Ascension St John Hospital Program

The Ascension St. John Hospital Pathology Residency Program is a comprehensive four-year program in anatomic and clinical pathology. It offers a well-rounded training experience with a structured curriculum that includes 28 four-week blocks of Anatomic Pathology and 20 four-week blocks of Clinical Pathology, encompassing key areas such as autopsy and surgical pathology, cytopathology, electron microscopy, forensic pathology, chemistry, hematology, microbiology, immunology, transfusion medicine, molecular biology, and cytogenetics. The program does not offer anatomic or clinical only tracks except under extreme circumstances approved by the program director.

The program places a strong emphasis on resident involvement in all aspects of pathology, offering hands-on experience in laboratory instruments, participation in night and weekend on-call rotations, and opportunities for performing tests and engaging in quality control measures. During the final year, residents take on leadership roles as Chief Residents, gaining valuable experience in supervision and administration.

Ascension St. John Hospital supports H-1B and J-1 visas for applicants, facilitating a diverse and inclusive learning environment. While the program does not explicitly mention its competitiveness or specific preferences towards DO/IMG candidates, it welcomes applications through ERAS, suggesting a universal approach to applicant consideration based on preparedness, ability, academic credentials, and personal qualities rather than discriminatory factors.

Eligibility for the program requires graduation from a medical school accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME) or the American Osteopathic Association (AOA), or for international medical graduates, a currently valid ECFMG certificate or a full and unrestricted license to practice medicine in a US licensing jurisdiction. The program seeks candidates with an optimal score of 210 or above on Step 1 and 2 exams, indicating a selection process focused on academic proficiency.

Residents will gain comprehensive exposure to surgical pathology, including extensive experience in the gross examination, sectioning, and description of a wide variety of surgical specimens. Training also encompasses direct instruction in autopsy service, cytopathology, electron microscopy, forensic pathology, and a variety of clinical pathology subspecialties. Ascension St. John Hospital provides a robust educational framework, including didactic lectures, hands-on training, and weekly tumor board presentations, aiming to prepare residents thoroughly for a career in pathology.

In summary, the Ascension St. John Hospital Pathology Residency Program offers a well-rounded education in anatomic and clinical pathology with a broad curriculum, hands-on exposure, and leadership opportunities. The program's support for visa applications and its emphasis on a diverse and inclusive environment make it attractive to a wide range of applicants, including those with international backgrounds.