Student-led pathology elective expands early exposure and strengthens specialty interest at an osteopathic medical school

Few medical schools, particularly those without dedicated pathology departments, offer preclinical pathology electives. To address this gap, faculty at Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine and the Michigan State University College of Human Medicine-College of Osteopathic Medicine Pathology Interest Group launched a student-faculty elective in 2025. The elective comprised eight sessions: seven microscope sign-outs and one grossing workshop. Each began with one hour of independent slide preview, followed by a 2-h sign-out led by a practicing pathologist and delivered in person and via Zoom. Across approximately 30 contact hours, students engaged in microscopic and macroscopic pathology. Twenty-three learners attended at least one session. Anonymous pre- and post-class surveys assessed prior exposure, self-rated confidence, specialty interest, and perceptions of curricular adequacy. Thirteen medical students completed the precourse survey, and fourteen completed the postcourse survey; eleven responses were paired. Baseline experience was limited: 54% had never grossed a specimen or attended a sign-out, and no learner reported high confidence in histology, gross pathology, or laboratory report interpretation. Among paired respondents, mean confidence increased by +1.1 to +1.3 points on a five-point scale, with 82% improving across domains. Post-survey data showed 93% reported the elective reshaped their perception of pathology, 93% planned a pathology rotation, and all respondents recommended the course. In the absence of a pathology department, this student-led, faculty-mentored elective provided rare early exposure. Beyond measurable confidence gains, the program offers a scalable model for institutions seeking to strengthen pathology exposure and the specialty pipeline.