Pathology resident presents at national dermatopathology conference

Muhammad Tahir, M.D., M.S.

Muhammad Tahir, M.D., M.S., a third-year pathology resident at USA Health, attended the 60th American Society of Dermatopathology (ASDP) conference and presented two posters. The conference was hosted by ASDP in Chicago and brought together dermatopathologists from across the United States. 

Tahir presented “Dermal Granuloma Annulare Post SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination: A Rare Case Report’’ and “Malignant Cutaneous Neurocristic Hamartoma with Features of Melanoma.’’ The attending dermatopathologists on the cases were Thuy Phung M.D., Ph.D., associate professor of pathology at the Whiddon College of Medicine and director of molecular genetic pathology and dermatopathology; and Kurt Knowles M.D., assistant professor of pathology at the Whiddon College of Medicine.

Tahir said he is interested in pursuing further training with a fellowship in dermatopathology, which involves the study and diagnosis of skin diseases and disorders by examining skin tissue and lesions under a microscope. Dermatopathologists play a crucial role in diagnosing and understanding various skin conditions, including skin cancers, inflammatory skin diseases, and infections. Their work is essential in helping clinicians and patients make informed decisions about treatment and management. Tahir is drawn to the challenge of deciphering the intricate histopathological patterns of skin diseases and contributing to the management of conditions that often have profound impacts on patients' quality of life.

“As a resident physician who has been actively engaged in the field of pathology and dermatopathology for several years, I can confidently say that this conference surpassed all expectations, thanks in no small part to the outstanding participation and remarkable poster presentations,” Tahir said. “I wholeheartedly recommend attending the ASDP conference to any professional in the field, as it offers an unparalleled platform for networking, knowledge exchange, and personal growth.”

Tahir has presented in multiple national and international conferences and has published more than 20 unique case reports and abstracts. His current research focuses on studying the effects of amygdalin on triple-negative breast cancer and melanoma, and the effect of nicotine on prostate cancer neurogenesis and angiogenesis.

Tahir earned his medical degree from Taishan Medical University in Shandong, China. Prior to starting his residency training with USA Health, he earned a master’s degree in molecular pathology from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio.