The Cause, Origin, and Nature of Disease

Pathology is a branch of medical science primarily concerning the cause, origin, and nature of disease. It involves the examination of tissues, organs, bodily fluids, and autopsies to study and diagnose disease, and plays a key role in patient care through diagnosis and management. Pathologists work closely with other healthcare providers to help detect conditions, suggest treatment recommendations, and monitor ongoing conditions. For decades, pathologists, institutions, and clinicians across the world have relied on Cleveland Clinic to deliver world-class anatomic pathology and hematopathology services.

The OMI was thrilled to host the Salzburg Cleveland Clinic Seminar in Pathology at Schloss Arenberg from May 21-27, 2023. Dr. Scott E. Kilpatrick, Professor of Pathology, Medical Director of Anatomic Pathology at Cleveland Clinic Laboratories, and Subspecialty Director of Orthopedic Pathology at Cleveland Clinic, served as the course director. Dr. Renate Kain, Professor and Head of the Department of Pathology at the Medical University of Vienna, was the co-course director for the week. Dr. Susanna Lang, Dr. Patrick McIntire, Dr. Jesse McKenney, Dr. Behrang Mozayani, Dr. Sarah L. Ondrejka, Dr. Melissa Piliang, and Dr. Ingrid Simonitsch-Klupp generously donated their time and experience as faculty members for the course.

The outstanding faculty group provided participants with 20 informative lectures that covered topics such as Melanoma and Mimics, Challenges on Core Needle Biopsy: Approach to Difficult Cases, Reactive Lymphadenopathies and Benign Mimickers of Lymphoma, Bone Tumors, Diagnostic Dilemmas in Cutaneous Adnexal Tumors, Amyloid Typing, and more. Tuesday and Wednesday afternoon were reserved for fellows’ case presentations, which instigated great discussion, feedback, and questions, in which both fellows and faculty gained new insights and perspectives.

Faculty were eager to spend their free afternoon on Thursday in St. Gilgen. They took the cable car up to the Zwölferhorn, which offered an incredible view over the lake district and surrounding mountains. Fellows took the opportunity to explore the beautiful old town of Salzburg, visit Mozart’s birth house, and see a panoramic view of the Austrian and German alps from the top of the Salzburg fortress.

To conclude the week, faculty and fellows gathered for a three course, celebratory graduation dinner. The award ceremony followed, which included the presentation of fellow certificates and a great night of reflection, laughter, and gratitude.