Rex Bentley, MD, is stepping down from his role as vice chair and director of Surgical Pathology at the end of 2024. He will continue his clinical, educational, and academic activities and will carry on serving as a mentor and a consultant to department members.
“We wish to thank Rex for his many years of dedicated service and leadership in this role during which time our surgical pathology division has flourished,” said Johnston-West Endowed Department Chair of Pathology Jiaoti Huang, MD, PhD. “Our faculty and trainees have benefitted tremendously from his superior diagnostic skills and his wisdom. His leadership has helped to create a culture of collaboration and support that we have all enjoyed. We are very lucky to have such a role model among us.”
Bentley is a Professor of Pathology and member of the Duke Cancer Institute. His outcome-based research centers on pathology of endometrial carcinoma, a type of cancer that starts in the lining of the uterus, called the endometrium. He also focuses on endometrial pathology, especially as it relates to molecular/genetic alterations in neoplasms, and on ovarian pathology, chiefly as it relates to molecular and genetic alterations in neoplasms. He seeks to improve accuracy of radiographic screening for breast cancer by careful patho-radiographic correlation and study of improved imaging techniques (especially ultrasound).
Starting Jan. 1st, 2025, Vice Chair for Pathology Informatics Raj Dash, MD, will assume Bentley’s former role of vice chair and director of Surgical Pathology. Dash is a professor of Pathology, director of Laboratory Information Strategy, and medical director of Laboratory Information Systems.
In addition to pathology, his background includes computer science. He is passionate about bringing a combination of technical expertise and clinical knowledge to members and staff. His unique knowledge and expertise enable him to advocate for the optimal tools and resources that pathologists need in today’s digital world. He continues to position pathologists in leadership roles in the delivery of better and safer patient care.
In 2021, the College of American Pathologists (CAP) honored Dash with its Distinguished Service Award for his long-standing contributions to patient care and the advancement of pathology, as well as in recognition of his dedicated service to the CAP for more than 25 years.
“Raj is an outstanding cytopathologist and surgical pathologist, as well as a dedicated researcher and educator,” said Huang. “He is an internationally-renowned expert in Pathology Informatics. His experience and expertise make him an ideal leader to succeed Dr. Bentley.”