Because pathology bridges the basic and clinical sciences, the Southern Illinois University School of Medicine Department of Pathology aims to encourage interdisciplinary collaboration, thereby assuming a pivotal and unifying role within the school. The Department of Pathology is integral to the school’s problem-based curriculum and actively participates in didactic resource sessions, interactive tutor groups, and upper-level electives for medical students. We also share our expertise in the pathologic basis of disease with clinical colleagues, residents, fellows, and basic scientists in order to further the school’s overarching mission, which is to assist the people of central and southern Illinois in meeting their health care needs through education, patient care, research and service to the community.