Departments

Our expert pathologists are key players in all health care provided by Yale Medicine. By studying bodily fluids and tissues, we help other physicians make diagnoses. We offer highly specialized diagnostic and consultation services in all major specialty and subspecialty areas of pathology. Our subspecialists attend all regular meetings in which a number of doctors from various specialties review and discuss a patient's medical condition and treatment options.They are on call around the clock, ensuring that doctors working in oncology, surgery, transplantation, and other service areas always have access to our expert knowledge. Our internationally recognized physicians offer specialized expertise in breast, cytopathology (cell), dermatologic, endocrine, gastrointestinal and liver, gynecological, head and neck, hematologic (blood), neurologic, ophthalmologic, pediatric, kidney, soft-tissue and bone, transplant, thoracic and urologic pathology, molecular and genomic pathology, and autopsy pathology. Specialized care is offered in the following areas: Accredited PD-LI testing Autopsy Cytopathology Intraoperative frozen section and tumor triaging service Molecular diagnostics and tumor genomics profiling Pediatric pathology Support laboratories: histology, immunohistochemistry, translational pathology, and electron microscopy and quantitative immunofluorescence analysis of multiplexed tumor markers Surgical pathology with subspecialty expertise in gastrointestinal tract and liver; prostate; bladder; kidney; gynecological tract; endocrine system; head, neck, and oropharynx; bone and soft tissue; hematologic and lymphoid system; brain, muscle and eye; pulmonary system; and transplantation

Cancer Screening strategies are used to identify cancers at their earliest stage, before the onset of signs and symptoms, when the disease is most easily treated or cured. Cancer Prevention strategies are used to minimize the risk of cancer occurring. The Smilow Screening & Prevention Program brings together doctors and researchers at Smilow Cancer Hospital and Yale Cancer Center who are focused on merging the best science with the best cancer prevention and screening programs. Our goal is to provide patients in Connecticut with the tools they need to stay healthy. Screening Our Program offers many different screening tests for cancer of many types. Cancer screening tests are for patients who do not have symptoms. The goal of these tests is to find cancer as early as possible, and before any symptoms appear. Some, but not all, cancer screening tests detect potential problems and allow the doctor to remove the suspicious tissue at the time of the screening. This is important as it means that patients are less likely to develop cancer later in life. Sometimes the screening test results in a finding that requires more follow-up testing. Cancer screening offers the most protection when it is done on a regular basis as recommended by physicians. Patients should consult with their primary care physicians to determine which tests they recommend based on factors including gender, age, family history, and possibly race or ethnicity. Prevention Our program offers information to help patients make choices that can maintain their health and potentially reduce their risk of cancer. It is usually not possible to know why one person develops cancer and another does not. Healthy choices help all people--whether they have a family history of cancer or not--reduce their risk of developing cancer and many other chronic diseases. Avoiding smoking or chewing tobacco, choosing a diet that is rich in fruits and vegetables, exercising regularly, avoiding sitting for long periods, limiting alcohol, protecting skin and eyes from the sun and tanning beds are all key elements of healthy living. Following physician advice on regular cancer screening is also critical to long-term health. Types of cancer screening Click on the links below for more information on these specific cancer screening tests at Smilow Cancer Hospital: Lung Cancer Colorectal Cancer Breast Cancer Prostate Cancer Cervical Cancer Skin Cancer Head & Neck Cancer

