essay questions pathology

Sample Exam Questions

Sample certification exam questions.

The following samples are available to demonstrate exam question format only.

Anatomic Pathology Exam

Directions: All ABPath exam questions are multiple choice, single best answer. Choose the single best answer.

Question 1.

A pathologist was asked to assess the margins on a 3 x 1.5-cm skin specimen removed for suspected basal cell carcinoma. Separate frozen sections were performed on each of the four margins. What is the CPT coding for this intraoperative consultation?

A) 88305 x 4 B) 88331 x 4 C) 88331 x 1 and 88332 x 3 D) 88332 x 4

Question 2.

What is the major morphologic manifestation of chronic rejection of a lung allograft?

A) bronchiolitis obliterans B) interstitial fibrosis C) nonspecific interstitial pneumonitis D) perivascular mononuclear infiltrates

Question 3.

What is the most frequent cause of primary hyperparathyroidism?

A) chronic renal disease B) malabsorption syndrome C) parathyroid adenoma D) parathyroid carcinoma E) primary parathyroid hyperplasia

Question 4.

A melanoma is most likely to arise in which type of nevus?

A) blue nevus B) compound nevus in a fair-skinned, blue-eyed redhead C) giant congenital nevus D) pigmented spindle cell nevus E) Spitz nevus

Directions: Choose the single best answer.

This biopsy specimen is from an 18-year-old male who underwent bone marrow transplantation for acute leukemia. What is the most likely diagnosis?

A) graft-versus-host disease B) junctional nevus C) leukemic infiltration D) lymphoma cutis E) mycosis fungoides

What is the best interpretation for this cervicovaginal cytology specimen from a 32-year-old patient?

A) negative for intraepithelial lesion or malignancy B) reactive cellular changes associated with inflammation C) atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance D) low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion E) high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion

What are these GMS-stained organisms?

A)  Blastomyces dermatitidis B)  Cryptococcus neoformans C)  Pneumocystis jiroveci D) trophozoites of  Entamoeba histolytica E) yeasts of  Candida  species

What is the most likely diagnosis for this 4-cm tumor from the neck of a 51-year-old male?

A) carotid body tumor B) granular cell tumor C) malignant melanoma D) metastatic renal carcinoma E) mucoepidermoid carcinoma

Question 5.

What is the most likely diagnosis for this section of patient kidney biopsy stained with anti-IgG?

A) acute post streptococcal glomerulonephritis B) Goodpasture syndrome C) minimal-change disease D) systemic lupus erythematosus E) granulomatosis with polyangiitis

Question 6.

What is the most likely diagnosis for this brain lesion?

A) arteriovenous malformation B) glioblastoma multiforme C) infarction D) pilocytic astrocytoma E) radiation necrosis

Question 7.

This PAS-stained section of a 3-cm nodule is from the parotid gland of a 45-year-old female. What is the most likely diagnosis?

A) acinic cell carcinoma B) adenoid cystic carcinoma C) normal parotid tissue D) pleomorphic adenoma E) Warthin tumor

Question 8.

What is the most likely diagnosis for this needle core biopsy from the breast of a 52-year-old female?

A) chronic mastitis B) fat necrosis C) invasive lobular carcinoma D) metastatic small cell carcinoma E) myeloma

Question 9.

This photograph is of the driver of a car that overturned and caught fire after a head-on collision. What is the most likely cause of these injuries?

A) falling on gravel B) postmortem burns caused by gasoline C) second-degree burns caused by heat D) steering-wheel impact E) the body’s dragging on the ground

Clinical Pathology Exam

Directions: Choose the one answer that is best in each case.

A 77-year-old male with severe peripheral vascular disease presented with severe abdominal pain of several hours’ duration. There was no history of trauma or chest pain. Laboratory studies included the following:

What is the most likely source of the elevated CK activity?

A) hepatic congestion B) infarcted bowel C) myocardial infarction D) renal infarction E) rhabdomyolysis

Which myelodysplastic syndrome is most likely to transform to acute leukemia?

A) chronic myelomonocytic leukemia B) refractory anemia C) refractory anemia with excess blasts D) refractory anemia with ringed sideroblasts E) refractory thrombocytopenia

A patient with recurrent episodes of venous and arterial thrombosis received therapeutic doses of heparin, but the heparin failed to exert an anticoagulant effect. The patient most likely has a deficiency of which of the following?

A) antithrombin B) factor VIII C) plasminogen D) platelets E) protein C

What is the most common type of allogeneic transfusion reaction from packed red blood cells?

A) acute hemolytic B) allergic C) delayed hemolytic D) febrile, nonhemolytic E) transfusion-related acute lung injury

What is the most common cause of fatal hemolytic transfusion reactions?

A) clerical errors related to misidentification of patients B) emergency transfusion of uncrossmatched blood C) excessively rapid transfusion of red blood cells D) failure to premedicate patients with acetaminophen E) laboratory technical or testing mistakes

A 55-year-old female presented with pulmonary necrotizing granulomatous inflammation, cutaneous leukocytoclastic angiitis, and necrotizing crescentic glomerulonephritis. She would most likely test positive for which of the following?

A) anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies B) anti-nuclear antibodies C) anti-phospholipid antibodies D) hepatitis C virus antibodies E) IgA fibronectin aggregates

Which oncogene becomes activated in the t(14;18) that is often associated with follicular lymphoma?

A) Bcl-2 B) Bcr/abl C) Ets-1 D) Myc E) Mos

A blood agar plate had small, nonhemolytic colonies isolated from an intra-abdominal abscess. The isolate was catalase negative, bile esculin positive, and pyrrolidonyl arylamidase (PYR) positive, and grew in 6.5% sodium chloride. What is the most likely identification?

A) Enterococcus species B) group B Streptococcus C) Pneumococcus D) Staphylococcus species

The acquired B phenomenon is associated with antigens from which organism?

A)  Candida albicans B)  Escherichia coli  O86 C)  Legionella pneumophila D)  Mycoplasma pneumoniae E)  Treponema pallidum

The concentration of an analyte was measured in nondiseased and diseased populations, and cutoff point Q was chosen. The number of false-positive results is represented by which area?

A) W B) X C) Y D) Z

This flow cytometric dot plot of peripheral blood lymphocytes stained for CD3 and CD8 is from a patient with a decreased absolute number of lymphocytes. What is the most likely diagnosis?

A) AIDS B) cytomegalovirus infection C) infectious mononucleosis D) no pathologic change E) T-cell large granular lymphocytic leukemia

What is the most likely diagnosis for this blood film from a 38-year-old female?

A) acute myeloid leukemia with inv(16)(p13q22) B) acute myeloid leukemia with maturation C) acute myelomonocytic leukemia D) acute promyelocytic leukemia E) mast cell leukemia

The appearance of the hand suggests that this infant has which of these disorders?

A) a chromosomal abnormality B) a cleft lip and palate C) a short fourth metacarpal D) holoprosencephaly E) rocker-bottom feet

These data are serum electrophoresis and immunofixation from an 85-year-old female. What is the best interpretation?

A) acute-phase reactant pattern B) IgA monoclonal gammopathy C) normal study D) Waldenström macroglobulinemia

What is the most likely diagnosis for this bile duct brush cytology from a 45-year-old female?

A) amoebae B)  Cryptosporidium C) degenerated epithelial cells D)  Giardia E) normal epithelial cells

This subcutaneous tissue biopsy is from a patient who sustained a firecracker injury. What is the most likely diagnosis?

A) aspergillosis B) botryomycosis C) phaeohyphomycosis D) sporotrichosis E) zygomycosis

Clot or Bleed: A Painless Guide for People Who Hate Coag

Hate coag? You are most definitely not alone.

This short guide demystifies every part of coag with surprisingly easy explanations for tough concepts.

Incredibly helpful. It took an hour, tops, to read this entire book and afterward I was ready to answer any coagulation question.

Don't Be Shy!

If you have questions, feel free to drop me a line anytime at [email protected]

Share this:

An official website of the United States government

The .gov means it’s official. Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.

The site is secure. The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

• Publications
• Account settings

Preview improvements coming to the PMC website in October 2024. Learn More or Try it out now .

• Advanced Search
• Journal List
• Adv Med Educ Pract

Very Short Answer Questions: A Novel Approach To Summative Assessments In Pathology

1 Imperial College School of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK

Emilia Peleva

Chee yeen fung, nicki cohen.

2 King’s College London, London, UK

Emyr W Benbow

3 University of Manchester, Manchester, UK

Karim Meeran

A solid understanding of the science underpinning treatment is essential for all doctors. Pathology teaching and assessment are fundamental components of the undergraduate medicine curriculum. Assessment drives learning and the choice of assessments influences students’ learning behaviours. The use of multiple-choice questions is common but is associated with significant cueing and may promote “rote learning”. Essay-type questions and Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs) are resource-intensive in terms of delivery and marking and do not allow adequate sampling of the curriculum. To address these limitations, we used a novel online tool to administer Very Short Answer questions (VSAQs) and evaluated the utility of the VSAQs in an undergraduate summative pathology assessment.

A group of 285 medical students took the summative assessment, comprising 50 VSAQs, 50 single best answer questions (SBAQs), and 75 extended matching questions (EMQs). The VSAQs were machine-marked against pre-approved responses and subsequently reviewed by a panel of pathologists, with the software remembering all new marking judgements.

The total time taken to mark all 50 VSAQs for all 285 students was 5 hours, compared to 70 hours required to manually mark an equivalent number of questions in a paper-based pathology exam. The median percentage score for the VSAQs test (72%) was significantly lower than that of the SBAQs (80%) and EMQs (84%), p <0.0001. VSAQs had a higher Cronbach alpha (0.86) than SBAQs (0.76), and EMQs (0.77). VSAQs, SBAQs and EMQs had a mean point-biserial of 0.35, 0.30 and 0.28, respectively.

VSAQs are an acceptable, reliable and discriminatory method for assessing pathology, and may enhance students’ understanding of how pathology supports clinical decision-making and clinical care by changing learning behaviour.

Introduction

Described as the “science underpinning medicine”, 1 pathology is fundamental for all doctors, helping to guide clinical reasoning, the appropriate use and interpretation of laboratory tests, accurate diagnoses and planning patient care. 2 Information from pathology laboratories is needed for 70% of the diagnoses in hospital inpatients in the United Kingdom (UK). 1 Consequently, pathology teaching should be an integral part of undergraduate medical education. The survey of UK medical schools 3 suggests there is great variation in pathology teaching. Some authors have raised concerns about a decrease in pathology teaching in modern medical curricula and its impact on junior doctors’ understanding of what is wrong with their patients and their ability to interpret investigation results. 2

Assessments are known to drive learning. 4 , 5 Currently, most undergraduate assessments use multiple-choice questions, such as Single Best Answer questions (SBAQs) or Extended Matching Questions (EMQs), 3 whereby candidates are presented with a list of possible answers from which they select the most appropriate response. Well-constructed multiple-choice questions such as SBAQs and EMQs can assess deep learning; however, they have been criticised as these formats test recognition rather than recall 6 and are subject to cueing. 7 Furthermore, students will prepare differently for different examination formats. 8 – 10 Multiple-choice questions have been shown to elicit test-taking behaviours such as “rote learning”, that may be inauthentic to real-world clinical reasoning; 11 patients do not present with a list of five possible diagnoses for the doctor to choose from. If assessments required students to recall knowledge, rather than select responses, this may alter learning behaviour by driving students to seek deeper understanding of the subject. Requiring candidates to generate responses has also been demonstrated to improve long-term retention after studying. 12 – 15 Essay-type questions and Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs) can test the ability to recall and apply knowledge, and are used by some UK medical schools to assess pathology; 3 however, these are very resource-intensive in terms of delivery and marking, and can only cover limited sections of the curriculum.

An alternative assessment method is Very Short Answer questions (VSAQs), consisting of a clinical vignette followed by a question (usually about diagnosis or management), which requires candidates to generate a short response, typically one to four words long. 7 We have previously shown VSAQs, administered using a novel online assessment management software, to be a highly reliable and discriminatory assessment method in formative examinations; however, these findings need to be confirmed in summative assessments, as the level of motivation of students will be different in high-stakes summative settings.

We used an online tool to run a pathology summative assessment at Imperial College London. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether VSAQs used in a summative pathology assessment were an acceptable, reliable and discriminatory assessment tool.

Participants And Assessment

The Medical Education Ethics Committee at Imperial College London deemed this study to be an assessment evaluation, which did not require formal ethical approval. The pathology course at Imperial College School of Medicine currently starts at the beginning of Year 5 (the penultimate year), with a block of teaching, followed by some integrated pathology during Year 5. All medical students in Year 5 (n=338 in 2017 and n=285 in 2018) undertook a summative pathology assessment, as well as a written paper and a clinical skills assessment focusing on the specialties taught in Year 5. We introduced 25 VSAQs in the Pathology exam in 2017, which were delivered on paper and marked by hand. We subsequently included 50 VSAQs in the Pathology exam in 2018, which were administered on an iPad using an online exam management software (Practique; Fry-IT Ltd, London, UK) along with the Safe Exam Browser software, to ensure that only the exam was visible, and all other websites and applications were disabled.

