This unique four-day training course, hosted at the USCAP Interactive Learning Center, offers an immersive, microscope-based educational experience. Led by a distinguished faculty comprising past, current, and incoming presidents of the International Society of Gynecological Pathologists (ISGyP), this USCAP-ISGYP co-branded course provides attendees with unparalleled expertise and mentorship. While offering in-depth coverage across the field of gynecological pathology, the course emphasizes practical diagnostic approaches, morphologic assessment, and the application of ancillary techniques - particularly in the context of newly defined disease classifications and diagnostic criteria. Ample one-on-one interaction with faculty is a hallmark of this exceptional educational opportunity.

This course is a collaboration between the International Society of Gynecological Pathologists (ISGyP) and the United States and Canadian Academy of Pathology (USCAP).

Learning Objectives

• Recognize updated diagnostic criteria and disease classifications in gynecological pathology
• Recognize unusual but important gynecological disease entities
• Apply immunohistochemical and molecular genetic studies for diagnosis and differential diagnoses
• Understand the clinical implications when applying new diagnostic knowledge in gynecological pathology

Course Description

The diagnosis of both neoplastic and non-neoplastic diseases of bone is challenging for many pathologists. The terminology and diagnostic criteria for primary bone neoplasms are evolving quickly and the salient features of many non-neoplastic bone diseases are not adequately addressed in detail in training programs. This unique, comprehensive course will address the clinical, radiographic, histopathologic, and molecular diagnostic features of many primary skeletal neoplasms. Expert faculty and will also provide attendees with a foundation in the more commonly encountered non-neoplastic bone and joint disorders.

Learning Objectives

• Utilize the most recent (2020) WHO terminology for primary bone tumors and apply the most updated criteria to diagnose these entities.
• Apply the most recent immunohistochemical and molecular diagnostic tests used for diagnosis and differential diagnoses.
• Understand the diagnostic criteria for a broad range of non-neoplastic bone disorders and the potential pitfalls in diagnosis.
• Understand the clinical implications of the information included in, or unknowingly omitted from, surgical pathology reports for both primary bone neoplasms and non-neoplastic bone disorders.

Course Description

The surgical pathology of the genitourinary tract is primarily characterized by a dominant tumor type in each organ: clear cell renal cell carcinoma, urothelial carcinoma, prostatic acinar adenocarcinoma, and germ cell tumors. This course will focus on less common entities at each site that surgical pathologists are likely to encounter throughout their careers. It will shed light on their key differential diagnoses and how to avoid diagnostic pitfalls. Join this expert panel of genitourinary pathologists as they guide you in navigating these less common entities that you may come across in your practice.

Learning Objectives

• Recognize the spectrum of kidney, bladder, prostate, and testicular/paratesticular neoplasia beyond common renal cell carcinomas, urothelial carcinoma, acinar adenocarcinoma, and germ cell tumors, respectively.
• Recognize the clinical implications of these less common neoplasms.
• Appropriately work up cases with unusual histology to navigate the differential diagnosis by using morphologic clues, immunohistochemical findings, and molecular techniques, as needed.

Course Description

Join expert pathologists as they provide essential hints and tips for navigating challenging cases in surgical pathology. The selected cases will cover a variety of conditions commonly encountered in daily practice. Additionally, the faculty will share insights on nomenclature, classification, staging, histological, immunohistochemical features, and the potential applications of molecular techniques. The specialties discussed will include breast, bone and soft tissue, thoracic, genitourinary, gastrointestinal, and gynecological pathology. Discussions will focus on case-based presentations.

Learning Objectives

• To provide current nomenclature of different tumors by organ system.
• To provide current information of new immunohistochemical stains that may aid in the diagnosis.
• To provide current staging systems in tumor pathology.
• To provide current information of the role of molecular diagnostics.
• To share experiences with difficult and controversial cases.