Although the name has changed, if we count the number of seminars run by the former Tokyo Metropolitan Institute for Neuroscience, then this was the 44th consecutive year that the Hands-on Neuropathology Seminar was held. Since the first seminar, the study of neuropathy has changed over time, including the elucidation of neurodegenerative disease pathology at the protein level and emergence of previously non-existent diseases (e.g., diseases related to poisoning). New specimen staining methods have also been developed and specimen fixation and staining method quality control measures have resulted in more accurate diagnoses. Moreover, Erika Seki of the Laboratory of Neuropathology led a detailed lecture on the first day of the seminar.
The practical format has transitioned from an era of microscope only observation to one of digital pathology, which has transformed the seminar into a contemporary event. Erika Kojima of the Neuropathology analysis room made a presentation on digital pathology. A digital study room was set up within the Neuropathology Database for attendees to improve their learning outcomes. The digital pathology coordinators, Nobuko Ueki and Tomoko Yagi, were in charge of this initiative.
Although we live in a digital age, training with actual specimens using microscopes is also essential. Therefore, we included a session during which each finding was explained, while the 15 attendees observed through the discussion microscope. This session was slightly crowded; however, it was spectacular in its own way.
The course content was intense, covering diseases in almost all categories, with 92 diseases (184 cases and approximately 1000 specimens) presented over four days. An external lecturer, Dr. Kazuki Harada, who is an Associate Professor in forensic pathology at the National Defense Medical College, presented on head trauma.
The attendees were from a diverse range of fields, including neurology, psychiatry, pathology, forensic pathology, and neuroscience, and their occupations ranged from medical interns to professors. Many attendees were beginners to neuropathology; however, the discussions about neuropathology and each attendee’s specialty during a question-and-answer session were very stimulating for the staff. We hope that the seminar will help enhance the attendees’ future careers.