Questions were written by experienced clinicians familiar with the pathology curriculum. All items were reviewed by external examiners and the standard setting panel. The Ebel method was used to determine the pass mark. The assessment consisted of 175 questions: 50 VSAQs, 50 SBAQs and 75 EMQs. There were 10 VSAQs, 10 SBAQs and 15 EMQs on each topic: haematology, immunology, histopathology, chemical pathology and microbiology. The questions covered the pathology curriculum at Imperial College School of Medicine and were mapped to the Royal College of Pathologists undergraduate medicine curriculum ( Table 1 ). 1 All students answered all questions. The length of the assessment was 180 mins.

The Pathology Summative Assessment Blueprint Questions Mapped To The Royal College Of Pathologists Undergraduate Curriculum. Each Question Covered One To Three Areas

Note: Data from The Royal College of Pathologists. 1

At the end of the online assessment, answers to the VSAQs were machine-marked using a semi-automated algorithm designed to reduce marking time. This compares the student’s answer against a pre-defined list of correct answers and uses a measure called the Levenshtein distance to measure how closely a student’s given answer matches the pre-approved correct answers. All answers that were identical to the list of approved answers were automatically marked as correct. Students’ answers that were within a Levenshtein distance of 3.0, meaning they were within three character errors (insertions, deletions or substitutions) of a preapproved answer, were identified by the algorithm as an approximate match. For example, if a student had answered “thyroditis,” a mis-spelling of the correct answer “thyroiditis”, this would be identified as an approximate match by the algorithm as it would have a Levenshtein distance of 1.0, since only one character insertion is required to make it an exact match. All answers with a Levenshtein distance of greater than 3.0 were marked as a non-match by the algorithm. All approximate matches and non-matches were then reviewed by a panel of pathologists (see Figure 1 ). The panel consisted of four pathologists reviewing all student responses online and agreeing on acceptable answers.

Example of computer-marking of a Very Short Answer question (VSAQ). The answers shown in green match those on the list of possible answers and are automatically assigned a mark (1.00). The amber answer has been marked as correct based on its similarity to the acceptable answer. Answers marked by computer as incorrect are shown in red. During the examiner verification process, this can be over-ridden with all identical answers automatically receiving a mark (e.g., “acute lymphocytic leukaemia” in this case).

Identical responses were grouped in blocks by the application, and responses marked as correct by the examiners were applied to all identical answers. 7 Any answers marked as correct by the examiners were automatically added to the set of acceptable responses for that question and the software will recall these responses if the same question is used again in future.

In order to evaluate the acceptability of the VSAQs in terms of faculty time required for marking, we compared the time taken for manual marking of the Pathology paper in 2017 versus the time taken for examiner reviews after online making in 2018 (time was rounded to the nearest hour). Answers to EMQs and SBAQs were entirely machine-marked.

Statistical analyses were performed using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows Version 24.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA) and PRISM Version 5.0C (Graphpad Software, Inc., San Diego, CA, USA). Mean is given for normally distributed data, and median for non-normally distributed data. The Kruskal–Wallis test with Dunn’s multiple comparisons test was used for non-normally distributed data to assess the difference between the groups. Cronbach’s alpha was calculated as a measure of reliability. Cronbach’s alpha for EMQs was adjusted for a 50-question test using the Spearman-Brown prediction formula. Item-total score point-biserial was calculated as a measure of discrimination.

Acceptability

Double marking of 25 VSAQs for 338 students in 2017 took 42 hours. The total time spent by examiners to review the machine-marked answers to all 50 VSAQs for 285 students in 2018 was 5 hours.

In the 2018 exam, the median for the VSAQs was 72% (interquartile range 62%–82%), SBAQs 80% (interquartile range 72%–86%) and EMQs 84% (interquartile range 76%–88%). The median percentage score for the VSAQs test was significantly lower than both SBAQs and EMQs (p<0.0001).

Reliability And Discrimination

Cronbach’s alpha for the VSAQs test was 0.86, compared to 0.76 for the SBAQs test and 0.77 for the EMQs test. The mean item-total score point-biserial for the VSAQs was 0.35, compared to 0.30 for the SBAQs and 0.28 for EMQs.

An alternative assessment method may be useful in driving pathology learning in medical students. VSAQs are a method for assessing ability to recall and apply knowledge as well as enabling broad sampling of the pathology curriculum across a wide variety of topics. We have used VSAQs with an online assessment tool for the first time in a summative pathology assessment. Results show that VSAQs can be an acceptable, reliable and discriminatory method for assessment of pathology.

Students scored significantly lower on the VSAQs test, consistent with our previous findings suggesting that students find this assessment format more difficult. 7 Unlike SBAQs and EMQs, the VSAQs format requires students to generate, rather than recognise, responses and to demonstrate deeper understanding of pathology. Students have previously agreed that VSAQs were more representative of clinical practice and that using VSAQs in summative examinations will likely influence learning behaviour and improve preparation for clinical practice. 7

Use of open-ended questions has previously been limited by the resource-intensive nature of administration and marking by examiners. Furthermore, paper-based delivery of open-ended questions for large cohorts of students is limited by the need for decollation of the mark sheets, marking by hand, the entering marks into spreadsheets, and the introduction of the risk of human error. We have shown how to overcome these limitations using a novel online assessment tool and machine-marking. We were able to mark all 50 VSAQs for 285 students on the same day as the exam.

As identical responses were grouped in blocks by the application, responses marked as correct by the examiners were applied to all identical responses. This facilitated the review process, reduced marking time and ensured consistency. Furthermore, the online assessment software remembers new marking judgments and saves these to the existing set of acceptable responses for that question. This ensures that marking time improves with future use of each question. 7

This study is limited by the sample size and inclusion of students from a single centre only. As more undergraduate programs include VSAQs in their assessments, the utility of this assessment instrument for larger cohorts could be evaluated. Another limitation is that student feedback was not collected for this study; however, we have previously reported positive student feedback for VSAQs in a formative exam. 7

In summary, the use of VSAQs in summative pathology assessments is reliable, discriminatory and acceptable, and the assessment method will likely encourage deeper learning of pathology by undergraduate students. Future studies need to explore the impact of VSAQs on deep learning. Choice of assessments can complement teaching strategies, including better signposting to students and making pathology more visibly clinically relevant, enhancing students’ engagement with the specialty. Greater engagement with the specialty would enhance students’ understanding of the role of pathology in supporting clinical decision-making and clinical care.

The authors report no conflicts of interest in this work.

• Analytical science
• Microscopy and imaging
• Biochemistry and molecular biology
• Genetics and epigenetics
• Liquid biopsy
• Companion diagnostics

• An Established Relationship
• Earlier, More Effective Detection
• Proteomes and Predictions
• Telepathology for Everybody: Part 1
• Bacteriophage Boost for TB Management
• Endocrinology
• Microbiology and immunology
• Pathologists’ assistants

• Measles Rears Its Ugly Head
• Resistance is Futile
• Case of the Month
• I’m Methylation Man
• Don’t Eat the Oysters!
• Software and hardware
• Bioinformatics
• Quality assurance and quality control
• Regulation and standards
• Technology and innovation
• Laboratory management
• Precision medicine
• Digital and computational pathology

• Learning the Language
• Women in Pathology
• Telepathology for Everybody: Part 2
• Digital Directions
• Business Case Beginnings
• Digital Pathology Adoption Trends: Europe and Asia
• Clinical care
• Point of care testing
• Screening and monitoring
• Guidelines and recommendations
• Training and education

• Journeys in Pathology: A Five-Year Train Adventure
• The Africa Connection
• Pathology Pet Corner: Neo the Cat
• The Diversity Drive
• Son of Babraham
• Career Stories with Lindsey B.C. Estetter

Life Balance

“I Learned It from TikTok”

Ring the Changes

• Milk Monitor
• I Test the Pains Down in Africa
• December 2023
• October 2023
• August 2023

• Robust Microbiology Lab Automation within a flexible and compact footprint
• Tissue-Tek Genie, the revolutionary technology that's transforming lab staining
• NationWide Laboratories – your trusted service provider
• Unlock KRAS G12C for lung cancer treatment decisions
• Empowering treatment decisions in NSCLC

• Advantages of Using the SLIDEVIEW™ VS200 Slide Scanner to Adjust Specimen Contrast
• Applying the 2023 ASCO-CAP guideline updates for HER2 testing in breast cancer
• The Development of Plasma Amyloid-β Assay and its Significance in Alzheimer’s Disease
• Tumor Genomic Profiling with SureSelect Cancer Tumor-Specific Assays
• Evaluation of cell-free fetal DNA to determine fetal RhD status

The nominations for this year's The Pathologist Power List will be opening on Friday March 22, 2024.

• relevant and personalised updates about your field
• access to Application Notes/product profiles
• digital magazine subscription

Assessing Pathology Knowledge

How to ensure that you test your students’ knowledge – not their skill at passing tests

Fred Bosman | 11/11/2022 | 2 min read | Learning

When I was still young and full of illusions, I assumed that medical students would be as passionate about pathology as I was and would not need much in terms of incentives to learn the basic characteristics and morphological features of important diseases. It did not take me long to realize that most students are driven by the need to pass exams!

Most exams are presented to medical students in the multiple-choice question (MCQ) format. Students know this and therefore they rapidly develop the skill of efficiently solving MCQs. After some time, they can find the right answer even with minimal real knowledge of the subject at hand, simply by honing their ability to recognize the most likely answer among five possibilities. This raises a question – do MCQ exams test real medical knowledge or just students’ capacity to pass a test by choosing the most likely answers?

There are various approaches to solving this conundrum. The good old oral examination may be considered, but it is time-consuming with large student bodies and almost impossible to standardize. Open-ended or essay questions are subject to the same difficulties. This brings us back to questions with a built-in (set of) answers from which students must choose.

The challenge with MCQs is to make distractors whose likelihood of being correct is (to an uninformed student) more or less equal. Many MCQs tend to be of the simple “recall” type so, instead of understanding the issue at stake, students might recognize a verbal configuration that fits with the core of the question. So what can we do instead?

Two similar test formats may work as MCQ alternatives. The first is the “uncued” question (UCQ). Instead of individual questions with a limited set of answer options, UCQ tests provide a list of questions and a long list of potential answers that tends to look like the index of a pathology textbook. During a timed test, students cannot realistically go through the list to find the right answer; instead, they must conceive of the answer, then find it in the list. The main issue with UCQs lies in the length of the answer list; if it becomes too long, students may not find the correct answer in time – or multiple answers might be considered correct.

The model I have used successfully is an MCQ-UCQ hybrid known as “extended matching.” The questions are similar to MCQs but, instead of five answers, students receive a set of 10 to 20 possible answers in alphabetical order from which they must choose the most correct one. Intrigued? Why not try your hand at a few examples?

Try the “extended matching” quiz here!

This article first appeared in Issue #45 of The Pathologist Educator .

When you click “Subscribe” we will email you a link, which you must click to verify the email address above and activate your subscription. If you do not receive this email, please contact us at [email protected] . If you wish to unsubscribe, you can update your preferences at any point.

Fred Bosman is Professor Emeritus at the University Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center of Lausanne, Switzerland.

More articles by Fred Bosman

10/02/2019 | Contributed by Agilent

02/20/2019 | Contributed by Thermo Fisher Scientific

09/15/2022 | Sponsored by Illumina

11/25/2019 | Sponsored by Royal College of Pathologists

03/20/2024 | Ann M. Gronowski | 3 min read

02/06/2024 | Sponsored by Agilent

03/07/2024 | Madhuri Hegde | 4 min read

03/21/2024 | Mark Kellogg | 11 min read

03/18/2024 | Helen Bristow | 10 min read

Register to access our FREE online portfolio, request the magazine in print and manage your preferences.

• Unlimited access to ALL articles
• News, interviews & opinions from leading industry experts
• Receive print (and PDF) copies of The Pathologist magazine

Free USMLE® Step 1 Pathology Questions

Preview 20 Free USMLE Step 1 Pathology Practice Questions

The most effective way to succeed in your pathology course is to combine different learning modalities: first, deep-dive into the topics with video lessons and lecturio’s concept pages . next, apply what you’ve learned in practical situations by answering clinical case questions in the qbank to best prepare for your exam..

A 70-year-old Caucasian woman presents with a 2-week history of blood-tinged sputum. Her past medical history is significant for peptic ulcer disease for which she underwent triple-drug therapy. She is a lifetime non-smoker and worked as a teacher before retiring at the age of 60 years. A review of systems is significant for a weight loss of 6.8 kg (15 lb) over the last 5 months. Her vitals include: blood pressure 135/85 mm Hg, temperature 37.7°C (99.9°F), pulse 95/min, and respiratory rate 18/min. Physical examination is unremarkable. A contrast CT scan of the chest shows an irregular mass in the peripheral region of the inferior lobe of the right lung. A CT-guided biopsy is performed and reveals malignant tissue architecture and gland formation with a significant amount of mucus. Which of the following is the most significant risk factor for this patient’s most likely diagnosis?

