Rotation schedule
Cytology
The aim of this one-year clinical program is to provide the fellow with the knowledge and skills to become a competent cytopathologist. The fellow will gain extensive experience in the preparation and interpretation of gynecological and non-gynecological cytology samples. Fellows will learn to appreciate the importance of cyto-histological correlation. They will assume graduated responsibility for cases.
Fine needle aspiration (FNA)
The fellow will gain experience with fine needle aspiration biopsy cases including cases for which rapid on-site evaluation (ROSE) is provided as well as “non-ROSE” FNAs. As the need arises, he/she will perform FNAs on superficial masses.
Molecular pathology
The Molecular Pathology rotation provides fellows with exposure to the basic techniques associated with nucleic acid-based diagnostic testing. Fellows will become familiar with both manual and automated technologies including but not limited to: DNA isolation, restriction enzyme analysis, electrophoresis, Southern blotting, polymerase chain reaction, DNA sequencing, bDNA, and hybrid capture.
Fellows will gain exposure to clinical testing for infectious diseases, genetic diseases, clonality studies, identification of “tumor markers,” and identity testing (including “DNA fingerprinting” for identification of patients and specimens in cases of potential specimen mix-ups). Additional time is also available to rotate through this laboratory to gain more extensive hands-on experience and to engage in a research project.
Research
The fellow will have three (3) weeks of research time scheduled in one (1) week blocks. By mid-fall, the fellow is expected to have begun a research project. It is anticipated that the research will lead to both an abstract submission for presentation at a national meeting, as well as, a manuscript submission for publication. The project is done under the mentorship of the Cytopathology faculty.