Ask a Pathologist
The most common questions in anatomic pathology are:
I am a physician. Can you fax me a copy of my patient's biopsy?
Yes, please call Anatomic Pathology, Michele Smith, at 573-882-1223 or smithmr@missouri.edu.
Can I get a copy of my brother's biopsy results?
No. Only the patient or their doctor may request the result of a biopsy.
I am a doctor and have a complex question about a biopsy that I would like to discuss with a pathologist. How do I reach one?
During day hours, please call Anatomic Pathology as above, or during off-hours, please page the Anatomic Pathologist on-call via Hospital Operator (882-4141) or via call-schedule above (restricted to providers only).
Can I get help from a pathologist in performing a fine-needle aspiration or bone marrow biopsy?
Yes. During day hours (non-holidays, M-F, 8-5), please call Anatomic Pathology (Anatomic Pathology, Michele Smith, at 573-882-1223 or smithmr@missouri.edu). At other times, please page the Anatomic Pathologist on-call via Hospital Operator (882-4141) or via call-schedule above (restricted to providers only).
I had a biopsy several days ago, and have not received the results. How do I get them?
Please call your doctor's office. The Anatomic Pathology office can tell you if the results are completed, but we generally refer questions about results to your doctor's office, who can provide the best interpretation of results in the context of your personal situation.
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Medical Examiner and autopsy questions
What is an autopsy?
A complete autopsy is an examination of the body using surgical techniques. The pathologist performs a detailed procedure, which may take anywhere from 2-8 hours to perform.
The body is treated with the utmost dignity and respect during the autopsy, and samples of tissue are taken for microscopic examination or chemical studies to look for diseases and determine the cause of death. After the autopsy has been completed, the body is released to a funeral home, based on the family's desires for funeral arrangements. A written report is issued only after the results of all the studies are completed. The final report may take several weeks to prepare, but the offices may be contacted to obtain preliminary results.
Why perform an autopsy?
The purpose of an autopsy is to answer any questions about the cause or manner of death, or about any co-existing conditions that may be important for the public or the family, such as contagious diseases or family risk of disease. In addition, making sure of the cause of death can be a source of comfort to families. In some hospitals, autopsies are encouraged in all deaths in order to learn as much as possible that may help other family members, or the next patient who has a similar situation.
Who requests an autopsy?
When the cause of death is uncertain (especially when the death has occurred under unusual circumstances) the law may require that the medical examiner investigate, and as part of his/her investigation, an autopsy may be performed. In cases that are not being investigated by the medical examiner, permission of the next-of-kin is required. An autopsy, which is not part of a medical examiner investigation, cannot be performed without the consent of the legally designated responsible party. When giving consent for an autopsy, the family may make any restrictions, limitations, or special requests they might wish.
How do I reach the medical examiner to discuss a case?
You may reach Dori Burke, Chief Forensic Investigator, or Dr. Chris Stacy, Chief Medical Examiner, at 573-474-2700.
How do I reach the person on-call for autopsies?
You may reach the person on-call by dialing the University of Missouri main line, 573-882-4141.
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Anatomical Sciences - Courses and Gift of Body questions
How do I enroll for the Human Anatomy courses?
The department offers two anatomy courses for undergraduate students at the University of Missouri. Human Anatomy (PthAS 2201) is a 3-credit lecture course, with limited enrollment. Human Anatomy Laboratory course (PthAS 2203) is a 2-credit laboratory course concerning normal human anatomy. There are several separate sections of this laboratory course offered at different times, and enrolllment is limited. Both courses are offered in the Fall and Winter semesters for undergraduates in a number of health profession programs, including nursing, pharmacy, dentistry, physical therapy, along with many others. To enroll in either of these classes, log on to myzou.missouri.edu. If the course is full in MyZou, you may contact Tammy Phanichkul by phone, 573-882-1201, or by email: phanichkult@missouri.edu
Do you have a graduate program in anatomy or pathology?
Yes. The Department of Pathology and Anatomical Sciences offers a Master's (MS) degree in Pathology and Anatomical Sciences and a Doctoral (PhD) degree through the Pathobiology Area doctoral program. Both academic programs capitalize on the strengths and diverse resources of the PAS faculty. Application is made through the Director of Graduate Studies (Dr. Matthew Ravosa).
Coursework at the graduate level is available to all students currently enrolled in the Graduate School, but may require instructor consent.
How do I donate my body for medical education?
You can either contact the program administrator at 573-882-2288 or send an email to GOB@missouri.edu to request an enrollment packet, or you can download the forms. More information is available at the Gift of Body web site. Once you have enrolled in the program, you will receive a wallet card (similar to an organ donor card), that you may carry with you. Original signed copies of all forms should be returned to the main office at the address below, by mail or in person:
University of Missouri
Gift of Body Program
M263 Medical Science Building DC055.07
One Hospital Dr.
Columbia, MO 65212
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The most common questions in clinical pathology are:
How do I get a laboratory test?
There are approximately 3,000 laboratory tests. Your physician is the best person to identify which of these tests would be the most appropriate for your individual needs?
If my Physician orders a laboratory test how does it get done?
The laboratory service at UMHC is organized to meet the needs of patients of the health care system. Laboratories blood-draw stations are located in the various clinics where you will see your physician. These convenient locations will collect your specimen and provide the proper specimen handling so the specimen arrives at the testing site ready for testing.
How long will it take for my test to be performed?
Many routine tests can be performed within an hour after they arrive at the testing laboratory. However, some complex tests may take weeks or months to be performed.
How do I get my results?
The laboratory will make your results available to your physician. Your physician is the best person to interpret the meaning of the results and to apply the information to your treatment and care.
For additional information regarding Clinical Pathology, please contactat 573-882-1400.
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How do I join the graduate program and do research with a faculty member?
The Department of Pathology and Anatomical Sciences offers a multitude of research. To find out more about research and research opporturnities please visit the Research Page and follow the topics currently being studied by the faculty. Graduate students may apply through the graduate school, but may save time by directly contacting the director of graduate studies, Dr. Matthew Ravosa.
If I want to work on a particular research topic with a faculty member, how do I arrange that?
Please contact the faculty member directly. They can discuss current research that is ongoing in their laboratories, and whether they are currently accepting students. Email is often the best way to reach them, and their email addresses are listed on the faculty directory.
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