A. Medications

B. Occupational history

C. Past medical history

D. Race

A 47-year-old woman presents to her physician for difficulty swallowing. She states that she intentionally delayed seeing a physician for this issue. She says her primary issue with swallowing is that her mouth always feels dry so she has difficulty chewing food to the point that it can be swallowed. On physical examination, her oral mucosa appears dry. Both of her eyes also appear dry. Several enlarged lymph nodes are palpated. Which of the following patterns of reactive lymphadenitis is most commonly associated with this patient’s presentation?

A. Sinus hyperplasia

B. Follicular hyperplasia

C. Paracortical hyperplasia

D. Diffuse hyperplasia

E. Mixed B and T cell hyperplasia

A 35-year-old man is brought to the emergency room after he was found to have a blood pressure of 180/100 mm Hg during a routine health check-up with his family physician. Past medical history is insignificant and both of his parents are healthy. He currently does not take any medication. The patient’s blood pressure normalizes before the emergency department physician can evaluate him. During the physical examination, his blood pressure is 148/80 mm Hg, the heart rate is 65/min, the temperature is 36.8°C (98.2°F), and the respirations are 14/min. He has a round face, centripetal obesity, and striae on the skin with atrophy over the abdomen and thighs. On visual field examination, he is found to have a loss of vision in the lateral visual fields bilaterally. You order a low dose dexamethasone suppression test, which is positive. A high-dose dexamethasone suppression test is also conducted to measure ACTH. If the findings suggest a possible pituitary gland disorder, which of the following laboratory abnormalities is most likely in this patient?

A. Before test: ACTH high, after test: aldosterone suppression

B. Before test: ACTH low, after test: cortisol elevation

C. Before test: ACTH high, after test: cortisol suppression

D. Before test: ACTH low, after test: aldosterone normalizes

E. Before test: ACTH high, after test: cortisol elevation

A 28-year-old woman presents to the clinic with complaints of occasional low-grade fever and joint pain for 1 month. She also complains of morning stiffness in the proximal interphalangeal joints of both hands, which lasts for 5 to 10 minutes. She recently noticed a pink rash on her nose and cheekbones. Her family history is significant for similar complaints in her mother. She is not taking any medications. On examination, her temperature is 37.6°C (99.6°F), pulse is 74/min, blood pressure is 110/70 mm Hg, and respirations are 18/min. Aphthous ulcers are noted on her oral mucosa. Which of the following tests would be most specific for confirming the diagnosis in this patient?

A. Anti-double stranded DNA (dsDNA) antibodies

B. Anti-histone antibodies

C. Anti-topoisomerase (anti-Scl 70) antibodies

D. Anti-Ro antibodies

E. Antinuclear antibodies (ANA)

A 67-year-old woman presents to the clinic complaining of progressive fatigue over the past 4 months. She noticed that she is feeling increasingly short of breath after walking the same distance from the bus stop to her home. She denies chest pain, syncope, lower extremity edema, or a cough. She denies difficulty breathing while sitting comfortably, but she has increased dyspnea upon walking or other mildly strenuous activity. Her past medical history includes mild osteoporosis and occasional gastric reflux disease. She takes oral omeprazole as needed and a daily baby aspirin. The patient is a retired accountant and denies smoking history, but she does admit to 1 small glass of red wine daily for the past 5 years. Her diet consists of a Mediterranean diet that includes fruits, vegetables, and fish. She states that she has been very healthy previously, and managed her own health without a physician for the past 20 years. On physical examination, she has a blood pressure of 128/72 mm Hg, a pulse of 87/min, and an oxygen saturation of 94% on room air. HEENT examination demonstrates mild conjunctival pallor. Lung and abdominal examinations are within normal limits. Heart examination reveals a 2/6 systolic murmur at the right upper sternal border. The following laboratory values are obtained:

What is the most likely reticulocyte range for this patient?

A. < 1%

C. > 1.5%

D. > 5%

E. > 7%

A 5-year-old boy is brought to the office by his mother with complaints of facial puffiness and ‘frothy’ urine for 4 days. The puffiness first started in his eyes and then spread to the face. His mother does not provide any history of similar symptoms in the past. Past medical history is non-significant. His birth history is uneventful and all his vaccinations are up to date. The vital signs include: blood pressure 100/62 mm Hg, pulse 110/min, temperature 36.7°C (98.0°F), and respiratory rate 16/min. On examination, there is pitting edema of the upper and lower extremities bilaterally. Urinalysis results are as follows:

A renal biopsy is sent which shows normal glomeruli on light microscopy. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?

A. Membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis

B. Post-infectious glomerulonephritis

C. Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis

D. Lipoid nephrosis

E. Membranous nephropathy

A 71-year-old woman with a past medical history of type 2 diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, and hypertension was admitted to the hospital 8 hours ago with substernal chest pain for management of acute non-ST-elevated myocardial infarction. ECG findings noted ST depressions and T wave inversions on anterolateral leads, accompanied by elevated cardiac enzymes.

Upon diagnosis, management with inhaled oxygen therapy, beta-blockers and aspirin, and low-molecular-weight heparin therapy were initiated, and the patient was placed on bed rest with continuous electrocardiographic monitoring. Since admission, she required 2 doses of sublingual nitric oxide for recurrent angina, and repeat troponin levels continued to rise. Given the patient’s risk factors, plans were made for early coronary angiography.

The telemetry nurse calls the on-call physician because she is concerned about the patient’s mild confusion and increasing need for supplemental oxygen. At bedside evaluation, vital signs include: heart rate is 122/min, blood pressure is 89/40 mm Hg, and pulse oximetry is 91% on 6L of oxygen by nasal cannula. Telemetry and a repeat ECG show sinus tachycardia.

The patient is breathing rapidly, appears confused, and complains of shortness of breath. On physical examination, the skin is cool and clammy. and appears pale and dull. She has diffuse bilateral pulmonary crackles, and an S3 gallop is noted on chest auscultation with no new murmurs. She has jugular venous distention to the jawline, rapid and faint radial pulses, and 1+ dependent edema. She is immediately transferred to the intensive care unit for respiratory support and precautions for airway security. Bedside sonography shows abnormal hypodynamic anterior wall movement and an ejection fraction of 20%, but no evidence of mitral regurgitation or ventricular shunt. Chest X-ray demonstrates cephalization of pulmonary veins and pulmonary edema. What is the most appropriate next step in the stabilization of this patient?

A. Insert two large-bore intravenous catheters and start rapid fluid resuscitation

B. Initiate dopamine therapy and diuresis

C. Start intravenous fluids and epinephrine therapy

D. Obtain blood cultures and start preliminary broad-spectrum antibiotics

E. Intubate the patient and perform an emergency cardiocentesis

A 49-year-old healthy woman presents to the outpatient department with swelling of the neck. Family history is negative for any thyroid disorders. Physical examination shows a nontender thyroid gland with a nodule on the right side. The thyroid gland is mobile on deglutition. Cervical lymphadenopathy is present. Fine-needle aspiration and cytology results show empty-appearing nuclei with central clearing, nuclear grooves, and branching structures interspersed with calcific bodies. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis in this patient?

A. Follicular carcinoma

B. Papillary carcinoma

C. Medullary carcinoma

D. Anaplastic carcinoma

E. Follicular adenoma

A 3-day-old infant presents because the patient’s parents noticed that his skin was becoming yellow. The mother said that the patient eats well and has normal stools and urine color. He is her 1st child from a healthy pregnancy. The patient was born on time and delivered via spontaneous vaginal delivery with no complications. Family history is significant for a maternal aunt who died as an infant of unknown causes. The patient is afebrile and the vital signs are within normal limits. On physical examination, he is awake, calm, and appears healthy, except for the yellow tone of the skin and scleral icterus. Laboratory findings are significant for elevated unconjugated bilirubin, with a normal complete blood count. Other routine laboratory blood tests are within normal limits. The patient is treated with phototherapy, but his jaundice worsens and his unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia persists well into the 2nd week of life. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis in this patient?

A. Crigler-Najjar syndrome type 2

B. Crigler-Najjar syndrome type 1

C. Hemolytic anemia

D. Gilbert syndrome

E. Neonatal jaundice

A 38-year-old man presents with pruritus and jaundice. Past medical history is significant for ulcerative colitis diagnosed 2 years ago and well-managed medically. He is vaccinated against hepatitis A and B and denies any recent travel abroad. The vital signs include blood pressure 118/76 mm Hg, heart rate 74/min, and respiratory rate 14/min. On physical examination, prominent hepatosplenomegaly is noted along with moderate right upper quadrant tenderness to palpation. Which of the following would confirm the most likely diagnosis in this patient?

A. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)

B. Contrast CT of the abdomen

C. Ultrasound of the abdomen

D. Percutaneous liver biopsy

E. Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP)

A 30-year-old man with a BMI of 33.7 kg/m 2  presents with severe pain in his right toe that began this morning. He had a few beers last night at a friend’s party but otherwise has had no recent dietary changes. On examination, the right toe appears swollen, warm, red, and tender to touch. Joint aspiration is performed. What will examination of the fluid most likely reveal?

A. Increased glucose

B. Needle-shaped, negatively birefringent crystals on polarized light

C. Rhomboid-shaped, positively birefringent crystals on polarized light

D. Gram-negative diplococci

E. Anti-CCP antibodies

A 49-year-old woman presents to her physician with complaints of breast swelling and redness of the skin over her right breast for the past 1 month. She also mentions that the skin above her right breast appears to have thickened. She denies any pain or nipple discharge. The past medical history is significant for a total abdominal hysterectomy at 45 years of age. Results of her last mammogram 1 year ago were negative for any pathologic changes. On examination, the right breast is diffusely erythematous with gross edema and tenderness and appears larger than the left breast. The right nipple is retracted, and the right breast is warmer than the left breast. No localized mass is palpated. Which of the following statements best describes the patient’s most likely condition?

A. It is a benign lesion.

B. The inflammation is due to obstruction of dermal lymphatic vessels.

C. The lesion expresses receptors for estrogen and progesterone.

D. The lesion is due to streptococcal infection.

E. It shows predominant lymphatic spread.

A 22-year-old professional softball player is undergoing an annual check-up. Her medical history is significant for hallux valgus and scoliosis. She additionally notes that she frequently has bumps and bruises from playing softball, but she has no injuries today. Her family history is significant for heart disease. The patient’s blood pressure is 110/70 mm Hg, heart rate is 78/min, and respiratory rate is 15/min. A physical examination is unremarkable except for an indurated palpable mass on her left breast. A biopsy of the mass is performed. Which biopsy findings are most likely to be present in this patient?

A. Chronic inflammation with plasma cells

B. Necrotic fat with calcifications and giant cells

C. Leaf-like projections

D. Duct-like structures

E. Abundant extracellular mucin

A 40-year-old pregnant woman presents to the clinic in her 12th week of gestation. She does not have any complaints during this visit but comes to discuss her laboratory reports from her last visit. Her blood test results are within normal limits, but the abdominal ultrasound reports nuchal thickening with a septated cystic hygroma. Chorionic villus sampling is performed for a suspected chromosomal anomaly. Which of the following features can be expected to be present at the time of the birth of this fetus?

A. Congenital lymphedema of the hands and feet

B. Anal atresia

C. Port-wine stain on the forehead

D. Microphthalmia

E. Pectus carinatum

A 7-year-old boy comes to the clinic with his mother due to sudden puffiness of the eyes. The mother also is concerned about his abdominal distention, which she first noticed 5 days ago. The patient has no history of a recent infection in the upper respiratory tract, decreased urination, or gross hematuria. His vaccinations are up to date. His vitals include heart rate 86 beats per minute, respiratory rate 16 breaths per minute, temperature 37.6°C (99.7°F), and blood pressure 100/70 mm Hg. Physical examination reveals periorbital edema and abdominal distention with a fluid thrill. Laboratory findings include the following:

Ultrasonogram of the abdomen reveals kidneys with normal morphology and gross ascites. Which of the following statements best describes the complications this boy may develop?

A. Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis caused by  Haemophilus influenzae

B. Urinary loss of calcium leading to hypocalcemia

C. Thromboembolism, requiring prophylactic anticoagulation

D. Acute renal failure due to intrinsic renal failure

E. Microcytic hypochromic anemia responding poorly to oral iron therapy

A 32-year-old woman presents to her primary care provider complaining of a psoriatic flare that has worsened over the past 2 days. The patient states that her psoriasis is normally well controlled. She also complains of some fatigue and states that she has recently developed pain and tenderness in the joints of her hands, with the right hand being more tender than the left. Her hands are stiff in the morning, and sometimes her fingers swell up. She attributes these changes to her new job, where she constantly uses her hands to manufacture cabinets. Physical examination reveals plaques with silvery scale on her elbows and knees. The distal joints of her right hand are mildly swollen, and the nails on both hands appear pitted. What is the most likely pathogenesis of her joint pain?

