Amna Khan

Authored professional scientific papers for peer-reviewed journals and conducted research on two projects:

(1) Investigated the overexpression of Cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA-4) in a subset of prolactin- and growth hormone-secreting pituitary adenomas.

(2) Studied the expression of PD-L1 and PD-1 in the human hypothalamus and their implications in the development of hypothalamitis.

(1)Investigated the overexpression of Cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA-4) in a subset of prolactin- and growth hormone-secreting pituitary adenomas:

The first project, conducted in collaboration with another postdoctoral research fellow, aimed to investigate the expression of CTLA-4 in a subset of pituitary adenomas. Tumor samples were collected through the Hopkins Rapid Autopsy Program and analyzed to determine whether CTLA-4 could serve as a potential therapeutic target for a subset of aggressive pituitary adenomas.

(2) Studied the expression of PD-L1 and PD-1 in the human hypothalamus and their implications in the development of hypothalamitis:

These projects involved collecting human hypothalamus samples following the gross examination of a human brain received from the Medical Examiner’s office. The tissues were embedded in paraffin wax, sectioned using a microtome, and subjected to immunohistochemistry (IHC) to assess PD-L1 and PD-1 expression. After staining and washing, efforts were made to co-localize the expression to specific cell types, including neurons, oligodendrocytes, microglia, and astrocytes. The goal of this research was to investigate why some patients receiving pembrolizumab, nivolumab, and cemiplimab developed diabetes insipidus and exhibited signs of hypothalamic dysfunction.

(3)The third project involved analyzing patient sera for the presence of anti-Rabphilin-3A antibodies in individuals diagnosed with lymphocytic infundibulo-neurohypophysitis:

This study aimed to investigate the potential role of these autoantibodies in the pathogenesis of the disease. This project involved collecting human hypothalamus and pituitary specimens from the Medical Examiner’s office for analysis.Embedding tissue sections in OCT and sectioning them using a cryostat. Performing immunofluorescence using patient sera. Visualizing the samples with a fluorescence microscope.

Research Publications: Multi-Centric Study: Internship – Pathology Department Anatomical Pathology Clinical Pathology Licensure

Observer/Researcher UChicago, Pathology Department:

Attending the 8 AM resident conferences, which included Anatomic and clinical didactics, surgical pathology slides/gross conference and cytology conferences.

ANATOMIC PATHOLOGY:

Surgical Pathology:

• Observing the work-flow in the surgical pathology department
• Assisting residents in grossing, documentation of gross description, selection of tissue for sectioning and facilitating in making and labeling cassettes
• Learning and assisting with tissue processing including fixation, embedding, microtomy and tissue staining
• Participating in daily resident sign-out with all surgical pathology sub-specialties
• Learning and assisting in the preparation of path report using the Co-path software
• Observing the pathologists carry out frozen sections, their documentation and interpretation
• How rush diagnosis/conclusion are made and the results communicated to the surgeons.

Cytology:

• Differentiating between preparation technique in cytology, process of adequacy checking and characterization of the types of specimens received for cytologic work-up
• Observing how FNA procedures are carried out, how samples are prepared and adequacy of the sample checked
• Attending sign-outs with the cytology department; learning how the interpretation of various specimens in made
• learning how reporting systems provides a uniform approach for classifying and reporting; cervical, thyroid, salivary gland and urinary cytology.

Autopsy:

• Viewing how forensic and Medical autopsies are carried out.
• The mechanisms used to clinically review and prepare for post-mortem examination.
• participating in post mortem dissections/specimen evaluation.
• identifiying and learning the components of the autopsy report.

• Title: Manual of Molecular and Clinical Laboratory Immunology, 9th Edition
• Chapter Contribution: Endocrinopathies – Chronic Thyroiditis, Hypophysitis, Addison’s Disease, Premature Ovarian Failure, Male Infertility, and Diabetes
• Published: January 1, 2024

Title: Comparison and Prognostic Outcomes in Post-Cardiac Transplant Patients with Acute Antibody-Mediated Rejection, Acute Cellular Rejection, or Mixed Rejection in Adult and Pediatric Populations

Principal Investigators:

• Dr. Aliya Husain – University of Chicago
• Dr. Katte Carreon – Boston Children's Hospital

My Role:

• Collected and analyzed data on adult cardiac transplant rejection at the University of Chicago.
• Retrieved and reviewed historical pathology reports and slides from 2000 to 2023.
• Conducted re-analysis of cases and statistical evaluation of patient outcomes.

Shifa International Hospital, Islamabad, Pakistan (2022 – 2023)

Surgical Pathology:

• Performed tissue processing and managed a high daily turnover of gross specimens (20–25), ensuring accurate identification and cross-checking with surgical pathology request forms before accessioning.
• Conducted grossing, documented gross descriptions, selected tissues for sectioning, and prepared and labeled cassettes.
• Participated in sign-outs with various surgical pathology specialties during rotations and assisted in preparing final pathology reports.
• Assisted in frozen section preparation with the attending pathologist, contributing to accurate diagnosis and report writing.

Autopsy (Forensic/Medical):

• Performed post-mortem examinations, including external examination and documentation.
• Conducted gross dissections, internal examinations, and specimen photography.
• Performed microscopic examination of specimens.

Blood Bank/Transfusion Medicine:

• Monitored blood product utilization and observed therapeutic apheresis procedures, including patient counseling and history-taking.
• Performed and interpreted approximately 30 different blood indices, coagulation reports, and peripheral smears daily.
• Reviewed hemoglobin electrophoresis results and discussed findings with the attending pathologist.
• Obtained patient history for bone marrow biopsy cases, assisted in bone marrow aspiration, and prepared slides.
• Reviewed and analyzed cases of various hematologic conditions, including chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), acute myeloid leukemia (AML), as well as pancytopenia, thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP), immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), and heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT).

Internship – House Officer

April 2021 – 2022

• Medicine & Allied: 6 months
• Surgery & Allied: 6 months

Pakistan Medical and Dental Council

• Permanent Medical License No.: 762675-01-M
• Validity: September 2022 – February 2025