Winter 1996

From the Editor's Desk President's Message Publications Committee Report Proposed Bylaws Changes SPP Members on the Move The International Academy of Pathology, Budapest, Hungary Plan Ahead for the 1997 Interim Meeting Positions Available Announcements Problems, Controversies and Recent Advances in Pediatric Pathology

“What a difference a day makes”—this couldn’t be more true for those of you living in the Northwestern and Northeastern US this winter. The bizarre weather has even reached as far south as Dallas, with enough snow to cover the ground, which snarled traffic both on the ground and in the air. Here in Houston, weather is still pretty much HOT and HUMID. It wasn’t until this past weekend that air conditioners were turned off for the season—only to be turned on again for the “summer” in March.

This New Year brings change to the SPP: changes to the requirements for membership in the Society as outlined at the long-range planning retreat, and a new format for the Society’s journals. Both are steps towards our goals of a more widely recognized and appreciated speciality.

I have enjoyed working with President Buchino this year. He was always on time with reports and information for the Newsletter and always maintained a sense of humor. I have finished my first year as Editor of the Newsletter and probably the most profound statement that comes to mind is attributed to Baker: “Proofreading is more effective after publication.” Well, this is a new year and a new chance to do it right—wish me luck.  

By now you all should have received notice that the Society has entered into a new contractual relationship with Springer-Verlag to produce our official journal (tentatively titled “Pediatric and Developmental Pathology”) beginning in 1998. The new journal will also incorporate review type articles under a special section of Perspectives in Pediatric Pathology. A consolidated journal owned by the Society has been a goal for several years. The new contractual relationship with Springer-Verlag should also be more financially advantageous to the Society. Many individuals have played significant roles in bringing this to fruition. However, I would like to especially recognize and thank Dr. Ron Jaffe, and Mr. George Degnon for their efforts.

I’d also like to call your attention to the new revised membership application form that is enclosed with this newsletter. This form and the revised membership application process are the result of the concept expressed at the long-term planning session that the Society have a “big tent with easy entry.” As you will note, the new form does not require a member to sponsor the applicant and it states that any physician or scientist interested in pediatric pathology may join the Society. Use of this application is dependent on the adoption of the proposed bylaws changes outlined by Dr. Margraf in this Newsletter. Hopefully this will help to increase the number of members in the Society.

This is my final President’s Message. I thank you all for your input and support throughout the year. It has been an enjoyable year for me and an honor to serve as the Society’s President.  

You have all by now received the announcement of the new Society journal, tentatively entitled, Pediatric and Developmental Pathology, to be published by Springer-Verlag, New York. For the rest of this year you will continue to receive your copies of Pediatric Pathology and Laboratory Medicine (PP&LM), if you have paid your Society dues, that is. You will also receive, in 1997, Volume 20 of Perspectives in Pediatric Pathology. Continued payment of your Society dues will entitle you to the annual subscription to Pediatric and Developmental Pathology which will now incorporate Perspectives. The “Perspectives” section of the new journal will be collated and bound annually, and that too will be encompassed by the dues, keeping the series alive.

In order to continue the Society publication at the same high level, we must appeal to you and your colleagues to send ALL your publications to Pediatric and Developmental Pathology, beginning now. Denis Benjamin is Editor of the new journal, and is accepting articles. If you sent an article addressed to PP&LM in the past few weeks, you will be asked whether you want your article to be forwarded for the new journal, or receive it back. There is only one correct answer. The standard will, if anything, be higher, since competition for space will be ferocious.

There will be some added attractions to Pediatric and Developmental Pathology, new and more useful sections and many more color illustrations at little or no extra charge. We are currently looking at ways of enhancing the submissions by having added material, including color illustrations, archived and available on Springer’s or the Society’s home page. Keep this in mind as you prepare your articles. The “Perspectives” section will retain its Editors, Don Singer and Jim Dimmick, and their Editorial Board. The ideal article for “Perspectives” is longer, well illustrated and a landmark type of paper that characterized the early issues and give the publication its well earned prestige. If you have something in mind, contact the Editors early in the process and have them guide your planning. Until now there has not really been a forum for this type of paper, and they no longer have to fit the mold of a single topic issue.

What can we expect from PP&LM’s publishers after Volume 17, at the end of 1997? It is likely, since they own the journal, that they will try to keep it going by finding another Editor and Editorial Board. They may ask you to keep your subscription by offering a reduced price. Bear in mind that this will no longer be the Society’s journal, and we will have no connection with it. The Society will ask you and your institutional libraries to subscribe to Pediatric and Developmental Pathology.