A. Local invasive infection of the joint space

B. Repetitive injury

C. Autoantibodies to the Fc portion of IgG

D. Deposition of crystals in the joint space

E. Release of TNF and activation of the RANKL pathway

A 45-year-old woman presents to the office with a chief complaint of a cough that has persisted for a month and a half. She also has night fevers and has lost 5 kg (11 lb) in the last 2 months. She recently returned from a 6-month trip to Peru. Her vitals include: heart rate 82/min, respiratory rate 17/min, temperature 38.0°C (100.4°F), and blood pressure 107/80 mm Hg. On auscultation, she has diminished respiratory sounds at the base of the right lung. Chest radiography shows an opacity in the right apex. What is the most likely cause of her presentation?

A. Echinococcosis

B. Tuberculosis

C. Pulmonary thromboembolism

D. Heart failure

E. Lung cancer

A 73-year-old woman arrives at the emergency department due to an intense central chest pain for 30 minutes this morning. She says the pain was cramping in nature and radiated down her left arm. She has a history of atrial fibrillation and type 2 diabetes mellitus. The vital signs include: pulse 98/min, respiratory rate 19/min, temperature 36.8°C (98.2°F), and blood pressure 160/91 mm Hg. Cardiovascular examination shows no abnormalities. Electrocardiogram (ECG) is shown below. Which of the following biochemical measures is most specific and would remain elevated for a week after this acute event?

A. Alanine aminotransferase

B. Aspartate transaminase

C. Creatinine-kinase MB

D. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)

E. Troponin I

A 48-year-old woman presents with a sudden-onset severe headache that she describes as the worst in her life, followed by binocular horizontal diplopia and ptosis. Her past medical history is significant for hypertension. On admission, her vital signs include: blood pressure 130/70 mm Hg, heart rate 78/min, respiratory rate 18/min, and temperature 36.5°C (97.7°F). On neurological examination, the left eye deviates inferolaterally. There is also ptosis, mydriasis, and an absent pupillary light response on the left. A non-contrast CT of the head is performed and is shown below. Which of the following structures is most likely to be abnormal in this patient?

A. Cavernous segment of the internal carotid artery

B. Anterior communicating artery (ACom)

C. Posterior communicating artery (PCom)

D. Middle cerebral artery (MCA)

E. Pericallosal artery

A 40-year-old woman presents to her family physician with a 3-week history of swollen neck. The small, round, and painless swelling, which was detected 3 weeks ago in the middle of her neck, has now increased in size. The swelling is associated with sweaty palms and soles, insomnia, irritability, nervousness, and fatigue; however, the patient does not complain of fever, cervical lymphadenopathy, weight loss, vision problems, or body swelling. The patient’s medical history is negative for similar symptoms or a thyroid disorder. The vital signs are within normal limits. Local examination reveals a 3 x 3 cm round, non-tender, non-fluctuant, and non-pulsatile swelling in the anterior triangle of her neck. The patient carries a total white blood cell count of 10,200/mm3, including 70% neutrophils, 30% lymphocytes, and zero eosinophils.The erythrocyte sedimentation rate is 20 mm/hr (normal, 0–29 mm/hr). What is the most likely diagnosis?

A. Graves’ disease

B. De Quervain’s thyroiditis

C. Silent thyroiditis

D. Hashimoto’s thyroiditis

E. Riedel’s thyroiditis

Do you want to practice more Pathology questions?

Create a free Lecturio account and you’ll have access to the Lecturio question bank with more than 2,200 USMLE Step 1 practice questions.

Share this page:

Don't cram—study smarter with Lecturio's all-in-one Qbank !

Integrated high-yield video lectures & up-to-date first aid® references for all nbme®-style questions, take & review your qbank test.

Read in-depth explanations and view high-quality illustrations for correct and incorrect answers.

Check the First Aid® references

Use the specific First Aid® page references of each question to review high-yield facts.

Adaptive review with video lessons

Effectively review the questions’ concepts with integrated video lectures held by USMLE® experts.

Track your performance

Monitor your exam readiness with a learning platform that continuously analyzes your Qbank performance.

Free USMLE Step 1 Questions by Subjects

Free usmle step 2 ck questions by subjects.

• Data Privacy
• Terms and Conditions
• Legal Information

USMLE™ is a joint program of the Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB®) and National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME®). MCAT is a registered trademark of the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC). NCLEX®, NCLEX-RN®, and NCLEX-PN® are registered trademarks of the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, Inc (NCSBN®). None of the trademark holders are endorsed by nor affiliated with Lecturio.

Save Now >>

User Reviews

Get premium to test your knowledge.

Lecturio Premium gives you full access to all content & features

Get Premium to watch all videos

Verify your email now to get a free trial.

Create a free account to test your knowledge

Lecturio Premium gives you full access to all contents and features—including Lecturio’s Qbank with up-to-date board-style questions.

We have a new app!

Take the Access library with you wherever you go—easy access to books, videos, images, podcasts, personalized features, and more.

Download the Access App here: iOS and Android . Learn more here!

• Remote Access
• Save figures into PowerPoint
• Download tables as PDFs

Chapter 1. Cellular Pathology

• Download Chapter PDF

Disclaimer: These citations have been automatically generated based on the information we have and it may not be 100% accurate. Please consult the latest official manual style if you have any questions regarding the format accuracy.

Download citation file:

• Search Book

Jump to a Section

• Cellular Adaptation
• Cell Injury
• Cellular Accumulations
• Cellular Aging
• Full Chapter
• Supplementary Content

Pathology, in the broadest terms, is the study of disease. Disease occurs for many reasons. Some diseases represent spontaneous alterations in the ability of a cell to proliferate and function normally, and in other cases, disease results when external stimuli produce changes in the cell's environment that make it impossible for the cell to maintain homeostasis. In such situations, cells must adapt to the new environment. These adaptations include hyperplasia, hypertrophy, atrophy, and metaplasia, and can be physiologic or pathologic, depending upon whether the stimulus is normal or abnormal. A cell can adapt to a certain point, but if the stimulus continues beyond that point, failure of the cell, and hence the organ, can result. If cells cannot adapt to the pathologic stimulus, they can die. This chapter will discuss cellular adaptation, cell injury, cellular accumulations, and cellular aging.

Overview: The four basic types of cellular adaptation to be discussed in this section are hyperplasia, hypertrophy, atrophy, and metaplasia.

Hyperplasia

Basic description: Increase in the number of cells.

Types of hyperplasia

• Physiologic hyperplasia: Occurs due to a normal stressor. For example, increase in the size of the breasts during pregnancy, increase in thickness of endometrium during menstrual cycle, and liver growth after partial resection.
• Pathologic hyperplasia: Occurs due to an abnormal stressor. For example, growth of adrenal glands due to production of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) by a pituitary adenoma, and proliferation of endometrium due to prolonged estrogen stimulus.

Important point regarding hyperplasia: Only cells that can divide will undergo hyperplasia; therefore, hyperplasia of the myocytes in the heart and neurons in the brain does not occur.

Hypertrophy

Basic description: Increase in the size of the cell.

Types of hypertrophy

• Physiologic hypertrophy: Occurs due to a normal stressor. For example, enlargement of skeletal muscle with exercise.
• Pathologic hypertrophy: Occurs due to an abnormal stressor. For example, increase in the size of the heart due to aortic stenosis. Aortic stenosis is due to a change in the aortic valve, which obstructs the orifice, resulting in the left ventricle working harder to pump blood into the aorta.

Morphology of hyperplasia and hypertrophy: Both hyperplasia and hypertrophy result in an increase in organ size; therefore, both cannot always be distinguished grossly, and microscopic examination is required to distinguish the two ( Figure 1-1 ).

Figure 1-1.

Cross-section of the heart of a patient with systemic hypertension. The patient had high blood pressure, which increased the workload of the left ventricle and resulted in concentric hypertrophy of the left ventricular myocardium. In response to the increasing pressure load, the cardiac myocytes increased their content of contractile proteins, resulting in enlargement of individual myocytes.

Sign in or create a free Access profile below to access even more exclusive content.

With an Access profile, you can save and manage favorites from your personal dashboard, complete case quizzes, review Q&A, and take these feature on the go with our Access app.

Pop-up div Successfully Displayed

This div only appears when the trigger link is hovered over. Otherwise it is hidden from view.

Please Wait

Histopathology.guru

All about Pathology ……

INFLAMMATION AND REPAIR UG

  essay questions , a 12 year boy presented with sudden onset of fever and vomiting with abdominal pain. on palpation there is tenderness at mc burney’s point, what is the probable diagnosis, define inflammation enumerate cellular events of inflammation, fate of acute inflammation                            (rguhs feb 2023) , define inflammation. describe the major events of acute inflammation. discuss in detail the mechanism of chemotaxis and phagocytosis (ntruhs dec 2022), compare with the help of suitable diagrams wound healing by primary and secondary intention. discuss the factors promoting & the process (rguhs dec 2012), discuss healing of fracture (rguhs – jun 2010), define inflammation.enumerate cellular events in inflammation and discuss in detail about phagocytosis (rguhs- june 2009), write about the types, mechanism and the factors influencing wound healing. a note on fracture healing   (rguhs- dec 2009), describe in detail the cellular events in acute inflammation (rguhs- jun 2008, dec 2009), define inflammation. discuss in detail about chemical mediators of inflammation (rguhs- jan 2009),                                                             , short questions (4 marks), write a note on angiogenesis (ntruhs, feb 2022), describe the morphology of wound healing (svims oct 2021), role of prostaglandins in acute inflammation (ntruhs feb 2020), role of interleukins in acute inflammation (ntruhs july 2019), discuss the vascular and cellular events of inflammation in brief (pondicherry university june 2019)  , role of vasoactive amines in acute inflammation ( ntruhs feb 2019), write in breif about chemical mediators of inflammation (rguhs dec 2018, rguhs 2013, dec 2013, jun 2011), write briefly on the pathogenesis of chemotaxis (rguhs dec 2018, ntruhs-jan 2013, july 2011,october 2008, jul 2012,rguhs-jun 2010), mechanism of wound healing by second intention and complications of wound  healing (ntruhs feb 2018, july 2013), role of complement in inflammation (ntruhs july 2017), role of prostaglandins in acute inflammation (ntruhs feb 2017), phagocytosis (ntruhs-feb 2009,july 2015, july 2013, july 2012, rguhs- jan 2008,jun 2009,dec 2009, jun 2011), wound healing by first intention (ntruhs july, 2015,rguhs- jan 2009), fibrinous inflammation   (ntruhs jan 2015), mention arachidonic acid metabolites and their role in inflammation (ntruhs jan 2014, jan 2011), role of selectins and integrins involved in the inflammatory response (ntruhs jan 2012), growth factors involved in tissue regeneration and repair (ntruhs january, 2011), chemokines (ntruhs march, 2010), discuss various processes that participate in the formation of a scar (ntruhs march, 2010), healing by second intention (ntruhs may, 2007), triple response    (ntruhs may, 2007), leukocyte transmigration (rguhs, jan 2008), cytokines (rguhs, jan 2008, jun 2009), pathogenesis of vascular events in acute inflammation (rguhs- jan 2008, dec 2012, jun 2009), leukocyte transmigration (rguhs- jan 2008), factors influencing wound healing (rguhs, july 2008, 2013, jul 2012,dec 2010, jun 2013, dec 2013), factors influencing and complications of wound healing (rguhs- jul 2008), exudate and transudate (ntruhs april 09), chemical mediators of acute inflammation (rguhs- dec 2010), granuloma (ntruhs dec 2013,rguhs- jun 2009), steps of wound healing (rguhs july 2012), primary union (rguhs- jun 2011), free radicals and acute inflammation (rguhs-jun 2010), write role of macrophage in inflammation (rguhs – jun 2010), fracture healing (rguhs- dec 2009), very short questions (2 marks), primary wound healing (rguhs feb 2023), lipoxins (ntruhs, march 2021), factors affecting wound healing (ntruhs march 2021, 2018).

• What is acute granulation tissue (Pondicherry university June 2019)

What are the causes of causes of acute granulation tissue (Pondicherry university June 2019)

• Mention 4 inflammatory actions of Arachidonic acid metabolites (NTRUHS Feb 2018)

Give 4 important causes of granulomatous inflammation (NTRUHS Feb 2017)

Fibrinous inflammation (ntruhs jan 2015), name four chemical mediators of inflammation  (ntruhs august, 2010), healing by first intention (ntruhs august, 2009), healing by second intension (ntruhs october, 2008), complications of wound healing (ntruhs sept/oct, 2007), name any four (4) growth factors involved in regeneration and wound healing (ntruhs jan, 2014), granuloma  (ntruhs january, 2013, rguhs- jun 2009, jan 2009 ), types of granulomas with examples (rguhs – jun 2008), list cardinals signs of inflammation (rguhs, july 2008), definition and causes of leukocytosis (rguhs, july 2008), protein derived mediators of acute inflammation ., chemoattractants in acute unflammation. (rguhs- dec 2009),  role of prostaglandins in acute inflammation (rguhs- dec 2009), enlist primary mediators in mast cells (rguhs dec 2013), what are nk cells (rguhs- jul 2012), macrophage (rguhs- jun 2011), 4 functions of macrophage (rguhs- jun 2008), enlist 4 benefitial effects of acute inflammation (rguhs- jun 2010), role of eosinophils in parasitic infections (rguhs- jun 2010), chronic granulomatous disease (rguhs- jun 2010), types of inflammation (rguhs- jun 2009), factors delaying wound healing (rguhs- jan 2009), granulation tissue (rguhs- jun 2008), complications of wound healing (rguhs- jun 2008), mast cell in inflammation (rguhs- jan 2008), enlist primary mediators in mast cell (rguhs dec 2012).

