K B Vatsala
Mangalore
Summary
Associate Professor at Kasturba Medical College, specializing in histopathology and cytopathology. Proven expertise in immunohistochemistry and laboratory accreditation, with a strong commitment to academic mentoring and continuous learning. Instrumental in achieving NABL accreditation and advancing molecular pathology initiatives, enhancing diagnostic capabilities and student engagement.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Associate Professor
Kasturba Medical College
Mangalore
06.2023 - Current
- I work in the histopathology section with commendable knowledge in evaluating the oncology cases as well as non-neoplastic and infectious cases, with experiences in special stains, immunohistochemistry and frozen sections as well. On average my current working place receives 10,000 plus specimens annually.
- On rotation I work in the Cytology section with extensive experience in Liquid Based Cytology, cytospins, FNAC, cell blocks, GI brushes, bile cytology and evaluation of various samples on cytology. On average my current working place receives 600 and more FNA, 300 and more PAPs, 1500 and more fluid cytology samples annually.
- Our institution is attached to the Government Hospital, which allows us to handle variety of cases in large number.
- Participated in the histopathology and cytopathology EQA program quarterly to assess and improve competency in the section.
- Contributed to groundwork for NABL accreditation in histopathology and cytology at current institution, ensuring compliance with standards.
- I am also a faculty member to train the MBBS undergraduates who select histopathology as their electives, as part of their CBME curriculum.
- I also have teaching experience to MBBS undergraduates that follow CBME curriculum.
- Validated the HLAB-27 test using a chip-based PCR method by Truenat (Molbio).
- I completed ISO 15189:2022 International Lead Auditor certification in March 2023.
- I have keen interest in learning the upcoming diagnostic modalities such as Digital Pathology and Molecular Pathology.
Assistant Professor
Kasturba Medical College
Mangalore
05.2018 - 05.2023
Education
M.D. - Pathology
Father Muller Medical College Hospital
Mangalore01.2016
M.B.B.S. - Bachelor of Medicine & Bachelor of Surgery
Yenepoya Medical College
Mangalore01.2008
Skills
- Histopathology and cytopathology evaluation
- Immunohistochemistry techniques
- Molecular pathology
- Quality assurance programs
- Laboratory accreditation
- academic mentoring
- Problem solving
- Continuous learning
- Student performance evaluation
- Research and analysis
Certification
- Health Care Professional Registration Certificate, DHA, 87234420, 12/2026
- ISO 15189:2022 International Lead Auditor, 03/2023
Presentations
- ABO blood group in various malignancies, International CME in Pathology, Goa, 02/05/15
- Spectrum of breast lesions on FNAC, International conference in soft tissue and dermatopathology, MVJ medical college, Bangalore, 03/08/19
- Case series of cysticercosis on histopathological examination, MAC-ID, 2018
- Paediatric Gastrointestinal lymphomas, International conference held in Sriramachandra medical college, Chennai, India, 2019
- Adult onset Langerhan cell histiocytosis - a rare case report, IACKC- CON, 10/27/2025
Other
- BLS training, 03/27/2023, Indian Institute of Emergency Medical Services, KMC, Mangalore
- Completed training programme on Quality Systems and Internal Audit in Medical Laboratories as per ISO 15189:2022, 03/06/2023 - 03/09/2023, Foundation for quality India
Professional Societies
- Member, Karnataka Chapter of Indian College of Pathologists
- Member, Karnataka Chapter of Indian Academy of Cytology
Resource Person
- Moderated online post graduate teaching sessions conducted by TATA hospitals, Mumbai, on topics of Gastric Pathology and Neoplasia.
- Delivered online guest lecture on Digital Pathology, NITK Surathkal (2021).
- Resource person for 'Flow Cytometric Immunophenotyping for Postgraduates of Pathology' at KMC Mangalore on 06/18/2023 and moderated panel discussion.
