Program Overview

Molecular Genetic Pathology Fellowship Program

The Molecular Genetic Pathology (MGP) fellowship is a one-year program designed to train future physician leaders with the laboratory and clinical skills required for the practice of molecular diagnostics. The program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) and accepts applicants with residency training in pathology or clinical medical genetics. Upon completion of the program, graduates are eligible for MGP board certification examination administered by the American Board of Pathology.

Program Description

The program is based at the molecular diagnostics laboratory (MDL), a high-volume and high-complexity laboratory with state-of-the-art setup and a strong track record of innovation and excellence. The laboratory was among the first to offer clinical next generation sequencing (NGS) in 2012. Since then, it has performed clinical NGS testing using a broad array of platforms and customized panels.

Training and Education

Fellows in the program will have the opportunity to interact with more than 15 faculty who have diverse subspecialty interests in hematopathology and solid tumors. The training is structured around a strong clinical component, including exposure to a broad range of oncologic and non-oncologic genetic testing, graduated clinical responsibilities, and preparation for independent signout.

Research and Scholarly Activities

During the fellowship, trainees will attend a regular series of didactic lectures, seminars, and departmental conferences, including troubleshooting/test development conferences. Fellows will also perform test development and translational research under the supervision of a faculty member and prepare a manuscript acceptable for publication in a peer-reviewed journal.

Program Highlights

• A comprehensive one-year curriculum that integrates clinical service, research, and scholarly activities
• A multi-platform approach to molecular genetic pathology
• Collaboration with world-renowned experts in hematopathology and anatomical pathology
• Extensive training experience covering a broad range of molecular genetic testing platforms
• Access to state-of-the-art facilities and resources, including a dedicated molecular diagnostics laboratory and comprehensive in-house pathology services

Meet Our Current Fellows

• Dingani Nkosi, Ph.D., M.B.B.S.
  • Education: Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Biomedical sciences, Florida State University; Bachelor of Science in Medicine, Bachelor of Science in Surgery (MBBS), University of Malawi, College of Medicine
  • Postgraduate Training: Hematopathology Fellowship, Mass General Brigham; Anatomical and Clinical Pathology residency, University of Rochester Medical Center
  • Research Interests: Understanding the mechanisms by which EpsteinBarr virus and other oncogenic viruses modulate the tumor microenvironment and evade host immunity to drive lymphomagenesis and disease progression
• Margaret Parham, M.D.
  • Education: Doctor of Medicine (M.D.), University of South Carolina School of Medicine
  • Postgraduate Training: Residency, Anatomic and Clinical Pathology, Baylor College of Medicine; Fellowship, Cytopathology, Baylor College of Medicine
  • Research Interests: Maximizing molecular diagnostic yield from minimally invasive procedures by using cytology specimens for molecular testing
• Tasnuva Rashid, M.D., Ph.D.
  • Education: Medical Degree: Ibrahim Medical College, University of Dhaka, Bangladesh; Master in Public Health (M.P.H.) with a focus on Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Texas A&M University; Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) with a focus on Infectious Disease and Genetics, UTHealth Houston
  • Postgraduate Training: Anatomical and Clinical Pathology residency, University of Florida College of Medicine-Jacksonville
  • Research Interests: Integration of high-throughput molecular data, advanced image analysis, computational approaches, and population-based studies to better understand the tumor biology of hematologic malignancies

Our Alumni

2020-Present

• Behtash Nezamy: Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center (2nd Fellowship)
• Wen Shuai: Duke University Medical Center

Previous Years

• Hong Fang: MD Anderson Cancer Center
• Mark Evans: Caris Life Sciences
• Hanadi El-Achi: UT Health Houston
• Sayak Ghatak: NCI
• Bryan Iorgulescu: MD Anderson Cancer Center
• Ting Zhou: Memorial Sloan Kettering
• Okechuku Valentine Nwogbo: Cleveland Clinic
• Iman Sarami: MD Anderson Cancer Center
• Anjanaa Vijayanarayanan: University of California San Francisco
• Andrew Sohn, M.D.: MD Anderson Cancer Center
• Sravanthi Lavu, M.D.: University of Pennsylvania
• Rasha Alfattal, M.D.: Houston Methodist

Program Leadership

• Richard K. Yang, M.D., Ph.D.: Fellowship Program Director
• Keyur P. Patel, M.D., Ph.D.: Associate Fellowship Program Director

Letter from the Program Directors

We welcome you to the Molecular Genetic Pathology Fellowship Program at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. As program directors, we are honored to introduce you to a fellowship that stands at the forefront of molecular genetic pathology, encompassing service, research, and education. Our program is committed to delivering a rigorous training experience that equips our fellows with the expertise required to excel as leaders in molecular genetic pathology.

Verification of Training

Requests for verification should be sent to the program coordinator.

Related Resources

• Hematopathology Department
• Anatomic Pathology Department
• Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory
• Pathology & Laboratory Medicine Division

Tobacco-Free Hiring Process

MD Anderson will have instituted a tobacco-free hiring process as part of its efforts to achieve these goals. If you are offered an appointment, you will be subject to a Pre-Employment Drug Screen for tobacco compounds in compliance with applicable state laws. If you do not pass the urine drug screening which includes testing for tobacco compounds, you CANNOT be appointed at MD Anderson.