Lastly, a word about the abstracting and indexing of the new journal. We will ask the National Library of Medicine to index the new journal in the Index Medicus at the earliest opportunity, which arises when four issues have been published. When the journal becomes indexed, it will be retrospective to the first issue. We ask that you be aware of the delay, but strongly urge you once again to support the Society and its academic efforts in the most direct way, by sending pediatric pathology papers where they belong, to Pediatric and Developmental Pathology. Address your papers to:

Denis R. Benjamin, M.D.
Editor-in-Chief, Pediatric and Developmental Pathology
Department of Pathology (CH-37)
Children’s Hospital & Medical Center
4800 Sand Point Way, NE
Seattle, WA 98105  

Following are the suggested revisions to the Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws of the Society for Pediatric Pathology which the Bylaws Committee is presenting to be voted on by the membership at the upcoming spring meeting. Wording to be eliminated is crossed out, while proposed new wording is in underlined italics.

Article I. Section 1. Purpose.
(ii) ... assist and promote the development and recognition of resident/fellow training programs in pediatric pathology and through the American Board of Pathology, establish and maintain a means by which pathologists may be certified as having a special competency in pediatric pathology;

Article II. Section 2. Nomination Application and Election. Candidates for Regular, Affiliate, or Junior membership may be nominated by any Regular member in good standing. Nominations shall be submitted through submit completed applications for membership to the office of the Secretary. Business Office.

The credentials of the candidate shall be reviewed by the Membership Committee and recommendations made to the Council. A list of candidates shall be distributed by first class mail to each Council member not less than 30 days prior to the designated time of election. The Council then shall elect to the membership those persons deemed to meet the criteria for membership. This election may be conducted at any meeting of the Council.  

The US and Canadian Contingent at the VII Latin American Conference on Pediatric Pathology enjoying a reception after a long day of meetings; Dr. Lila Penchansky, Dr. Alba Greco, Dr. Derek deSa and his wife Rosemary, Carolyn Haas and Dr. Joel Haas, and Dr. Edwina Popek (not pictured, Ellen Kahn).

The VII Conferencia Latinoamericana of Pediatric Pathology took place in Montevideo, Uruguay on September 25-28, 1996. It was a very successful meeting both scientifically and socially. The spirit of comradeship prevailed in every event and the host city, Montevideo, and its people charmed everyone. The president of the Congress, Dr. Carmen Gutierrez, together with the secretary, Dr. Sylvia Palenzuela and the Treasurer, Dr. Angeles Rodriguez, form the organizing committee. They did a superb job and the success of the meeting was very much a team effort since they counted on the unconditional support of their families and friends.

There were 156 participants, 43 of them were invited by the organizing committee. It was a meeting with an international flavor and physicians representing 16 countries participated: Uruguay (73), Brazil (26), Argentina (19), USA (9), Mexico (7), Chile (7), Colombia (3), Cuba (2), Peru (2), France (2), Panama (1), Canada (1), Costa Rica (1), Venezuela (1), Boliva (1), UK (1).

The meeting attracted a wide variety of physicians of different specialties such as neonatologists, obstetricians, pediatricians, surgeons, orthopedists, etc. This allowed for an invaluable exchange of ideas among physicians caring for the sick child.

The scientific sessions consisted of conferences, round tables, seminars, short and long courses and posters with presentation and discussion. A special feature of this meeting was the Clinicopathological Conferences held on three different subjects: perinatology, surgery and metabolic disease. These sessions were accompanied by an active and lively participation of pediatricians, surgeons, and pathologists. The meeting concluded with a happy farewell dinner and dance which filled our hearts with warm thanks for Dr. Carmen Gutierrez, the organizing committee and the city of Montevideo.

 

The view of the beach from the Hotel in Montevideo, Uruguay. In the Southern Hemisphere it was Spring time!

 

The International Pediatric Pathology Association met in concert with the International Academy of Pathology during the October meeting in Budapest, Hungary. Highlights of the scientific program included a slide seminar chaired by Drs. D. Harms and J. Berry. Dr. R. Kashula led a symposium on the causes and mechanisms of perinatal and neonatal death. Drs. D. Kalousek and J. Las Heras chaired a session on the placenta and a workshop on pediatric gastrointestinal diseases was led by Drs. V. Anderson and L. Boccon-Gibod. All constituent societies were present and welcomed Dr. K. Misugi of Japan as our IPPA president. Dr. D. Becroft from New Zealand is the president elect. In addition, Drs. E. Gilbert-Barness and R. Kaschula were awarded life fellowships in the IPPA. Dr. J. Haas has been named treasurer. New councilors include Drs. Hata (Japan), Las Heras (Chile), Bourne (Australia) and I. Moore (PPS). A committee has been formed to revise the IPPA constitution. Dr. D. Haust, founder of the IPPA, suggested planning a 25th anniversary celebration.

The 1997 advanced course in Istanbul, Turkey has been over subscribed. Dr. L. Boccon-Gibod is organizing the next IPPA meeting in Nice, France from October 18-23, 1998. Dr. V. Anderson in continuing the outreach that sent an IPPA contingent to China (1995), India (1996), and Uruguay (1996), would like to organize an IPPA conference in Poland. Also suggestions are being sought by Dr. J. Huber for the International Pediatric World Congress in August 1998. IPPA members are encouraged to propose ways to promote excellence in the laboratory diagnosis of children’s diseases throughout the world.

