Program Overview

Pathology & Laboratory Medicine

The Graduate Studies Program in the Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine participates in the degree-granting curriculum of the University of Kansas Medical Center in concert with the IGPBS. Our program provides comprehensive training in understanding the molecular basis of disease and the fundamental mechanisms of cell growth and differentiation.

Academics

As part of the basic science program at the University of Kansas School of Medicine, the bulk of the Ph.D. training consists of experimental laboratory investigation. Our department's research interests are diverse, with a focus on the following research areas:

• Cancer Biology
• Developmental Biology and Cell Differentiation
• Stem Cell Biology
• Microbial and Viral Pathogenesis
• Hemostasis and Thrombosis
• Trophoblast, Placentation and Pregnancy

Program Details

The Pathology Graduate Studies Program is designed to provide in-depth training on the molecular basis of disease. Several points are emphasized in the Pathology Graduate Studies Program at KUMC:

• Specialized thesis research in understanding the basic mechanisms of disease and cell differentiation
• Familiarization with the current scientific literature
• Critical analysis of scientific work
• Contributing to the body of scientific knowledge by publishing research works
• Oral presentation and scientific writing skills

Admittance

All Ph.D. students in the basic sciences at the KU School of Medicine are admitted into the Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in the Biomedical Sciences (IGPBS). The coursework of the IGPBS provides a broad base of training in modern biomedical science research. After the initial year of course work, students that choose a research mentor in the Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine then join the Pathology Department Graduate Program.

Program Structure

The program is led by co-directors:

• Patrick E. Fields, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Co-Director, Pathology Graduate Studies Program, Division of Cancer and Developmental Biology, Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine
• Xinyang Zhao, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Co-Director, Pathology Graduate Studies Program, Division of Cancer and Developmental Biology, Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine

Key Components

• How to Apply
• Coursework
• Eligibility & Requirements
• Current Graduate Students

Research and Faculty

The Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine has various divisions, including:

• Anatomic Pathology
• Laboratory Medicine
• Genomic Diagnostics
• Molecular Pathobiology The department also has a Research and Grants Office and various labs.