Pathology Review for USMLE

Because Pathology Need Not Be the Root of All Suffering

Questions 7-9: Cell injury and death

A 47-year-old male with a history of hypertension and hyperlipidemia presents to the emergency room with complaints of a pressure sensation in his chest that began 45 minutes ago and radiates into his left and right upper extremity and his jaw. Auscultation of his chest reveals a grade II holosystolic murmur that radiates to the apex. Of the following, which process is responsible for his presenting symptoms?

A. Hypertrophy B. Hyperplasia C. Atrophy D. Necrosis E. Apoptosis

Answer for Question 7

Answer: D (Necrosis). Explanation: Given his symptoms (pressure sensation in his chest with radiation to the upper extremities and jaw) and his past medical history of hypertension and hyperlipidemia, he is most likely having an acute myocardial infarct. During an acute myocardial infarct, ischemia of the cardiac myocytes leads to necrosis. While his heart would have likely been enlarged (i.e., cardiac hypertrophy) given his history of hypertension, it would not be the cause of his chest pain. The heart essentially does not undergo hyperplasia as the cardiac myocytes are not capable of division. Ischemia represents an uncontrolled mechanism for causing cell death, and apoptosis, while some could be present, would not be a prominent response compared to necrosis. Atrophy of the heart would be more common in an elderly individual and would not necessarily lead to chest pain; also, given the history of hypertension, hypertrophy and not atrophy would be present.

A pathologist is examining the ultrastructural detail of a cardiac myocyte and identifies some swelling of the cell, some swelling of the rough endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria, and a few myelin figures. Given that the insult had run its course, of the following, which scenario would produce the identified change?

A. A plaque producing 10% stenosis of the lumen of a coronary artery B. An occlusive thrombus of the coronary artery with successful thrombolysis 15 minutes after its occurrence C. An occlusive thrombus of the coronary artery with no medical treatment D. A gunshot wound of the heart E. Massive cyanide overdose

Answer for Question 8

Answer: B (an occlusive thrombus of the coronary artery with successful thrombolysis 15 minutes after its occurrence) Explanation: the features listed (some swelling of the cell, some swelling of the rough endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria, and a few myelin figures) are all consistent with a reversible injury. In a reversible injury the damage done is either relatively minor or quickly reversed or short term (i.e., the cell can recover). Although an occlusive thrombus of the coronary artery would cause the downstream myocytes to become ischemic, and thus, injured, if it is resolved quickly, blood flow will return and no permanent damage is done. Answers C-E would all cause permanent damage (i.e., cell death), and A. would not cause significant blockage of blood flow, and thus, most likely, no injury at all.

A researcher wishes to acquire tissue to study the mechanism of apoptosis. Their lab is located at a large medical center attached to a busy public hospital with an active Department of Pathology. The researcher approaches one of the pathologists about acquiring tissue for their research. Of the following, which would provide the best source material to study apoptosis?

A. An amputated gangrenous extremity B. Tissue from squamous cell carcinoma of the lung C. Infarcted myocardium D. Endometrial biopsies with menstrual phase endometrium E. Tissue from an acute appendicitis

Answer for Question 9

Answer: D (endometrial biopsies with menstrual phase endometrium) Explanation: necrosis is a disorganized breakdown of dead cells whereas apoptosis is an organized breakdown of dead cells. While apoptosis does occur as a result of pathologic processes (e.g., some viral infections, some accumulations), it usually only occurs when the cellular death is on a cellular level; whereas, when the cellular death is on more of an organ level (e.g., a relatively large segment of an organ), necrosis is the predominant form. Apoptosis also occurs as a result of physiologic processes. During growth of an organism, death of cells must take place at times, but, apoptosis does so without inducing inflammation, which is a damaging process. After endometrium thickens in the proliferative phase, if no implantation occurs, the cells must die, and the best way is via apoptosis. A, B, C, and E are organ-level insults, and would trigger predominantly necrosis.

Share this:

Name Your Topic

Pathology frequently asked questions.

This post contains almost all the topics of  Pathology  along with their most important and  frequently asked questions  from different Indian university examinations.

This post is prepared for the benefit of pathology students who are going to appear in the university examinations.

The Paper 1 and Paper 2 divisions are prepared on the basis of syllabus of B.H.M.S. ( Degree course ) applicable from the academic session 2015-2016, as per the guidelines of Central council of homoeopathy.

All the questions are given under their related chapters.

• FQ: Full Question
• SFQ: Semi Full Question
• SN: Short Note

Number of papers  – 02

Marks : Paper 1-100 marks; Paper 2-100 marks.

• Section A : General Pathology – 50 marks
• Section B : Systemic Pathology – 50 marks
• Section A :

Bacteriology – 25 marks

Fungi and Parasites – 25 marks

• Section B :

Virology – 20 marks

Clinical Microbiology and Diagnostic procedures – 10 marks

Microbiological control and mechanism of pathogenicity – 10 marks

General Topics and Immuno-pathology – 10 marks.

This post contains only the topics of paper 1 (pathology). Topics of paper 2 are given in a separate post  MICROBIOLOGY FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS.

Read the whole Exam pattern of BHMS .

Table of Contents

GENERAL PATHOLOGY

1. cell injury and adaptation.

• FQ: Cell death.
• FQ: Cell injury- etiology, pathogenesis, morphology, and mechanism of cell injury.
• FQ: Define necrosis- describe Coagulation necrosis in detail.
• FQ: Gangrene: etiology, pathogenesis and types.
• FQ: Types of cell injury, describe reversible and irreversible cell injury in detail.
• SFQ: Mechanism of cell injury.
• SN: Apoptosis.
• SN: Atrophy.
• SN: Cloudy swelling/ Hydrophic changes of cell injury.
• SN: Diabetic foot.
• SN: Fatty liver.
• SN: Hypertrophy and Hyperplasia.
• SN: Metaplasia
• SN: Pathological calcification/ Metastatic calcification.

2. INFLAMMATION, HEALING AND REPAIR

• FQ: Define chronic inflammation. Write down granulomatous inflammation in detail.
• FQ: What is Inflammation? Write down the cellular events of acute inflammation.
• SFQ: Wound repair- write down the mechanism of healing and factors influencing it.
• SN: Phagocytosis.
• SN: Healing by primary intension.
• SN: Chemical mediators of inflammation.
• SN: Chronic granulomatous inflammation.
• SN: Ghon complex.

3. AMYLOIDOSIS

• FQ: What is amyloidosis? Write down the staining characteristics of amyloids.
• SN: Amyloid changes in kidney.
• SN: Staining characteristics of amyloid.

4. HAEMODYNAMIC DISEASES

• FQ: What is thrombosis? Write down Virchow’s triad in detail.
• SN: Complications of thrombosis.
• SN: Morphology of thrombi.
• SN: Endothelial injury in thrombosis.
• SN: Factors predisposing thrombosis.
• SN: Fate of thrombosis.
•   SN: Air embolism.
• SN: Decompression sickness.

HAEMORRHAGE

SN: Classification of haemorrhage.

OEDEMA AND ISCHEMIA

• FQ: Oedema-write down difference between cardiac and renal oedema.
• FQ: What is oedema? Describe clinical classification of oedema.
• SN: Define ischemia, it’s effects and etiology in detail.
• SN: Difference: Transudate and Exudate.
• SN: Non-inflammatory causes of oedema.
• SN: Pulmonary oedema.
• SN: Starling’s law.

FQ: Define infarction, what are the factors affecting it, what are the types of infarction?  Write down morphology and pathology of it.

• FQ: Define shock. What are the causes and types of shock? Write down the clinical features of shock.
• SN: Etiopathogenesis of shock.
• SN: Irreversible shock.
• SN: Stages of shock (pathophysiology).

5. NEOPLASM

• FQ: Describe neoplasm in detail. Explain spread of malignant tumour.
• FQ: Describe neoplasm with difference between benign and malignant tumour.
• SN: Grading and staging of neoplasm
• SN: Metastasis- spread, grading and stages.
• SN: Miasmatic evaluation of malignant tumour.
• SN: Tumour markers.
• SN: Various routes of administration of malignant tumour.

6. ENVIRONMENTAL AND NUTRITIONAL DISEASES

• SN: Effects of radiation
• SN: Hypothermia
• SN: Korsakoff’s syndrome
• SN: Mountain sickness and sea sickness
• SN: Obesity
• SN: Osteomalacia
• SN: Protein energy malnutrition
• SN: Rickets
• SN: Starvation
• SN: Vitamin B1 deficiency/ Beriberi
• SN: Vitamin B12 deficiency
• SN: Wernicke’s encephalopathy

7. GENETIC DISORDERS

• FQ: Describe chromosomal abnormalities in detail.
• FQ: Describe genetic disorders in detail.
• FQ: Disorders affecting sex chromosomes.
• SN: Difference between autosomal recessive and autosomal dominant disorders.
• SN: Down’s syndrome
• SN: Klinefelter’s syndrome
• SN: Monogenetic disorders
• SN: Turner’s syndrome

8. HOMOEOPATHY AND PATHOLOGY

• FQ:  Define Miasm, it’s concept and pathological concern with example .
• FQ: Rheumatic heart disease and it’s Miasmatic evaluation
• FQ: What is neoplasia? What are the homoeopathic Miasmatic interpretation of neoplasm?
• SN: Bronchial asthma and its Miasmatic evaluation
• SN: Hypertension and it’s Miasmatic evaluation
• SN:  Importance of pathology in homoeopathy .
• SN:  Miasm and pathology
• SN: Miasmatic evaluation of diabetes mellitus.
• SN: Ulcerative colitis and it’s Miasmatic evaluation.

SYSTEMIC PATHOLOGY

1. haematology.

• FQ: Anaemia- types, classification and laboratory investigations. With megaloblastic anaemia in detail.
• FQ: Bone marrow examination, identification, methods, and significance in detail.
• SN: Blood indices.
• SN: Eosinophilia.
• SN: Iron deficiency anaemia.
• SN: Peripheral blood smear examination.
• SN: Pernicious anaemia.
• SN: Purpura

2. DISORDERS OF PLATELETS AND BLEEDING DISORDERS

• SN: ABO system.
• SN: Blood transfusion reactions.
• SN: BT and CT.
• SN: Classical haemophilia.
• SN: Haemolytic disease of new born/ Erythroblastosis foetalis.

3. DISORDERS OF LYMPHOCYTES AND LYMPHORETICULAR TISSUES

• SN: Acute leukaemia.
• SN: Chronic leukaemia.
• SN: Leukemoid reactions.
• SN: Lymphocytosis.

4. THE BLOOD VESSELS AND LYMPHATICS

• FQ: Define atherosclerosis, describe its morphology, etiology and pathogenesis in detail.
• SN: Aneurysms.
• SN: Hyperlipidaemia.
• SN: Raynaud’s disease and Raynaud’s phenomenon.
• SN: Takayasu’s arteritis.
• SN: Temporal (Giant cell) arteritis.

5. THE HEART

• FQ: Bacterial endocarditis.
• FQ: Myocardial infarction- morphology of transmural myocardial infarction.
• FQ: Rheumatic heart disease.
• SN: Acute pericarditis.
• SN: Angina pectoris.
• SN: Aschoff body.
• SN: Brown atrophy of heart
• SN: Hypertension.
• SN: Mitral stenosis.
• SN: Rheumatic fever.
• SN: Risk ratio of heart disease.
• SN: Serum enzyme in myocardial infarction.

6. RESPIRATORY SYSTEM

• SN: Bronchial asthma.
• SN: Bronchiectasis.
• SN: Brown induration of lung.
• SN: Chronic bronchitis.
• SN: Difference between extrinsic and intrinsic asthma.
• SN: Difference between primary and secondary tuberculosis.
• SN: Lobar pneumonia.
• SN: Primary tuberculosis.

7. GASTROINTESTINAL TRACT

• FQ: Carcinoma of stomach.
• FQ: IBD (Irritable bowel disease) with types of ulcerative colitis.
• FQ: Inflammatory bowel disease in detail.
• FQ: Peptic ulcer.
• FQ: Ulcerative colitis with Miasmatic evaluation.
• FQ: Ulcers-various types with their healing methods.
• SN: Ascites.
• SN: Dental caries.
• SN: Difference between Gastric and Duodenal ulcers.
• SN: Difference between Ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease.
• SN: Enteric fever
• SN: Gastrointestinal polyps.
• FQ: Cirrhosis of liver.
• FQ: Hepatitis B virus.
• FQ: Jaundice with causes in detail.
• SN: Amoebic liver abscess/ Hepatic amoebiasis.
• SN: Bile pigments.
• SN: Hydatid cysts.
• SN: Liver function tests.
• SN: Nutmeg liver.
• SN: Van Den Bergh Reaction.
• SN: Viral hepatitis.

