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FELLOWSHIP PROGRAMS IN PATHOLOGY
Cytopathology
Hematology
Molecular Genetic Pathology
Neuropathology
Surgical Pathology
Forensic Pathology (under the direction of the Chief Medical Examiner of Virginia)
Our fellowships offer specialized and highly-interactive opportunities for training in molecular diagnostics, clinical and anatomic pathology. These programs are designed to provide the fellows with advanced, practical subspecialty experience and opportunities for collaborative research. All of our fellowship programs are accredited by the ACGME.
Cytopathology
This fellowship provides intensive training in cytopathology as well as significant correlation with surgical pathology. It is aimed at those who have fulfilled a standard pathology residency and wish to specialize in cytopathology. Both surgical and cytopathology material is reviewed with attending pathologists. Training is provided in the technique of fine-needle aspiration biopsy and the fellow is allowed to perform this service and interpret the material after suitable training and experience. Supplemental training is available in immunohistochemistry and molecular diagnostics as it applies to surgical and cytopathology material. This fellowship fulfills current requirements to sit for the examination to obtain certification in cytopathology from The American Board of Pathology.
Hematology
The hematology fellowship provides intensive clinical training in all areas of hematopathology. There is extensive hands-on experience in performing bone marrow aspirates/biopsies, interpreting these results, and integrating flow cytometry, cytogenetics, and molecular diagnostic results into the final report. The fellowship also provides extensive training in lymph node pathology, specialized coagulation testing and consultation, and in molecular diagnostics.
Research opportunities are available in clinical hematopathology.
Hematopathology Fellowship Selection Policies
Molecular Genetic Pathology
The molecular genetic pathology fellowship is a one-year clinical fellowship which trains pathologists and medical geneticists for a career in molecular genetic pathology. The trainee receives a thorough exposure to all aspects of molecular genetic pathology including infectious diseases, hematopathology, oncology, human identity testing, and medical genetics. The VCU Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory is a state-of-the art, 6,400 sq ft facility that performs more than 14,000 tests annually. Fellows participate in laboratory test development and translational research. The fellows are responsible for interactions with clinicians and other pathologists, and test interpretation as the training progresses. Fellows rotate through the human genetics clinical services and in the biochemical genetics laboratory. Hands-on experience is obtained with a broad range of molecular techniques including nucleic acid extraction, real-time PCR and reverse transcriptase PCR, cytogenetics, FISH, SNP analysis, Affymetrix microarray technology, bone marrow engraftment chimerism studies, and nucleic acid sequencing.
Neuropathology
The neuropathology fellowship provides intensive clinical training with the aim of preparing participants for Board Certification. Material is reviewed with our staff of three neuropathologists. Training in electron microscopy and muscle-histochemistry are intrinsic parts of the program. Research opportunities are available in clinical neuropathology and other neuroscience related projects.
Surgical Pathology
This is a one-year fellowship designed to offer advanced training in general surgical pathology. The Surgical Pathology laboratory at VCU Medical Center receives approximately 16,000 specimens per year representing all organ systems. Sign-out in Surgical Pathology is subspecialized, assuring trainee interaction with faculty with expertise in specific organ system pathology. The first six months of the fellowship consists of two blocks: three months as gross room supervisor and three months on hot seat sign-out. The second six months of the fellowship consists of elective rotations through subspecialty areas. Rotation to Hematology and/or Cytopathology is also an option. There are numerous opportunities for research projects or participation in clinical-pathologic studies.
Forensic Pathology
The program is under the direction of the Chief Medical Examiner of Virginia. Trainees must have valid medical licensure in Virginia. Trainees manage cases from the time of discovery through external examination, autopsy if indicated, collection of evidence, correlation of reports, and court appearances. Further information and an application are available at the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner web site:
http://www.vdh.virginia.gov/medExam/vcu.htm
Application Materials
To obtain a fellowship application, please contact Violet Brown at (804) 827-0561; FAX (804) 827-1078; or by email to vbrown3@mcvh-vcu.edu.
Complete and mail the Application for Fellowship Candidates back to Violet Brown (mailing address) along with the following additional required documents:
Additional Documentation Requirements for Fellowship Applicants
- Prepare a one-page personal statement discussing your interest in pathology and your career goals.
- Send a complete and detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV). Be sure to include research and publications information.
- Request three letters of recommendation from attendings in your residency program.
- If you are a naturalized citizen or a permanent resident of the United States, send a photocopy of your citizenship papers or a photocopy of both sides of your permanent resident card.
- If you are accepted into our program and are not a permanent resident or citizen of the United States, you will be required to obtain a J-1Clinical visa.
- All applicants for fellowship positions must have passed Part III of USMLE or COMLEX.
Mailing Address:
Violet Brown
VCU/MCV Department of Pathology
PO Box 980662
Richmond, VA 23298-0662
Updated
March 3, 2008
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