Dr. Shams K. Halat

About the Doctor

Dr. Shams K. Halat is an experienced pathologist with over 21 years of practice in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She earned her medical degree from the American University of Beirut Faculty of Medicine and completed extensive training, including an internal medicine internship at Case Western Reserve University/University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center (2003–2004), anatomic and clinical pathology residencies at Case Western Reserve (2004–2008) and Tulane University (2004–2006), a cytopathology fellowship at the University of Pennsylvania Health System (2008–2009), and a genitourinary pathology fellowship at Indiana University School of Medicine (2009–2011). Dr. Halat is affiliated with University Medical Center-New Orleans and practices within the Administrators of the Tulane Educational Fund. Her subspecialties include cytopathology, genitourinary pathology, anatomic pathology, and clinical pathology. She accepts Aetna, Cigna, Blue Cross, and Medicaid plans.

• Over 21 years of experience in pathology

• Graduated from American University of Beirut Faculty of Medicine

• Multiple residencies and fellowships including genitourinary pathology and cytopathology

• Affiliated with University Medical Center-New Orleans

• Subspecialties: Cytopathology, Genitourinary Pathology, Anatomic Pathology, Clinical Pathology

• Accepts Aetna, Cigna, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana, and Medicaid

Education & Training

Medical School – American University of Beirut Faculty of Medicine
Internship – Case Western Reserve University/University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Internal Medicine, 2003–2004
Residency – Case Western Reserve University/University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Pathology-Anatomic and Clinical, 2006–2008
Residency – Tulane University, Pathology-Anatomic and Clinical, 2004–2006
Fellowship/Additional Training – University of Pennsylvania Health System, Cytopathology, 2008–2009
Fellowship/Additional Training – Indiana University School of Medicine, Genitourinary Pathology, 2009–2011

Medical Conditions Treated

Cancers of the genitourinary tract (prostate, bladder, kidney, testicular)

• Gynecologic cancers (cervical, ovarian, endometrial)

• Thyroid nodules and malignancies

• Breast cancer

• Lymphomas and leukemias

• Soft tissue sarcomas

• Inflammatory and infectious diseases (through tissue biopsy interpretation)

• Non-neoplastic kidney diseases (medical renal pathology)

Medical Procedures Performed

• Interpretation of surgical pathology specimens (biopsies, resections)

• Cytopathology examination (Pap smears, fine needle aspiration, body fluids)

• Frozen section analysis during surgery

• Immunohistochemistry and special stains

• Molecular pathology testing

• Autopsy services

• Genitourinary pathology consultation

• Quality assurance and laboratory management

Services Offered

Dr. Halat provides diagnostic pathology services to support patient care in hospital and outpatient settings. As a pathologist, she does not see patients directly but works behind the scenes to analyze tissue samples, bodily fluids, and cytology specimens to diagnose diseases, particularly cancers and inflammatory conditions. Her expertise in cytopathology and genitourinary pathology allows her to provide specialized interpretations for urologists, oncologists, and gynecologists. Dr. Halat’s services include examining biopsies from surgical procedures, performing frozen sections to guide intraoperative decisions, and interpreting Pap smears and fine needle aspirates. She collaborates with clinical teams to ensure accurate diagnoses that inform treatment plans.

• Surgical pathology – Gross and microscopic examination of tissue specimens from surgeries and biopsies

• Cytopathology – Interpretation of Pap tests, fine needle aspiration biopsies, and body fluids (urine, pleural fluid, etc.)

• Genitourinary pathology – Specialized diagnosis of prostate, bladder, kidney, and testicular diseases

• Frozen section analysis – Rapid intraoperative diagnosis to guide surgical decision-making

• Immunohistochemistry – Advanced staining to characterize tumors and guide targeted therapy

• Molecular pathology – Detection of genetic mutations for precision oncology

• Autopsy services – Post-mortem examinations to determine cause of death

• Laboratory management – Oversight of clinical laboratory testing and quality control

Accepted Insurances

• Aetna (EPO, HMO, POS, PPO)

• Amerihealth Caritas (Medicaid)

• Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana (POS)

• Cigna (PPO)

• LA State Medicaid (Medicaid)

Practice Locations

Address: 5339 Odonovan Dr, Baton Rouge, LA, 70808
Phone: (225) 766-4999

Hospital Affiliations

• University Medical Center-New Orleans – New Orleans, Louisiana