Catherine Abendroth

Catherine Abendroth, MD is a Professor and Chief of the Division of Anatomic Pathology at the Penn State College of Medicine. She holds a faculty appointment in the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, with expertise in surgical pathology, cytopathology, and renal pathology. Her academic roles include clinical service leadership and medical education.

Dr. Abendroth completed her medical degree at the University of Maryland School of Medicine (1984), followed by pathology residencies at Beth Israel Hospital-Harvard Medical School (1987-1988) and Milton S. Hershey Medical Center (1987). She also completed a surgical pathology/cytopathology fellowship at Beth Israel Hospital-Harvard Medical School (1989).

Her research focuses on diagnostic pathology innovations, immune mechanisms in kidney disease, and viral oncogenesis. Recent work includes studies on polyomavirus immune control, papillomavirus cancer screening, and targeted therapies for adenocarcinomas.

Dr. Abendroth has received prestigious awards including the 2023 Dean's Award for Excellence in Teaching and the 2016 Distinguished Educator Award. She actively contributes to policy discussions on telepathology and remote diagnostics through collaborative initiatives with national pathology organizations.