Our one-year ACGME-approved fellowship program is structured to provide comprehensive training in all aspects of cytopathology. You will have the opportunity to see, work-up, and write-up a vast number of routine, interesting, and challenging gynecologic and non-gynecologic cases during the academic year which incorporate immunocytochemistry, molecular/FISH, and flow cytometry data when needed with one of our seven cytopathologists.

A dedicated teaching cytotechnologist coupled with an immense glass slide collection is also an integral part of your education. Our fellows extensively participate in rapid on-site evaluation (ROSE) of cases collected under imaging guidance or during endoscopy. Experience aspirating superficial masses including ultrasound guided thyroid FNAs is provided. Hands on lab management and scholarly activities are interspersed throughout the your training.

Opportunities for you to teach others cytology are provided and required. From these experiences and the accompanying close, continual interaction with our cytopathology staff, you will gain the necessary knowledge and skills to become a well-rounded cytopathology diagnostician, educator, and cytology lab manager.

Tests and Techniques

Pap tests are currently evaluated via ThinPrep technology utilizing the ThinPrep Imaging System, with all HPV DNA tests physically performed in the Division of Cytopathology by specialty trained and certified cytotechnologists.

As a fellow, you will:

• have exposure to ancillary techniques utilized in both the division and the full Department of Pathology:
  - fluorescent in-situ hybridization (FISH)
  - immunocytochemistry
  - molecular diagnostics
  - flow cytometry
• be trained and perform clinical fine needle aspirations including ultrasound guided thyroid needle aspirations
• receive certification in ThinPrep Pap test evaluation
• gain knowledge in the principles of QA/QC and laboratory management as they apply to the field of cytopathology and CLIA regulations.

Additional Responsibilities

• You will assume graduated responsibility to reach junior staff sign-out responsibilities under faculty supervision.
• You will play an active role in teaching residents and medical students rotating within the Cytopathology Service.
• You will participate in the planning of and give a lecture at our regional cytopathology symposium.
• You will participate in scholarly activities/research projects utilizing resources in the department as well as affiliated institutions.

Mandatory Conferences

In addition, fellows are required to attend mandatory cytology-related conferences throughout the entire year.

Cytopathology Fellowship Curriculum Checklist

At the start of the academic year, a detailed Curriculum Checklist is reviewed with each fellow. This review will include the overall goals of the fellowship and the evaluation process. The checklist is reviewed again at the end of the academic year to confirm that all components have been completed to satisfaction.