At Laboratory Medicine, we study the molecular and cellular components of blood and other body fluids. This work is crucial to diagnosing and managing illness and understanding the mechanisms and origins of disease.Our physicians, known as clinical pathologists, provide consultations to other doctors regarding optimal laboratory diagnostic approaches and the interpretation of complex laboratory tests. Our team includes pathologists, scientists, phlebotomists, medical technicians, technologists, and others who perform important support functions for our state-of-the-art laboratory. We are available every day, 24 hours a day, for physicians. We perform approximately 10 million tests each year, and also provide specialized high-tech testing to other hospitals in the Yale New Haven Health System and institutions throughout New England, and as far away as Puerto Rico. We also operate multiple satellite facilities and patient service centers located throughout the state. We ensure that every test we offer—at every location—is accurate and reliable. When physicians request to have patients’ blood drawn, here is what happens: Collection: A doctor, nurse, technician, or phlebotomist will draw the patient’s blood. Several tubes may be needed for different types of tests. Depending on what illness the patient might have, his or her doctor may want to obtain a urine sample, throat swab, or other sample. After the sample is collected, the container is labeled with the patient’s name and other information. The sample is received and processed by the Laboratory, and testing begins: Chemistry Testing Blood and other bodily fluids are tested for chemicals, drugs, and substances that indicate disease. We check cholesterol and other tests for risk of heart disease, glucose to monitor diabetes, or thyroxin to monitor the thyroid gland. Hematology Testing We analyze the amount and function of blood cells and plasma. Examples include the Complete Blood Count (CBC) that tells the doctor how many cells of each type are in the patient’s blood, and the prothrombin time (PT) to measure the time it takes for the blood to clot. Microbiology Testing We test a variety of specimen samples for infections caused by bacteria, fungi, or parasites. We often do urine cultures for urinary tract infections. Virology Testing We test for viral infections. This includes rapid tests for respiratory viruses such as influenza, molecular tests for noroviruses, and antibody tests for HIV. Immunology/Molecular Diagnostics Some tests are used to determine whether the immune system is functioning properly. State-of-the-art analysis of DNA and RNA is used to test for a variety of diseases and for the risk of developing certain diseases. Other specialized tests include the ANA, used to screen for autoimmune disease, and Factor V Leiden genotyping for patients with blood clots. Tumor Profiling Laboratory This lab analyzes tumor DNA to predict the sensitivity or resistance of tumors to a

Our multidisciplinary group of physicians and health providers are committed to providing state-of-the-art therapy to our patients with hepatitis B and hepatitis C infections. We have a 50-year tradition of excellence in liver research and patient care, and continue to be international leaders on the study and treatment of liver disorders. As a partner of the Yale School of Medicine Liver Center, one of only four liver research centers in the country sponsored by the National Institutes of Health, ours is the premier program in Connecticut offering comprehensive patient care for individuals with viral hepatitis. The key to effective disease management of acute and chronic viral hepatitis is our coordinated care among specially trained physicians, as well as a specialized nurse who provides teaching and psychological support. We enjoy close relationships with specialists in adult and pediatric gastroenterology, transplant hepatology, medical and transplant nephrology, transplant surgery, gastrointestinal pathology, diagnostic and interventional radiology, gastrointestinal surgery, rheumatology, OB/GYN, medical and surgical oncology, infectious diseases, the AIDS Care Program, psychiatry, and addiction medicine. The Gastrointestinal Pathology program at Yale is the only subspecialty program of its kind in Connecticut, and provides expert consultative services for the most challenging liver pathology examinations in the region. We partner with Yale New Haven Hospital’s Nathan Smith Clinic in the management of patients with HBV/HIV and HCV/HIV co-infections, and with the Yale Liver Transplant Program in the pre- and post-transplant evaluation and management of patients with liver cirrhosis and end-stage liver disease. We have four areas aimed at improving treatment and outcomes for viral hepatitis: Education: Providing formal education classes and individualized instruction sessions for patients with chronic hepatitis C infection prior to the initiation of antiviral therapy Treatment: Maintaining high standards of practice in treatment protocols and close coordination of care with referring physicians to provide the most advanced and scientifically based approaches to the management of viral hepatitis Research: Ensuring the opportunity for patient access to novel approaches in the treatment of viral hepatitis and liver disorders through clinical trials Community outreach: Building relationships with the surrounding communities of Greater New Haven and Connecticut to raise awareness about viral hepatitis, and to promote screening and education Special services offered by the Yale Viral Hepatitis Program include: Weekly multidisciplinary patient care conferences and liver pathology conferences to draw upon the varied expertise of our Yale Medicine physicians Coordination with the liver and kidney transplant programs Comprehensive services for diagnostic and interventional GI endoscopy, percutaneous and trans-jugular liver biopsy, paracentesis and trans

Our program, focused on adult primary care, is known for its excellence and emphasis on prevention and wellness. We efficiently manage potential medical problems as they arise, and collaborate with specialists when needed. Our practice includes internal medicine physicians, advanced nurse practitioners, a clinical psychologist, a social worker, registered-nurse patient care coordinators, licensed practical nurses, medical assistants, clerical office staff, and a practice supervisor. Our goal is to provide patients with the highest quality, personalized healthcare in the Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) model of care. The PCMH model of care focuses on five areas: Building strong, collaborative health care teams that work together to meet the needs of patients Providing patient-centered care addressing the whole person, respecting patients’ values and preferences Coordinating comprehensive health care through clear communication among patients, families, caregivers, medical and behavioral health providers, hospitals, and other facilities Improving patients’ access to care, through such initiatives as expanded office hours and providing email access to electronic medical records Improving health care quality and standards by providing evidence-based care, patient and family education, and self-management support We would like to hear your direct feedback regarding your experience as a patient/family member of our clinic. Please visit the YIMA Patient/Family Comment Box to provide your feedback. Sign up for MyChart , our secure online patient portal, that gives you access to all of your Yale health information whenever you need it, wherever you may be.

