Presented By: Hima Nesbit, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University
Co-Authors: Amanda Barrett, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University
Anna Edmondson, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University
Thomas Lyons, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University
Alexandra Medeiros, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University
Dilan Shah, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University
Adam Zbib, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University

Background
At the Medical College of Georgia, students participate in a First Patient Discoveries Project during the pre-clerkship curriculum. This project allows students to explore the life and death of their "first patient", their body donor. Encouraging evidence-based inquiry and self-directed learning, students complete dissections, examine pathologies, and biopsy findings to establish a probable cause of death. The project provides an opportunity to connect pathological observations noted on body donors to our didactic studies. Here we describe how we determined our donor's cause of death and discuss our knowledge gained regarding our patient's diagnosis, drawing connections to lectures we received. 

Methods
Observations of the body donor, including any visible pathology, were noted during each dissection. Biopsies were taken from the uterine tube, peritoneum, anterior thoracic wall, diaphragm, colon, and lungs. H&E staining and staining for tumor markers was performed. Pathologists were consulted to discuss the findings. 

Results 
Our body donor was an 84-year-old female, who reportedly died of peritoneal cancer. Through dissection, we found a solid ovarian mass and metastases throughout the abdomen and thorax. Histological analysis revealed a high-grade serous carcinoma with multiple tumor deposits, psammoma bodies in the lungs and lymphovascular space, necrosis, and high mitotic activity in cancer cells. While these concepts were briefly introduced in our lectures, our project and subsequent staining for tumor markers allowed us to delve deeper, enhancing our understanding of the route of metastasis from the pelvis to abdominal and thoracic cavities.  

Conclusion 
The First Patient Discoveries Project prepares medical students for clerkship and their future medical careers by bridging the gap between the clinical didactic curriculum and observations made during dissection. Through this project, we demonstrate how first-hand dissection experiences enhance traditional curriculum teachings, offering a more comprehensive understanding of diseases.