Finally, after more than a year of stress, anticipation, and guarded optimism (okay, a bit of teeth gnashing, too!), the JHH Autopsy Pathology Suite renovations are complete.   The last time the basement area was extensively remodeled was in 1978-79 to provide a new autopsy facility which included a special area for contaminated cases, storage space for old slides and records, and space for autopsy sign-out.  To say we were overdue for updating would be an understatement.

During the period of time from April 2008 until mid-May 2009, the service relocated to the Johns Hopkins Bayview Autopsy Pathology Suite.   Faculty, residents, and staff spent the past year commuting between the two campuses.  We would be amiss not to note the collegiality and hospitality extended to us by Dr. Fred Askin, Johns Hopkins Bayview Director of Pathology, and Ms. Suzy Nicol, Assistant Administrator of Pathology, and their staff.   We are truly appreciative.

The new Autopsy Suite is state-of-the-art with key card and video-monitored access, two general service autopsy rooms, a separate suite for contaminated cases, photographic center, two adjustable height grossing stations, formalin specimen storage, supply room, clean area/office, and a locker room with shower.  The original marble table used by Dr. William Welch is still mounted on the wall.

Under the leadership of Autopsy Medical Director, Dr. Barbara Crain, and the technical assistance of Katie Flickinger, Pathologist Assistant, Moses Chappell, Autopsy Technician, and Pamela Wight, Medical Records Coordinator, the Autopsy Pathology Division performs approximately 400 autopsies a year to determine the cause of death, confirm clinical diagnoses, evaluate the effects of therapy and study disease process.  In addition to examining patients who died within the Hospital, the Division also performs private autopsies at the request of family members, physicians, or researchers.

[click to view]

“Special thanks to Jon Christofersen for his excellent photography”

Arlene Prescott
Assistant Administrator
Anatomic Pathology
Department of Pathology