We offer state-of-the-art evaluation and treatment for patients with a wide range of lung disorders, including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema, lung cancer, and undiagnosed or general respiratory problems. Many patients come to us with work-related pulmonary disease or with sleep disorders. They might not have a diagnosis, but have symptoms such as persistent or nagging cough, or shortness of breath at rest or with exertion. Our skilled, experienced specialists can diagnose and take care of difficult or unusual problems. The history of our center dates back more than a century, when it was set up through a bequest from Sarah Winchester in memory of her husband, William Wirt Winchester, and their young daughter, both of whom succumbed to tuberculosis. This gift resulted in the establishment of the original Winchester Hospital in West Haven, dedicated to the care of patients with tuberculosis. Today, the Winchester Center for Lung Disease at Yale New Haven Hospital is committed to the integration of cutting-edge patient care, education, and research across the full spectrum of pulmonary disorders. Our specialists are faculty members of the Yale School of Medicine Section of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, with national and international expertise in treating even the most challenging lung conditions. The center is continually evolving to meet changing needs. Most recently, in response to COVID-19, the center developed a Post-COVID-19 Recovery Program , which offers pulmonary-focused, multidisciplinary evaluation and care for patients recovering from COVID-19. In addition to our comprehensive general pulmonary practice, we offer the specialty center programs listed below. For more information about any of these programs, call the Winchester Center for Lung Disease at 203-495-2410. Adult Cystic Fibrosis Center Cystic fibrosis (CF) was previously thought of as a childhood disease, but is now considered a chronic disease because more adults in the U.S. are living longer with CF and maintaining good quality of life. The Adult CF Program provides team-based care for adults with CF on both an inpatient and outpatient basis. Our comprehensive program includes diagnosis, treatment, and counseling for sinus, pulmonary, gastrointestinal, liver, nutritional, endocrine, mental health, and reproductive issues. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an inflammatory lung disease that blocks airflow from the lungs and makes it difficult to breathe. The COPD Program (including emphysema, chronic bronchitis, and asthma/COPD overlap syndrome) provides a personalized treatment plan for each patient to help manage their COPD. Whether patients have mild symptoms, need rehabilitation, or require assisted ventilation, we can help. Chronic Pulmonary Infection Research and Treatment (CPIRT) This program is focused on the leading innovative care and research for acute

At the Pediatric Genomics Discovery Program (PGDP) at Yale, we offer patients and their families with potential undiagnosed genetic diseases an opportunity to be evaluated by a team of physician-researchers specializing in genetics. Roughly one in 30 babies born in the United States each year has a genetic condition. These conditions can range from abnormal limbs, to a permanently weakened heart, to an overly curved spine. In some cases, a medical team might be able to identify, at a cellular level, the exact cause of a condition. In other cases, however, the cause of a child's disease remains unclear even after extensive evaluation and testing. We are embarking on a study to uncover answers to undiagnosed diseases in children and adults by studying their genetics, and are looking for participants. The short video below explains our study. Click here to sign a consent form and to provide other demographic information. [note to tech: add an External link to Kohezion e-consent form and other demographic information.] What is this study about? We want to study undiagnosed genetic diseases because it will help us understand what these conditions are, what might happen to people with these conditions, and what doctors could potentially do to treat them. How will this study help me? We hope to provide some answers for you or your child’s condition, although we can’t know ahead of time if we will find all the answers. Your participation could help others with similar conditions in the future. What do I need to do to get started? Here is how you can participate: Learn more about the study by reviewing the information on this website. Sign up using our online consent process through this link: [LINK to e-consent form]. We will ask you to provide some background information about you, the best way to contact you, and your consent to participate in our study. Provide us with samples from kits that we will ship directly to your home. Our team’s medical experts will then reach out to you to learn your story and gather any additional medical information we might need. Our team will take it from there. What samples do I need to provide? Most of the time, a saliva sample is all we need. If we ask for further samples, these will most likely be additional saliva. However, in rare cases, we may ask for a blood sample. By enrolling in this study, you are giving us permission to ask for, collect, and use additional samples for study purposes. You can change your mind or decline to provide samples at any time—it is completely up to you. What will the research team do? We will use the samples you provide us to perform a state-of-the-art, comprehensive genetic analysis. With that, we may be able to detect previously undiscovered genetic causes of your child’s genetic disease that are not identified by conventional clinical testing. Is my family eligible to participate? To participate in the study, the affected child, Mom, and Dad will each ne

