Diva R. Salomao, M.D.

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SUMMARY

The research of Diva R. Salomao, M.D., pertains to the fields of ophthalmic pathology and cytopathology. Dr. Salomao focuses on correlative studies linking morphological and clinical features in several pathological processes involving the eye, periocular tissues and cytology specimens. Dr. Salomao applies ancillary studies when appropriate to improve diagnoses and predict disease outcomes.

Focus areas

• Uveal melanoma. Dr Salomao's research focuses on the immune response associated with the tumor cells in primary and metastatic locations. The use of immunohistochemistry as a surrogate marker for prognostic determination in enucleations and small core biopsies has been another area of interest in her research studies related to uveal melanoma.
• Vitreoretinal lymphoma. Dr. Salomao collaborates with clinical researchers. Her studies in vitreoretinal lymphoma seek to validate the use of ancillary molecular testing, such as the detection of MYD88 mutation, to improve the sensitivity and accuracy of this particularly challenging diagnosis.
• Pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Dr. Salomao's studies combine peritoneal washing cytology and mKRAS mutational analysis, using droplet-digital polymerase chain reaction, to increase the sensitivity of cytology assisting with staging in patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Doing so more accurately predicts those who might benefit from surgical resection.

Significance to patient care

The goal of Dr. Salomao's studies is to learn more about disease processes and improve diagnoses. Her studies correlate histopathological, immunohistochemical and molecular findings. These findings might predict disease behavior and clinical outcomes to improve treatment decisions and patient management.

Professional highlights

• Director, Cytopathology Fellowship Program, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, 2018-present.
• Editor, Surgical and Experimental Pathology Journal, 2017-present.
• Office of Diversity and Inclusion Physician Award, Office of Belonging (formerly the Office of Diversity and Inclusion), Mayo Clinic, 2019.
• Innovation and Leadership in Education Award, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, 2015.
• Teacher of the Year in Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, 2003.