9. EXCRETORY SYSTEM

• FQ: Acute glomerulonephritis.
• FQ: Acute renal failure.
• FQ: Chronic renal failure.
• SN: Diabetes mellitus.
• SN: Glucose tolerance test.
• SN: Proteinuria.
• SN: Renal cell carcinoma
• SN: Renal function tests.
• SN: Renal threshold.
• SN: Wilm’s tumour.

10. ENDOCRINOLOGICAL DISORDERS

• FQ: Pathogenesis of type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus.
• SN: Complications of diabetes mellitus.
• SN: Goitre.

11. MALE AND FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM

• SN: Teratoma of ovary.
• SN: Toxic shock syndrome.
• SN: Infertility.
• SN: Breast inflammation and tumour.
• SN: Gynaecomastia (Hypertrophy of male breast).

12. MUSCULO SKELETAL SYSTEM

• SN: Rheumatoid arthritis.

13. SOFT- TISSUE TUMOURS

• FQ: Tumours of adipose tissue
• SN: Fibromatosis
• SN: Fibrosarcoma
• SN: Synovial sarcoma

14. CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM

• FQ: Ischaemic brain damage
• SN: Alzheimer’s disease
• SN: Cerebral infarction
• SN: Germ cell tumours
• SN: Hydrocephalus
• SN: Meningitis
• SN: Parkinsonism
• SN: Wallerian degeneration

Hope you find this post helpful. Don’t forget to share with your friends.

You can also find useful content of other subjects of second B.H.M.S. by just following the below mentioned links,

• MICROBIOLOGY FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
• FORENSIC MEDICINE AND TOXICOLOGY IMPORTANT QUESTIONS
• 2nd B.H.M.S. ORGANON IMPORTANT EXAM QUESTIONS
• 2nd B.H.M.S. MATERIA MEDICA EXAM QUESTIONS

One Comment

Thanks for content

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

GENUS STAPHYLOCOCCUS

2nd B.H.M.S. ORGANON IMPORTANT EXAM QUESTI[…]

STAY CONNECTED

You may also like to read.

You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser or activate Google Chrome Frame to improve your experience.

• Discover pathology
• Competitions

Essay competitions

The College’s two annual essay prizes offer undergraduates and Foundation doctors the chance to take an in-depth look at a particular aspect of pathology through a written piece. This year's essay questions centre around the impact of climate change on health, disease and pathology. 

Prize winners will be awarded £250, will have their essay published on our website and in the College magazine,  The Bulletin , and will be presented with a certificate at an RCPath event.

The Hugh Platt Foundation Essay Prize

The Hugh Platt Foundation Essay Prize is now open for 2024. Submit your entry by 23:59 on Wednesday 8 May 2024.

Foundation Doctors with an aspiration to specialise in pathology are encouraged to take part in the Hugh Platt Foundation Essay Prize. This competition offers the chance to explore how pathology makes a difference to patients, as well as a unique opportunity to boost your CV ahead of applying for your specialty training. 

The competition is posthumously named after Dr Hugh Platt, an RCPath Fellow who contributed a huge amount to the work of the College, and to the support of postgraduate medical training in pathology disciplines. 

Subject for 2024

The essay subject for this year is  ‘Today's greatest global challenges and health threats are the result of human activity affecting the natural environment. Discuss, with examples relevant to pathology specialties.'  

Further information about the competition

• The Hugh Platt Foundation Essay Prize will run annually and is open to Foundation doctors in their first two years of postgraduate medical training
• The Hugh Platt Foundation Essay Prize 2024 opens on 18 January 2024  and closes at 23.59 GMT on 8 May 2024
• The essay has to be no more than 1,000 words, excluding references and bibliography.
• A prize of £250 will be awarded to the winning entrant, as well as having their essay published on our website and in the College magazine, The Bulletin .
• Full details, including essay specifications and format, are in the Terms and Conditions document, which can be found below.

Hugh Platt Foundation Essay Prize 2024 Terms and Conditions

January 2024

How to enter

Submit your essay in either Microsoft Word (doc, docx) format or PDF format and email it to [email protected] and include subject line 'Foundation Essay Prize 2024'. Please download the front cover below and use it to submit your essay; keep all other pages of your essay anonymous (free of any personal information). The front page will be removed before essays go to the judging panel. Please note that we are only accepting online submissions. Further information is in the Terms and Conditions document below.  

huFoundation Essay Prize documents

Hugh-platt-foundation-essay-prize-front-page-2024,   the paola domizio undergraduate essay prize.

If you are passionate about pathology or are an aspiring pathologist studying any related undergraduate course, the Paola Domizio Undergraduate Essay Prize is your opportunity to demonstrate your enthusiasm and explore a fascinating subject through writing. 

The competition is posthumously named after Professor Paola Domizio, an RCPath Fellow who contributed a huge amount to the work of the College, and to pathology education.

Question for 2024

The essay question for this year’s prize is ‘Climate change presents a fundamental threat to human wellbeing. Discuss how it impacts health, disease and pathology.’

• The Paola Domizio Essay Prize will run annually and is open to undergraduates studying medicine, biomedical science, veterinary medicine or dentistry.
• The Paola Domizio Essay Prize 2024 opens on  18 January  and closes at 23.59 GMT on 8 April 2024

Paola-Domizio-Undergraduate-Essay-Prize-2024-Terms-and-Conditions

Paola-domizio-undergraduate-essay-prize-front-page-2024, previous prize winners, 2023 winners, hugh platt foundation essay prize 2023 winner - sally ashton.

Congratulations to Dr Sally Ashton for winning the Hugh Platt Foundation Essay Prize 2023. The essay subject for this year was   'How do you think pathologists will shape healthcare over the next 75 years?'. Download and read Sally's winning essay above. 

How do you feel about winning this year’s Hugh Platt Foundation Essay Prize?  I’m delighted! It was a lovely surprise to receive the news.

Why did you enter this essay competition?  During my foundation year, I have begun to discover the breadth of pathology and the essay question offered an ideal opportunity to further explore this area.

What is the name of your Foundation training programme?  I’m currently at the end of my F1 year in Wales. My rotations were respiratory, geriatrics and general surgery. Throughout the year, I have also spent one day a week in histopathology as part of a LIFT programme (Longitudinal Integrated Foundation Training).

What do you hope to do in the future?  I’m really drawn to dermatology and also enjoy aspects of histopathology and infectious diseases.

What do you like about pathology?  It is such a wide-reaching, ever-evolving specialty that underpins so much of what we do in medicine and surgery. A lot of innovation arises from improving our understanding of pathology.

What would you say to students who are considering entering this competition?  You might be surprised when researching the essay question by some of the interesting concepts you encounter.

Paola Domizio Undergraduate Essay Prize 2023 winner - Sam Parsons

Congratulations to Sam Parsons for winning the Paola Domizio Undergraduate Essay Prize 2023. The essay question for this year’s prize was  ' When the NHS was introduced, it was said that it would care for people ‘from the cradle to the grave’. 75 years later, how does this apply to pathology?'. Download and read Sam's winning essay above. 

How do you feel about winning this year’s Paola Domizio Undergraduate Essay Prize? I am thrilled and honoured to have won this year’s Paola Domizio Undergraduate Essay Prize. It’s a wonderful feeling to have my work recognised, and I am grateful to the judges for selecting my essay.

Why did you enter this essay competition? Entering this essay competition was a natural choice for me. This year’s topic provided a fascinating opportunity to explore my thoughts on pathology and expand my knowledge. As someone aspiring to pursue pathology, I saw this competition as a chance to showcase my passion for the subject.

What course and year are you currently studying and at which university? I recently graduated from Swansea University Medical School and I'm excited to begin a Cambridge Specialised Foundation Programme rotation, with a particular focus on research.

What do you hope to do in the future? In the future, my aspiration is toward continuous intellectual growth and exploration, with an inclination towards furthering my knowledge within the field of pathology. I am enthusiastic about contributing to the advancement of medical and scientific understanding.

What do you like about pathology? Pathology, to me, represents the epitome of scientific inquiry in medicine. Its etymological roots are the study of disease, and that aspect captivated me from the beginning. The pursuit of understanding and unravelling the underlying causes of disease is not simply fundamental to clinical medicine but is inherently fascinating.

What would you say to students who are considering entering this competition? To all the students contemplating entering this competition, I would say that while medical school can be demanding, don’t let the challenges deter you from pursuing your passions. If you have a genuine interest in pathology, or any subject, seize the opportunity to try and showcase your dedication and talent. Putting in that extra effort can be immensely rewarding.

2022 essay prize winners

Paola domizio undergraduate essay prize 2022 winner: anamay shetty, paola domizio undergraduate essay prize 2022 winner - anamay shetty.

Congratulations to Anamay Shetty for winning the Paola Domizio Undergraduate Essay Prize 2022. The essay question for this year’s prize was   'Which one scientific discovery or pathologist has had the most significant impact on medicine/pathology in the last 60 years?' . Download and read Anamay's winning essay above. 

Anamay is a final year medical student at the University of Cambridge, who will be going on to do his foundation training in Aylesbury and Oxford.

How do you feel about winning this year’s Paola Domizio Undergraduate Essay Prize? 

I am very glad that the judges enjoyed my submission as much as I enjoyed writing it!

Why did you enter this essay competition?

I heard about this competition from my medical school, and I enjoy writing about medicine, so I thought it was a good fit. The prize money would also go a (small) way to offset the costs from frequent trips home to see my family and London to see my friends!

What course and year are you currently studying and at which university? 

I am a final year medical student at the University of Cambridge, going on to foundation training in Aylesbury and Oxford.

What do you hope to do in the future? 

I don’t know what I want to do yet – I have heard pathology is a good speciality choice.

What do you like about pathology?  

I like pathology because pathology is modern medicine. Prior to pathology developing as a field in the late 19th century, we had made some progress in understanding the body (anatomy, the beginnings of physiology and infectious disease transmission, some bioactive compounds) but we were stuck without a correct theory of how these integrated together. The development of a theoretical base (germ theory, genetic basis of cancer) and the tools (microscopy, IHC, PCR) from pathology meant we could rationally investigate disease and develop treatments which we associate with medicine today.

What would you say to students who are considering entering this competition? 

You should apply for this competition! It is hard to find time to think about medicine broadly in medical school, so it is a great opportunity to write essays like this.

Hugh Platt Foundation Essay Prize 2022 winner - Saumya Singh

Congratulations to Dr Saumya Singh for winning the Hugh Platt Foundation Essay Prize 2022. The essay subject for this year was 'How has pathology changed in the last 60 years?'. Download and read Saumya's winning essay above. 

Saumya is a Foundation Doctor at the Essex, Bedfordshire, and Hertfordshire Foundation School.

How do you feel about winning this year’s Hugh Platt Foundation Essay Prize?

I am delighted to have won this year’s Foundation prize. I found this year’s question challenging but highly enjoyable. It was not easy trying to summarise sixty years of amazing advancement in pathology into 1000 words! I am pleased my entry was chosen by the judges.

I am at the stage of my career where I am exploring what to do after my Foundation training is complete. I enjoyed learning pathology at medical school and so I entered the competition to explore more about pathology as a field of work. This year’s question was broad and intrigued me.

What do you hope to do in the future?

I am keeping an open mind about my future career. I hope to complete Internal Medical Training as a first step and have been exploring Infectious Disease & Medical Microbiology by doing a taster week in the specialty.

What do you like about pathology?

I always enjoyed pathology at medical school. Pathology reveals the amazing intricacies of the body and its interactions with the outside world. I find the science fascinating and appreciate how an understanding of pathology aids clinical decision making and communication with patients about what is happening to them and why.

What would you say to students who are considering entering this competition?

I would encourage fellow Foundation Doctors to go for it and enter this competition! There is nothing to lose by entering. I learned a lot about pathology by participating and it was a fun challenge to work on.

2021 essay prize winners

Hugh platt foundation essay prize 2021 winner: maeve mclaughlin, hugh platt foundation essay prize 2021 winner - maeve mclaughlin.

Congratulations to Maeve McLaughlin for winning the Hugh Platt Foundation Essay Prize 2021. Download and read Maeve's winning essay above.  Maeve is currently in her second year of training at the Severn Foundation School. 

I am delighted, I really enjoyed learning about the subject and found it extremely relevant in the current climate.

The title grabbed me - the world is talking about testing strategies to manage COVID-19 and I wanted an opportunity to educate myself further on the current testing methods, and the future ones we are working towards.

I am hoping to specialise in Intensive Care. I worked there as my first foundation job and enjoyed it a lot. Understanding the underlying pathology helped me come to terms with the complex conditions the patients presented with. I was also redeployed there during the first wave of the pandemic. 

I always enjoyed pathology at medical school, I felt it was the bridge to making sense of disease processes. I feel a good understanding of pathology translates into better clinical practice and improves communication with patients. 

Go for it! It is a great way to learn more about a topic that you are interested in. 

Paola Domizio Undergraduate Essay Prize 2020 winner: Rebecca Sarsam

Paola domizio undergraduate essay prize 2021 winner - rebecca sarsam.