Mark your calendar now for September 26-28, 1997, the dates of the 1997 Interim meeting of the Society for Pediatric Pathology. This year’s events will take place in the Land O’Lakes, the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota. Educational activities will include platform and poster presentations, as well as a symposium on current topics in pediatric hematopathology. The social agenda will allow you to experience the region’s finest cuisine and cultural delights, beginning with a beer-tasting reception featuring local breweries on Friday evening and culminating in an exhibition of Scandinavian music and dancing following the Saturday night banquet.

Meeting registration brochures will be available at the SPP annual meeting in Orlando, FL, March 1-2, and enclosed with the next newsletter.  

PEDIATRIC PATHOLOGIST CHAIRPERSON
DEPARTMENT OF PATHOLOGY
THE CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL
UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO SCHOOL OF MEDICINE DENVER, CO

The Children’s Hospital of Denver and the Department of Pathology of the University of Colorado School of Medicine are conducting a joint external search for the position of Chair of the Department of Pathology at The Children’s Hospital and Associate Professor/Professor in the Department of Pathology of the School of Medicine. We seek a dynamic and visionary academic leader with a commitment to excellence in pediatric pathology clinical service, education and research and to expanding the relationship with the University Department of Pathology. The candidate should possess superior administrative skills and should also have a significant record in education, research, diagnostic pathology, and an interest in the health care environment. Board certification (eligibility or qualification) in pediatric pathology is required. Rank and salary are commensurate with experience and achievement.

The Children’s Hospital and the University of Colorado are committed to Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action. Letter of interest or nomination along with a curriculum vitae and names of three references should be sent before February 28, 1997 to: Lorrie F. Odom, MD, Search Committee Chair, Professor of Pediatrics, UCHSC, Director, Clinical Oncology, The Children’s Hospital, 1056 E. 19th Avenue B-115, Denver, Colorado 80218; Phone: (303) 861-6750; Fax: (303) 837-2831; E-mail: Odom.Lorrie@ TCHDEN.ORG  

INTERNATIONAL PLACENTAL PATHOLOGY GROUP

Are you interested in becoming a member of an international group devoted to supporting and promoting excellence in the field of placental pathology research throughout the world?

If you are a pathologist involved in placental research in areas like perinatal pathology obstetric and gynecologic pathology, immunology, vascular pathology and other areas related to placental pathology, we invite you to consider joining this scientific organization. We will be incorporated with the International Federation of Placental Associations. We will have a tentative, preliminary business meeting in Orlando during the IAP Congress (USCAP). Please submit your name, title, address, and area of interest to: Jorge Las Heras, MD, PhD, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Independencia 1027, Santiago, Chile; Fax: 56-2-777-4890; E-mail: jlashera@machi.med.uchile.cl

PROBLEMS, CONTROVERSIES AND RECENT ADVANCES IN PEDIATRIC PATHOLOGY

The Institute of Pediatric Medical Education and the Society for Pediatric Pathology (SPP) will jointly sponsor a course on the problems, controversies and recent advances in pediatric surgical pathology as part of the 19th Annual Aspen Conferences on Pediatric Disease. The week-long seminar will be held at the Gant in Aspen, CO from August 4 - 8, 1997 under the director of Drs. Louis P. Dehner and Frederic B. Askin.

This course is designed primarily for general and pediatric pathologists but will be of interest to pediatric pulmonologists, hepatologists, and oncologists. Presentations will include discussions of pulmonary and hepatic diseases in children, selected tumors, and a variety of other disorders such as gastrointestinal inflammatory diseases, endocrine pathology and “pearls” of pediatric pathology. A microscopic slide set of 24 cases will be sent to participants prior to the conference, and the cases will be discussed in detail during a series of slide seminars. Participants may also submit cases for a “Stump the Faculty” session. Faculty members include J. B. Beckwith, L. P. Dehner, F. B. Askin, J. T. Stocker, J. Dimmick, R. Shikes and A. Husain. Course participants will also receive a 250 - 300 page syllabus including conference presentations and slide seminar discussions.

This course, through the SPP, is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME). The SPP certifies that this CME activity meets the criteria for 29 credit hours in category 1 for the Physicians Recognition Award of the American Medical Association.

For further information, contact the Institute for Pediatric Medical Education, 6604 Landon Lane, Bethesda, MD 20817. Telephone and fax: 301/229-8338

VIIth Congress of the European Society for the Study & Prevention of Infant Death
May 1 - 3, 1997
Barcelona Spain

This is a multidisciplinary congress which will include a plenary session, workshop, free papers and posters. Anyone interested should contact: VIIth ESPID Congress, Valencia, 261 entresol 1, 08007 Barcelona, Spain; Fax: (34-3) 488-12-79, E-mail: grupserveis@bon.sevicom.es