Program Overview

Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine

The Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine offers a residency program with a focus on anatomic pathology rotations.

Anatomic Pathology Rotations

The anatomic pathology rotations provide residents with a comprehensive learning experience in various areas, including:

Autopsy

The Autopsy division provides medical examiner services to 23 adjoining counties and performs hospital autopsies. Residents interact directly with clinicians, medical students, law enforcement, and others on this busy service. The residents perform both hospital and medical examiner autopsies during the three required blocks, which are spread over the first three years of training. Residents learn the technical elements of autopsy performance, tissue preparations, gross and microscopic analysis, and report writing, assuming increasing responsibility as their skill levels improve.

Cytopathology

Cytopathology is a fast-paced rotation for PGY2 residents and above. Over the course of training, residents will complete four required blocks of cytology. Elective and away rotations are also available. Residents stay busy assisting with and interpreting rapid on-site evaluations, fluids, and fine needle aspirations. The department interpreted approximately 4722 gynecologic specimens and 3576 non-gynecologic specimens in 2024, with about 1641 fine needle aspirations.

Surgical Pathology

The Surgical Pathology rotation provides an excellent, learning-focused experience with exposure to a variety of specimens ranging broadly in complexity. New residents can expect a supportive environment with an early emphasis on building a strong foundation in this challenging area. Multiple full-time pathology assistants work with upper-level residents and faculty to supervise and teach the more junior resident. Responsibility in gross and microscopic examination progresses with post-graduate year and increasing ability.

Frozen Section/Tumor Board

Residents rotate on Frozen Section/Tumor Board one block each year. The rotation provides an excellent opportunity for an intensive frozen section experience, with the resident covering the frozen section service every day. Residents, based on their capabilities and level of training, are encouraged to assume responsibility rapidly on this fast-paced service.

Residency Program

The residency program has the following components:

• Goals & Philosophy
• Program Information
• Anatomic Pathology Rotations
• Clinical Pathology Rotations
• Conferences
• Current Residents
• Fellowship Placement
• Graduates
• Residency FAQs

The program aims to produce competent surgical pathologists who are able to communicate effectively with clinicians and confidently enter fellowship and practice.