- Delivered talk in CME organized by Indian Medical Association, Mangalore about Flow cytometry, on 03/27/2024.
- Resource Person and delivered interesting case presentation in cytology conference IACKC CON in Father Muller Medical College Mangalore on 10/28/2025.
Guided Research Papers
- Clinicopathological evaluation of colorectal carcinoma with Signet Ring Cell morphology, KCIAPM 2022
- Primary B-lymphoblastic lymphoma of breast- a case report, APCON, Bangalore 2022
Chairperson Organizing Secretary
- Evidence based medicine in fetal and neonatal care- a multidisciplinary CME, KMC, Mangalore, 01/15/2020
- Pathology Potpourri, 05/12/2024
- Dyspoiesis: Exploring evidence-based concepts in MDS, KMC Mangalore, 03/23/2025
- Saga of Red Blood Cells, KMC Mangalore, 10/18/2025
Postgraduate Dissertation
- Immunohistochemical expression of SMAD4 with epithelial mesenchymal transition in colorectal carcinoma, 2021-2023
- Histomorphological spectrum of mucinous ovarian neoplasms, Thesis guide, 2025-2027
Designation
Associate Professor, Department of Pathology, Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore
Personal Information
- Date of Birth: 11/11/84
- Gender: Female
- Nationality: Indian
Awards
Session winner of poster presentation titled 'Clinicopathological evaluation of colorectal carcinoma with Signet Ring Cell morphology', KCIAPM 2022
Publications
- Malignant Hidradenoma of the Scalp: A Rare Case with Diagnostic Challenges and Immunohistochemical Insights, Skin Appendage Disord., 03/24/2025, 10.1159/000545383
- Knowledge, attitude and practices towards COVID-19 among Indian medical undergraduates: a questionnaire-based study., F1000Res., 05/22/2024, 12, 361
- A needle in the haystack: An unusual case presentation of ganglioneuroblastoma at a tertiary care center in Coastal Karnataka., Clin Case Rep., 11/22/2023, 11, 11, e8149, 10.1002/ccr3.8149
- Clinicopathological spectrum of cervicofacial actinomycosis., Biomedicine., 07/01/2023, 43, 3, 996-1000
- Amniotic band syndrome- A rare case report., Biomedicine., 07/20/2023, 43, 3, 1056-8
- Role of ratios of neutrophil and monocyte to lymphocyte and red cell distribution width to platelet in the detection of early onset neonatal sepsis in comparison with serum C-reactive protein., Biomedicine., 12/31/2022, 42, 6, 1249-53
- Cysts that Still Persist: A Case Series of Cysticercosis on Histopathological Evaluation., Turk Patoloji Derg., 2021, 37, 3, 254-257
- Utility of DXH 800 VCS parameters and Lymphindex in diagnosing Dengue., J Clin Diagn Res., 2019
Hobbies and Interests
- Reading books to upgrade financial knowledge, stock market and investments
- Sports - Badminton, Table Tennis
- Craft making
Research
- Presented two posters as mentioned above.
- Guided PGs conference presentations as mentioned above.
- Principal and co-investigator in three studies.
- Co-authored five research publications.
- Two co-authored articles are under peer-review.
- Working on research articles on Signet ring colorectal carcinoma diagnosis on histopathology for publication.
- Few case reports are prepared for publication: A case of malignant granular cell tumor of skin and Mixed Mesenchymal sarcoma of uterus diagnosed in histopathology with the aid of immunohistochemistry.
- Guided UG for ICMR - STS.
- Assisted in PG thesis work.
Areas Of Interest
- Oncopathology
- Dermatopathology
- Molecular pathology
- Cytology
Timeline
Associate Professor
Kasturba Medical College
06.2023 - Current
Assistant Professor
Kasturba Medical College
05.2018 - 05.2023
M.D. - Pathology
Father Muller Medical College Hospital
M.B.B.S. - Bachelor of Medicine & Bachelor of Surgery
Yenepoya Medical College