Congratulations to Rebecca Sarsam for winning the Paola Domizio Undergraduate Essay Prize 2021. Download and read Rebecca's winning essay above. 

Rebecca is studying medicine at King’s College London and currently undertaking an intercalated MSc in Immunology of Infectious Diseases at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. She will be returning to the fourth year of her medical degree in August.

Pretty great! It was a bit of a surprise, but a very pleasant one.

The question was a very interesting one, given the events of the last two years, and the competition was a good way to practice essay-writing skills and explore areas of pathology that were only touched upon in my medical course, such as the roles of virologists and immunologists.

I'm not totally sure yet. I've really enjoyed studying Immunology during my intercalation so Clinical Immunology sounds like a good specialty, but I also find Haematology very interesting, and there are still many specialties that I haven't had much exposure to yet.

What do you like about pathology? 

I like how the links are made between a disease process and the symptoms suffered by patients, and how understanding the aetiology of a disease can lead to discovery of  effective treatments.

Go for it! It's an excellent opportunity to delve deeper into an area of pathology that interests you and also to hone your writing skills.

2020 essay prize winners

Hugh platt foundation essay prize 2020 winner: chuer zhang, hugh platt foundation essay prize 2020 - winning essay by chuer zhang.

November 2020

Congratulations to Chuer Zhang for winning the Hugh Platt Foundation Essay Prize 2020. Download and read Chuer's winning essay above. 

Chuer is a FY2 trainee at   Northern Ireland Foundation School and is looking to make an application for histopathology training.

Very ecstatic! I’m so honoured that the panel liked my essay, and to have the chance to have my experience read by more people.

I came across this competition when I was exploring applying to pathology. The title “Tiny test, huge impact” immediately caught my attention. As detailed in my essay, I have had a lot of personal experience of how a pathology result can change a patient’s course of treatment and ultimately affect their lives and their wider social circle.

The variety it offers – it forms the basis of such a wide range of other specialties. Also, it allows further exploration and understanding of the mechanism of health and disease which I find fascinating.

Definitely give it a go! It makes you reflect on your experience more, and appreciate the role pathology plays in the course of a patient’s treatment despite often being in the background.

Paola Domizio Undergraduate Essay Prize 2020 winner: Harry Adams

Paola domizio undergraduate essay prize 2020 - winning essay by harry adams.

September 2020

Congratulations to Harry Adams for winning the Paola Domizio Undergraduate Essay Prize 2020. Download and read Harry's winning essay above. 

Harry is a final year medicine undergraduate at Newcastle University. We found out what motivated him to enter this year's competition. 

How do you feel about winning this year’s Paola Domizio Undergraduate Essay Prize?   

I am absolutely thrilled! It has come as a real surprise to me and I am so excited by it. 

Why did you enter this essay competition?  

Due to the lockdown imposed in response to COVID-19, I was unable to complete my immunology research project, which was the final part of my MRes intercalation. Entering this essay competition allowed me to continue developing my writing and research skills, in a topic that interested me.  

What do you like about pathology?  

I like the idea of how through understanding fundamental disease processes, a pathologist pieces together clinical and laboratory findings to arrive at a diagnosis, ultimately helping to understand the presentations of different patients and guide treatment.

What do you hope to do in the future?  

I am still undecided! I loved learning more about immunology over the last year and am torn between the academic and clinical approaches to medicine. 

What would you say to students who are considering entering this competition?  

Give it a go! It is a great opportunity to practice essay writing skills and appreciate topics not usually taught at university.  

2019 essay prize winners

Hugh platt foundation essay prize 2019 winner: keir edwards, hugh platt foundation essay prize 2019 - winning essay by keir edwards.

October 2019

Congratulations to Keir Edwards for winning the Hugh Platt Foundation Essay Prize 2019. Download and read Keir's winning essay above. 

Keir is currently in his second year of Foundation training at Poole NHS Foundation Trust and is hoping to enter speciality training in histopathology. We found out what motivated him to submit his essay. 

Why did you decide to enter the competition? 

During my FY2 jobs in haematology and microbiology I became interested in how we can better explain pathology results to patients. I wanted to explore this further in the essay.

The huge variety it offers; being at the intersection of science and clinical medicine; the people - many things!

Paola Domizio Undergraduate Essay Prize 2019 Winner: Toal O'Connor

Paola domizio undergraduate essay prize 2019 - winning essay by toal o'connor.

Congratulations to Toal O'Connor for winning the Paola Domizio Undergraduate Essay Prize 2019. Download and read Toal's winning essay. 

Toal is a third year medical student training at Queen's University in Belfast.

It was suggested by the module co-ordinator of my student selected component [SSC] that I consider applying for the competition. Dr Kathleen Mulholland at Altnagelvin Hospital gave us a great introduction to pathology in the clinical setting. The topic also seemed very relevant. I'm a graduate entrant to medicine, previously qualifying as a pharmacist, and genomics will also have a big impact on how that profession works.

That's a difficult one! I'm definitely considering a career as a pathologist at the moment, but medicine's so vast that I'm just taking it one step at a time.

What do you like about pathology?  I find pathology very interesting as it's the foundation of understanding all disease processes in medicine. I also quite enjoy the interdisciplinary aspect of the role of a pathologist and the opportunity to specialise further within the field.

We use cookies to enhance our website for you. Proceed if you agree to this policy or learn more about it.

• Essay Database >
• Essays Examples >
• Essay Topics

Essays on Pathology

109 samples on this topic

To many students, writing Pathology papers comes easy; others need the help of various types. The WowEssays.com directory includes expertly crafted sample essays on Pathology and relevant issues. Most definitely, among all those Pathology essay examples, you will find a piece that resonates with what you see as a decent paper. You can be sure that virtually every Pathology piece showcased here can be used as a bright example to follow in terms of overall structure and writing different parts of a paper – introduction, main body, or conclusion.

If, however, you have a hard time coming up with a solid Pathology essay or don't have even a minute of extra time to browse our sample catalog, our free essay writer company can still be of great assistance to you. The matter is, our writers can craft a model Pathology paper to your individual needs and particular requirements within the defined period. Buy college essays today!

Scientific Method As Related To Environmental Studies Research Paper Examples

A-level essay on traumatic brain injury and cognition for free use, good personal statement about applicant’s name.

___________ Graduate Admissions _____________ Program in Speech-Language and Audio Pathology _____________ University

Personal Statement

Free Case Study About Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

The cardiovascular system: a top-quality essay for your inspiration, cervical cancer: a sample essay for inspiration & mimicking, lot in life response essay, good causes for alalia research paper example.

Speech Disorders

Dehydration In The Nursing Homes: Example Essay By An Expert Writer To Follow

A-level case study on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease case study for free use, the risk factors for the development of stroke after heart surgery literature review example.

Introduction

A-Level Literature Review On Principles And Applications Of Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) For Free Use

{Author Name [first-name middle-name-initials last-name]} {Institution Affiliation [name of Author’s institute]}

Proper Report Example About Huntington’s Disease

Huntington’s disease (HD) is an inheritable and neurodegenerative disease. It is characterized by progressive psychiatric, cognitive, and motor symptoms. It is significant to familiarize with the phenotypes since patients can present with one or more symptoms of the disease. Loss of balance and chorea are the first symptoms recognized by the patients. However, the families always notice personality or cognitive changes before first symptoms. The disease is most common in races from northern Europe. This paper is set to discuss the etiology and risk factors, pathophysiological processes, clinical manifestations, complications, as well as diagnosis of Huntington’s disease.

Etiology and Risk Factors

Research Paper On Genetic Risk Factors For Ovarian Cancer

Avoiding plagiarism essay examples.

<Course>

Holy Mary University Case Studies Example

I. General pathology information

A. Other Names

1. Urinary tract infection 2. Inflammatory disease of the kidney

Example Of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Research Paper

Obsessive-compulsive disorder is a syndrome, the causes of which rarely lie on the surface. It is characterized by obsessive thoughts (obsessions), for which a person responds with certain actions (compulsions). Obsession is a thought or desire that constantly emerges in the mind. It is difficult to control this thought or get rid of it, and it causes a lot of stress. In this paper I would like to tell what is obsessive-compulsive disorder, by what factors it may be caused, reasons of its appearance, what factors contribute to the development of this disease and how it is treated.

Briefly about OCD

Pathophysiology Of Intussusception In Infants Essays Example

Abnormal motor cortex plasticity in juvenile myoclonic epilepsy essay to use for practical writing help, ableism approach essay.

Stalking Ableism: Using Disability to Expose ‘Abled' Narcissism

Free Case Study On Pulmonary Edema

Good types research paper example.

[Add Title Here, up to 12 Words, on One to Two Lines]

Example Of Research Paper On Possible Apasia Treatment

A Speech and Language therapy

Disruption Of Antioxidant Defense System Article Review Sample

Article Review

Free Speaking Through Pictures: Thesis Sample

Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS)

Abstract 3 Introduction .. 4

Purpose . 6

Literature Review . 7 Synthesis .. 15 Method .. 15 Overview of Design .. 15

Results and Discussion 16

Conclusion 27 References .. 31

The Parties: Case Studies Example

Plaintiff (π): Association for Molecular Pathology et al.

Defendants (Δ): Myriad Genetics, Inc. Appellants: Myriad Genetics, Inc. Respondent: Association for Molecular Pathology et al. The important facts of the case: BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes were discovered by Myriad Genetics, Inc. These genes were found to increase the risk of breast and ovarian cancer substantially. Myriad Genetics Inc. was involved in developing several tests that could detect the gene mutation leading to the increment in the cancer risk. In addition to this, Myriad took the patent on those genes and took the exclusive rights that could prevent others from

Researching on the topics related to those genes

Free How Weight Loss Mentally Affect An Individual Creative Writing Sample

Free case study about arizona v. gant.

Walmart Stores v. Cockrell (2001)

Issue: Does the shopkeeper's privilege protect Walmart from the liability under the circumstances of the case?

Good Example Of Saudi Board Personal Statement

Personal Statement: Saudi Board - Pathology

I am currently employed in the capacity of pathology demonstrator in the Faculty of Medicine at King Abdulaziz University. My chosen career in pathology commenced in 2011 following a nine-month residency in orthopedics, subsequent to my graduation with an MBBS in Medicine and Surgery in 2010.

Cytotechnology Presentation

Free article on physical activity and pregnancy.

- Physical exercise is very important for pregnant women, as they help them to ease the state, prepare muscles to the stress of labor and to the loads of the last trimester of pregnancy. - Conditions in which physical activity should be avoided are also listed. - It is also a good idea to include the recommended types of physical activity into daily life, while excluding certain other types. The experience of previous generations is also described in brief.

Physical Activities during Pregnancy

Example Of History Of Pathology Testing Essay

Good example of article on panoramic radiographs: a tool for investigating in orthodontic diagnosis and treatment, good literature review about immunohistochemistry in gynecologic malignancies.

Cancer antigen 125 (CA125), which is encoded by MUC16, is the only biomarker currently used for immunohistochemical diagnosis of ovarian cancer (Tanyi and Scholler 1098). Literature suggests that 80% of the patients with ovarian cancer express CA125. The expression pattern is different among the different kinds of ovarian cancer; 85% in serous ovarian cancer, 12% in mucinous cancer and 40% in clear cell carcinoma (Tanyi and Scholler 1098; Kaspar and Crum 44), which helps in differential diagnosis.

Course Work On Dermatology

Example of history of health information course work.

Health Information Systems is a discipline that connects computing and information technology and health care practices and research. Computer hardware, software and communication equipment, forming a complex network. It entails the resources, equipment and means of obtaining, storing, retrieving and analyzing information in the health sector. This involves use of programmed systems to manage health information and securely exchange it between patients, health institutions, insurers and even government agencies. This interaction will improve value, safety and effectiveness of health delivery. These health information systems will find application in multiple healthcare disciplines including nursing, public health, pharmacy, pathology and dentistry.

Free Asthma And Allergic Reactions Research Paper Sample

Example of hypertension research paper.

Pathophysiology

Good Article Review On Relevance To The Abnormal Psychology Course

Article Summary

Free Understanding Physical Impairment (Physical Disability In UK) Essay Example

Example of changes in class ii malocclusion thesis proposal, good essay on changes to guidelines for cervical cancer screening in 2012, good example of blanket therapy: response-based therapy, brief therapy and family therapy essay, free essay about the pathology of multiple sclerosis, good example of parkinsons disease research paper, free research paper on psychogenic amnesia, good example of qualitative and quantitative research techniques essay.

Critiquing Quantitative and Qualitative Studies

Several research techniques are available all with the aim of achieving precise data or information or data about something. Quantitative technique, sometimes referred to as true science, involves the use of mathematical and statistical methods in the analysis and drawing useful information from a specific set of data (Davies, 2009). On the other hand, qualitative is a type of technique used to study behavior and habits portrayed by humans under different environments. The critique is aimed at juxtaposing the two techniques involved in the field of research with critical analysis of the two methods.

