Jean F. Simpson, MD, FCAP, chair of the College of American Pathologists (CAP) Cancer committee and beast pathologist, is available to discuss the JAMA article, “Diagnostic Concordance Among Pathologists Interpreting Breast Biopsy Specimens,” published on March 17, 2015, and what the study means for patients.
Dr. Simpson can provide the pathologist’s perspective as a physician who was not a participant of the study. By design, the study does not reflect the current practice of diagnostic breast pathology.
Dr. Simpson can provide her expertise to provide additional information to reduce unnecessary worry that the article may have created for patients. She is available to offer insights on the: •Significant limitations of the study, which the authors themselves point out in the article •Collaborative setting in which pathologist practice to diagnose breast cancer (and other diseases) and which is the norm in pathology groups across the country•Quality assurance steps that pathologists have in place in laboratories to ensure accurate diagnoses, including diagnoses for difficult breast cases, such as as ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) and atypical hyperplasia, to avoid both under-interpretation and over-interpretation•Steps that patients can take to ensure their breast biopsies are read accurately, including asking if their laboratory is accredited and if their pathologist is board-certified. The CAP also offers resources to help patients understand their pathology reports.
Dr. Simpson graduated from the Medical College of Georgia in 1983. She served as director of Anatomic Pathology for eight years at Vanderbilt University Medical Center and was a professor of Pathology until 2013. Dr. Simpson is currently an adjunct professor of Pathology at the University of South Alabama, Mobile, Alabama, and president of Breast Pathology Consultants, Inc. Dr. Simpson has more than 20 years experience as a breast pathologist. Dr. Simpson has seen more than 30,000 breast cases in consultation, and has mentored more than 40 physicians-in-training in advanced diagnostic breast pathology.
To arrange an interview with Dr. Simpson or for more information, please contact Julie Monzo, Senior Manager of Enterprise Communications and Public Relations, at [email protected] or at 800-323-4040 ext. 7538.
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