Established in 1990, the Ovarian Cancer Early Detection Program provides women with new methods for the prevention, early detection, and treatment of gynecologic cancers. The direct connection between the research lab and patient care makes ours the leading center for women’s reproductive cancer research and treatment. The ovary is the fifth most common site for cancer to develop in American women. However, it is the fourth leading cause of cancer deaths in American women. There are more deaths from ovarian cancer than from cervical and uterine cancers combined. The program aims to identify ovarian cancer in its early stages when it is highly curable. We are committed to providing a comprehensive approach to treating reproductive cancers. Our multidisciplinary team is composed of physicians, scientists, nurses, genetic counselors, geneticists, and other medical staff. The Ovarian Cancer Early Detection Program was established in order to identify: Screening tests that are the most appropriate for detecting early ovarian cancer The frequency with which these tests should be employed How frequently these tests are normally performed We offer the following specialized services for women: Risk assessments, including genetic counseling and physical examinations The latest surgical interventions and postoperative treatment New diagnostic imaging and ultrasound technologies Opportunities for women with normal physical and ultrasound examination results and also for women with ovarian cancer to participate in approved clinical trials to develop new treatments Our approach to ovarian and other gynecological cancers is rooted in a program called Discovery to Cure, a broad initiative launched by Yale to combat all reproductive cancers. The program combines the cutting-edge research we do in the lab with a multidisciplinary team approach to patient care and the latest early detection methods.

The Cancer-Infectious Diseases (Cancer-ID) Program is an integrated multidisciplinary clinic that will provide supportive consultative services to people with HIV and cancer. Dedicated HIV/ID specialists from Yale Medicine will work closely with the patient’s oncology care team to manage care for patients with HIV undergoing cancer treatment. A team of providers, including surgical oncologists, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and pathologists, will provide consultative services for people with HIV with hematologic malignancies, gastrointestinal, genitourinary, head and neck, thoracic, dermatologic, and breast cancers, as well as those with Kaposi Sarcoma, liver, gynecologic, and neuro-oncologic malignancies. Access to a wide variety of support services and clinical trials is also available. People with HIV have higher rates of cancer incidence compared to uninfected individuals. In addition, they have worse outcomes after a diagnosis of cancer. Because the majority of cancer clinical trials do not include patients with HIV among their study population, there is little evidence-based guidance with regard to cancer care for these patients. What’s more, the patient experience may additionally suffer because this patient population includes an underserved and understudied group who are often impacted by health inequities and health disparities. With the advent of immune-based therapies and personalized approaches to cancer care, the lack of data within the HIV population to guide treatment decision-making further impacts health disparities among this underserved population. The Cancer-Infectious Diseases, or Cancer-ID program, was established in July 2022 to provide consultative care to patients with HIV who are also diagnosed with cancer. Brinda Emu, MD, serves as the director of the Cancer-ID program. She and Mark Lustberg, MD, are HIV specialists with a specific interest in cancer care and will see patients on a consultative basis. The Cancer-ID program will be located within the Yale Center for Infectious Disease, which is directed by Lydia Aoun-Barakat, MD. The program additionally has the support of Yale Cancer Center leadership. It is led by Jill Lacy, MD, and a large network of consultative affiliated oncology faculty members across all oncology disease areas, who serve as liaisons and ambassadors within the Yale Cancer Center to ensure appropriate and timely care to patients with both HIV and cancer, including access to clinical care and ancillary services. There are three main goals of the Cancer-ID program: Provide consultative care to patients with both HIV and cancer to facilitate and manage both HIV infection and cancer care throughout and beyond cancer treatment Improve the patient experience while receiving cancer care Identify and engage patients in research activities and clinical trials when appropriate The program additionally hopes to build expertise in the clinical care of cancer among people with HIV, provide ou