Compare and Contrast Information

HPV-16 And Its Relation To Cervical Cancer Literature Review Examples

Good research paper on alzheimer's disease and the effect of memory strategies, disorders of humans essays example, diagnosing gastrointestinal disorders essay example, example of literature review on placental development and function, para2001: integrated clinical case case studies example.

Written Case Study – Pathophysiology II

Merkel Cell Carcinoma Research Papers Examples

Good essay on tissue and cellular organization.

Tissue and Cellular Organization

Free Huntingtons Disease Term Paper Sample

This is a hereditary disease that has slow brain striatum atrophy (Gil and Rego). For several years, a Huntington’s disease patient may go through unrestrained movements, mental impairment and behavioral commotions. Finally, Huntington’s disease patients get totally reliant on a caregiver. The disease is an autosomal dominant condition that affects the equally two genders.

Good Experiment Review Essay Example

Cholera Toxin Enhances Vaccine-Induced Protection against Mycobacterium Tuberculosis Challenge in Mice

275 words = 1 page double-spaced

Password recovery email has been sent to [email protected]

Use your new password to log in

You are not register!

By clicking Register, you agree to our Terms of Service and that you have read our Privacy Policy .

Now you can download documents directly to your device!

Check your email! An email with your password has already been sent to you! Now you can download documents directly to your device.

or Use the QR code to Save this Paper to Your Phone

The sample is NOT original!

Short on a deadline?

Don't waste time. Get help with 11% off using code - GETWOWED

No, thanks! I'm fine with missing my deadline

Maps of the April 2024 Total Solar Eclipse

By Jonathan Corum

On April 8, the moon will slip between the Earth and the sun, casting a shadow across a swath of North America: a total solar eclipse.

By cosmic coincidence, the moon and the sun appear roughly the same size in the sky. When the moon blocks the glare of the sun, the sun’s outer atmosphere, or corona, will be briefly visible.

Below are several maps of the eclipse’s path as well as images of what you might experience during the event.

Where Can I See the Total Eclipse?

The eclipse will begin at sunrise over the Pacific Ocean, then cut through Mexico and cross the United States from Texas to Maine. Most of North America will see a partial eclipse, but viewers within the deepest shadow — a band sliding from Mazatlán, Mexico, to the Newfoundland coast near Gander, Canada — will experience a total solar eclipse.

Percentage of

the sun obscured

during the eclipse

Indianapolis

Little Rock

San Antonio

Viewers inside the path of the total eclipse may notice a drop in temperature , a lull or shift in the wind , the appearance of bright planets in the sky, and the quieting of birds and other wildlife.

Many cities lie inside the path of the total eclipse, as shown below, the width of which varies from 108 miles to 122 miles.

20% partial eclipse

NEWFOUNDLAND

SASKATCHEWAN

Fredericton

Minneapolis

San Francisco

90% partial eclipse

Los Angeles

Mexico City

EL SALVADOR

Explore our interactive cloud outlook for eclipse viewing times and average cloud data at your location.

What Will I See?

A composite image of the 2017 solar eclipse over Madras, Ore.

Aubrey Gemignani/NASA

If the sky is clear, viewers in the path of the total eclipse should see a “diamond ring” effect a few seconds before and after the total eclipse, as the edge of the sun slips in and out of view.

The “diamond ring” effect during the 2017 solar eclipse.

Rami Daud/NASA, Alcyon Technical Services

The sun’s outer atmosphere, or corona, is normally hidden by the sun’s glare. These tendrils and sheets of gas, heated to a million degrees Fahrenheit or more, are in constant motion and shaped by the sun’s swirling magnetic field.

The sun’s corona during the 2017 solar eclipse.

The sun is relatively active this year and is nearing the expected peak of its 11-year solar cycle . Researchers at Predictive Science are using data about the sun’s magnetic field to predict and model a dramatic corona for the April eclipse.

A prediction of how the sun’s corona might appear during the April 8 total eclipse.

Predictive Science

What Colors Should I Wear?

As the sky darkens, light-sensitive cells in human eyes become more sensitive to blue and green hues than to reds and oranges. This shift in color perception is known as the Purkinje effect , after a 19th-century Czech scientist, and is typically seen at twilight.

Watching the 2017 total eclipse at Southern Illinois University.

Andrea Morales for The New York Times

To take advantage of the Purkinje effect, wear green clothes or a contrasting combination of greens and reds. Blue-green colors (shorter wavelengths) will appear brighter, while red colors (longer wavelengths) will appear to recede into the darkness.

What If I Miss It?

The next two total solar eclipses in the United States won’t occur until 2044 and 2045 . But eclipse chasers might catch one in 2026 in Greenland, Iceland and Spain; 2027 along the coast of Northern Africa; 2028 in Australia and New Zealand; or 2030 across Southern Africa and Australia.

A Total Solar Eclipse Is Coming. Here’s What You Need to Know.

These are answers to common questions about the April 8 eclipse, and we’re offering you a place to pose more of them.

By Katrina Miller

What’s the Cloud Outlook for Eclipse Day? See if History Is on Your Side.

April 8 could be your best opportunity to see a total solar eclipse for decades. But if clouds fill the sky, your shot at seeing the spectacle could be lost.

By Josh Katz, K.K. Rebecca Lai and William B. Davis

• Share full article

Advertisement

Should college essays touch on race? Some feel the affirmative action ruling leaves them no choice

CHICAGO — When she started writing her college essay, Hillary Amofa told the story she thought admissions offices wanted to hear. About being the daughter of immigrants from Ghana and growing up in a small apartment in Chicago. About hardship and struggle.

Then she deleted it all.

“I would just find myself kind of trauma-dumping,” said the 18-year-old senior at Lincoln Park High School in Chicago. “And I’m just like, this doesn’t really say anything about me as a person.”

When the Supreme Court ended affirmative action in higher education, it left the college essay as one of few places where race can play a role in admissions decisions. For many students of color, instantly more was riding on the already high-stakes writing assignment. Some say they felt pressure to exploit their hardships as they competed for a spot on campus.

Amofa was just starting to think about her essay when the court issued its decision, and it left her with a wave of questions. Could she still write about her race? Could she be penalized for it? She wanted to tell colleges about her heritage but she didn’t want to be defined by it.

In English class, Amofa and her classmates read sample essays that all seemed to focus on some trauma or hardship. It left her with the impression she had to write about her life’s hardest moments to show how far she’d come. But she and some of her classmates wondered if their lives had been hard enough to catch the attention of admissions offices.

“For a lot of students, there’s a feeling of, like, having to go through something so horrible to feel worthy of going to school, which is kind of sad,” said Amofa, the daughter of a hospital technician and an Uber driver.

This year’s senior class is the first in decades to navigate college admissions without affirmative action . The Supreme Court upheld the practice in decisions going back to the 1970s, but this court’s conservative supermajority found it is unconstitutional for colleges to give students extra weight because of their race alone.

Still, the decision left room for race to play an indirect role: Chief Justice John Roberts wrote universities can still consider how an applicant’s life was shaped by their race, “so long as that discussion is concretely tied to a quality of character or unique ability.”

“A benefit to a student who overcame racial discrimination, for example, must be tied to that student’s courage and determination,” he wrote.

Scores of colleges responded with new essay prompts asking about students’ backgrounds. Brown University asked applicants how “an aspect of your growing up has inspired or challenged you.” Rice University asked students how their perspectives were shaped by their “background, experiences, upbringing, and/or racial identity.”

WONDERING IF SCHOOLS 'EXPECT A SOB STORY'

When Darrian Merritt started writing his essay, he knew the stakes were higher than ever because of the court’s decision. His first instinct was to write about events that led to him going to live with his grandmother as a child.

Those were painful memories, but he thought they might play well at schools like Yale, Stanford and Vanderbilt.

“I feel like the admissions committee might expect a sob story or a tragic story,” said Merritt, a senior in Cleveland. “And if you don’t provide that, then maybe they’re not going to feel like you went through enough to deserve having a spot at the university. I wrestled with that a lot.”

He wrote drafts focusing on his childhood, but it never amounted to more than a collection of memories. Eventually he abandoned the idea and aimed for an essay that would stand out for its positivity.

Merritt wrote about a summer camp where he started to feel more comfortable in his own skin. He described embracing his personality and defying his tendency to please others. The essay had humor — it centered on a water gun fight where he had victory in sight but, in a comedic twist, slipped and fell. But the essay also reflects on his feelings of not being “Black enough” and getting made fun of for listening to “white people music.”

“I was like, ‘OK, I’m going to write this for me, and we’re just going to see how it goes,’” he said. “It just felt real, and it felt like an honest story.”

The essay describes a breakthrough as he learned “to take ownership of myself and my future by sharing my true personality with the people I encounter. ... I realized that the first chapter of my own story had just been written.”

A RULING PROMPTS PIVOTS ON ESSAY TOPICS

Like many students, Max Decker of Portland, Oregon, had drafted a college essay on one topic, only to change direction after the Supreme Court ruling in June.

Decker initially wrote about his love for video games. In a childhood surrounded by constant change, navigating his parents’ divorce, the games he took from place to place on his Nintendo DS were a source of comfort.

But the essay he submitted to colleges focused on the community he found through Word is Bond, a leadership group for young Black men in Portland.

As the only biracial, Jewish kid with divorced parents in a predominantly white, Christian community, Decker wrote he constantly felt like the odd one out. On a trip with Word is Bond to Capitol Hill, he and friends who looked just like him shook hands with lawmakers. The experience, he wrote, changed how he saw himself.

“It’s because I’m different that I provide something precious to the world, not the other way around,” he wrote.

As a first-generation college student, Decker thought about the subtle ways his peers seemed to know more about navigating the admissions process . They made sure to get into advanced classes at the start of high school, and they knew how to secure glowing letters of recommendation.

If writing about race would give him a slight edge and show admissions officers a fuller picture of his achievements, he wanted to take that small advantage.

His first memory about race, Decker said, was when he went to get a haircut in elementary school and the barber made rude comments about his curly hair. Until recently, the insecurity that moment created led him to keep his hair buzzed short.

Through Word is Bond, Decker said he found a space to explore his identity as a Black man. It was one of the first times he was surrounded by Black peers and saw Black role models. It filled him with a sense of pride in his identity. No more buzzcut.

The pressure to write about race involved a tradeoff with other important things in his life, Decker said. That included his passion for journalism, like the piece he wrote on efforts to revive a once-thriving Black neighborhood in Portland. In the end, he squeezed in 100 characters about his journalism under the application’s activities section.

“My final essay, it felt true to myself. But the difference between that and my other essay was the fact that it wasn’t the truth that I necessarily wanted to share,” said Decker, whose top college choice is Tulane, in New Orleans, because of the region’s diversity. “It felt like I just had to limit the truth I was sharing to what I feel like the world is expecting of me.”

SPELLING OUT THE IMPACT OF RACE

Before the Supreme Court ruling, it seemed a given to Imani Laird that colleges would consider the ways that race had touched her life. But now, she felt like she had to spell it out.

As she started her essay, she reflected on how she had faced bias or felt overlooked as a Black student in predominantly white spaces.

There was the year in math class when the teacher kept calling her by the name of another Black student. There were the comments that she’d have an easier time getting into college because she was Black .

“I didn’t have it easier because of my race,” said Laird, a senior at Newton South High School in the Boston suburbs who was accepted at Wellesley and Howard University, and is waiting to hear from several Ivy League colleges. “I had stuff I had to overcome.”

In her final essays, she wrote about her grandfather, who served in the military but was denied access to GI Bill benefits because of his race.

She described how discrimination fueled her ambition to excel and pursue a career in public policy.

“So, I never settled for mediocrity,” she wrote. “Regardless of the subject, my goal in class was not just to participate but to excel. Beyond academics, I wanted to excel while remembering what started this motivation in the first place.”

WILL SCHOOLS LOSE RACIAL DIVERSITY?

Amofa used to think affirmative action was only a factor at schools like Harvard and Yale. After the court’s ruling, she was surprised to find that race was taken into account even at some public universities she was applying to.

Now, without affirmative action, she wondered if mostly white schools will become even whiter.

It’s been on her mind as she chooses between Indiana University and the University of Dayton, both of which have relatively few Black students. When she was one of the only Black students in her grade school, she could fall back on her family and Ghanaian friends at church. At college, she worries about loneliness.

“That’s what I’m nervous about,” she said. “Going and just feeling so isolated, even though I’m constantly around people.”

The first drafts of her essay focused on growing up in a low-income family, sharing a bedroom with her brother and grandmother. But it didn’t tell colleges about who she is now, she said.

Her final essay tells how she came to embrace her natural hair . She wrote about going to a mostly white grade school where classmates made jokes about her afro. When her grandmother sent her back with braids or cornrows, they made fun of those too.

Over time, she ignored their insults and found beauty in the styles worn by women in her life. She now runs a business doing braids and other hairstyles in her neighborhood.

“I stopped seeing myself through the lens of the European traditional beauty standards and started seeing myself through the lens that I created,” Amofa wrote.

“Criticism will persist, but it loses its power when you know there’s a crown on your head!”

Ma reported from Portland, Oregon.

The Associated Press’ education coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find AP’s standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org .