Dermatopathology

Northwest Pathology offers full time dermatopathology service by board certified dermatopathologists Dr. Greg Wolgamot and Dr. Ryan Fortna.  Dr. Wolgamot trained at Harvard's Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, as well as at the University of Washington. Dr. Fortna trained at the University of Pennsylvania, and completed his dermatopathology fellowship at the University of Michigan.

Drs. Wolgamot and Fortna enjoy working closely with their clinical colleagues.  They frequently discuss interesting and important cases with clinicians to arrive at the most accurate diagnoses.  They meet daily to review the most complex cases, providing an automatic second opinion by a dermatopathologist on the most critical cases, including all major malignancies.  Drs. Fortna and Wolgamot both hold PhD's in molecular and cellular biology and have an interest in continuing clinical and translational research.  They have worked on several research projects in collaboration with the faculty at the Universities of Washington, Pennsylvania, and Michigan.  A list of prior publications can be provided upon request.

Our laboratory performs all special stains and procedures (including immunohistochemistry and direct immunofluorescence) that are necessary to evaluate skin biopsies. Turnaround time on most biopsies is 24 hours, including those that require immunohistochemistry or immunofluorescence studies.

Teaching/CME conferences are regularly provided on topics in dermatopathology.

GI Pathology

Gastrointestinal pathology is a special interest of 5 our pathologists, Drs. M. Owings, C. Allen, K. Lloyd, G. Wolgamot, and A. Masangkay.

Dr. Owings trained with Dr. Rodger Haggitt at Baptist Memorial Hospital. With a teaching appointment at the Oregon Health Sciences University, he taught gastrointestinal pathology to pathology and gastrointestinal clinical fellows for many years. Drs. Allen and Lloyd completed gastrointestinal pathology fellowships at the University of Washington.  Drs. Owings, Allen, and Lloyd are great believers in education, and synergistically scour the gastrointestinal and pathology literature for relevant articles to ensure accurate and up to date diagnoses.

CME conferences in GI pathology are regularly provided by Drs. M. Owings, C. Allen, and K. Lloyd. 

Molecular Pathology

Northwest Pathology offers complete services in anatomic pathology, including evaluation of biopsies and large surgical resection specimens, cytologic specimens, and autopsies.

Neuropathology

Dr. John Hoyt, having fellowship training in Neuropathology, offers a consultation service for brain biopsies, as well as whole brains from autopsies. He has a particular interest in neurodegenerative diseases.

Women's Health

We offer examination of both GYN and non-GYN cytology specimens. Our Cytology Department, directed by a board-certified cytopathologist Dr. L. Berle Stratton, has four full time cytotechnologists.

We employ state-of-the-art equipment for examination of liquid phase Pap specimens, and perform and/or coordinate appropriate molecular testing for infectious agents, including Chlamydia, gonorrhea, and HPV testing. Pap smear reports show a summary of recent Pap results, and are signed out with current ASCCP recommendations for follow-up.

Outpatient FNA's of palpable masses are regularly performed by Dr. B. Stratton at the NWP facility. An FNA can be scheduled by calling 734-2800.