Location
Rochester, Minnesota
SUMMARY
The primary research focus of R. Ross Reichard, M.D., is the neuropathological characterization of the brains of individuals who have been enrolled in large longitudinal studies through the Alzheimer's Disease Research Center at Mayo Clinic and the Mayo Clinic Study of Aging.
After death, participants' brains undergo neuropathological evaluations that provide a pathological diagnosis to integrate with rich clinical, genetic and imaging data. Collaborations with researchers and clinicians provide insights into neurodegenerative diseases and typical aging while honoring the patients who have so generously participated in these studies.
Dr. Reichard also conducts research on a range of neurodegenerative diseases and pediatric neuropathology, which includes traumatic brain injury (TBI) and sudden unexpected death in childhood.
Focus areas
- Cerebral amyloid angiopathy. Clinical and radiology evaluations, integrated with the neuropathology, aim to better understand the distribution of amyloid angiopathy, its association with microbleeds, and its impact on antemortem imaging interpretation.
- TBI. Clinicopathological studies help to better understand TBI and the long-term sequelae, such as chronic traumatic encephalopathy.
- Neuropathology of COVID-19. Clinicopathological studies contribute to understanding the acute and long-term effects of COVID-19 infection on the central nervous system.
Significance to patient care
The neuropathological evaluations conducted by Dr. Reichard provide a final pathological diagnosis to patients' families, which brings closure and may provide important information for their future medical care. Neuropathological diagnoses help providers and researchers understand the clinical manifestation of the underlying pathological processes, are part of a large data repository, and are integrated into many different studies.
Professional highlights
- President, American Association of Neuropathologists, 2021
- Lifetime Achievement Award, College of American Pathologists, 2021
- Forensic Pathology Committee Chair, College of American Pathologists, 2017-2020
PROFESSIONAL DETAILS
Primary Appointment
- Consultant, Division of Anatomic Pathology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology
Academic Rank
- Associate Professor of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology
EDUCATION
- Fellow - Forensic Pathology Fellowship Office of Medical Investigator, University of New Mexico
- Residency - Credentialing Year Department of Pathology, Stanford Medical School
- Resident - Combined residency in Anatomic Pathology and Neuropathology University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
- MD University of Louisville School of Medicine
- Master of Science - Master of Science in Anatomical Sciences and Neurobiology Graduate School, University of Louisville
- BA - Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology Centre College of Kentucky