Boston University Medical Center Program

The Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Residency Program at Boston Medical Center, in collaboration with the Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, prepares residents for practice and leadership in both academic and community-care pathology. Rooted in over a century of excellence, the program continues to build on the legacy of the Mallory Institute of Pathology. Its mission encompasses the training of researchers, scholars, and practitioners while maintaining a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in patient care and education.

Program Aims

The program focuses on instilling diagnostic knowledge, skill, and confidence in residents, aiming to prepare them as leaders in Anatomic and Clinical Pathology across various practice settings. Key aims include:

• Comprehensive proficiency across the six core competency areas: patient care, medical knowledge, practice-based learning, interpersonal communication, professionalism, and system-based practice.
• Promotion of leadership skills and professional responsibility.
• Encouragement of research and scholarly activities relevant to medical care.
• A commitment to exceptional medical care for diverse patient populations, particularly within the context of health equity.

Given that Boston Medical Center is the largest safety net hospital in New England, residents engage with underserved populations, enhancing their understanding of equitable healthcare delivery.

Curriculum Overview

The program consists of a structured curriculum that meets the standards of the American Board of Pathology and provides extensive training in both Anatomic Pathology (AP) and Clinical Pathology (CP). The training spans 27 months of AP, 18 months of CP, and flexible electives based on the resident’s interests.

The curriculum includes:

• One month of orientation featuring hands-on training at the surgical bench.
• Multiple introductory pathology lectures to equip residents for AP rotations.
• A diverse range of rotations divided into 4-5 week blocks covering various subspecialties in both AP and CP.

Specific AP rotations include Resections & Frozens, Gastrointestinal/Liver Biopsies, Non-GI Biopsies, Cytopathology, and more. Clinical Pathology rotations include Transfusion Medicine, Microbiology, and Chemistry. Residents also have elective time for research and advanced lab management courses.

Application Information

The program has 12 residency positions available, typically welcoming 3 new PGY-1 residents each year. Applications are accepted exclusively through the Electronic Residency Application Services (ERAS) and must be submitted by a specified deadline. Candidates should be graduates of accredited medical schools, with foreign graduates needing an ECFMG certificate. The selection process employs a holistic approach, intended to address unconscious biases.

Salary and Benefits

Residents at Boston Medical Center benefit from strong union representation, competitive salaries, and comprehensive benefits. The current salary for PGY-1 residents is $78,098.44, with annual increases. Benefits include:

• Two paid personal days and four weeks of paid vacation.
• Low group-rate medical and dental insurance options.
• Short and long-term disability, and malpractice insurance.
• Discounted parking and public transportation options.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

The program places significant emphasis on diversity and has been recognized for its commitment to equity, receiving awards for inclusivity. The representation of Underrepresented Minority (URiM) residents is notably above the national average, reflecting a strong culture of support and comprehensive mentorship within the program.

Life in Boston

Boston serves as an enriching backdrop for residency training, offering a vibrant cultural scene with museums, theaters, and educational institutions. The city's historic South End houses the medical center, providing easy access to both urban and natural environments that engage diverse interests and lifestyles.

Research & Academic Environment

Active participation in research projects is encouraged among residents, fostering an academic environment where teaching and scholarly activity thrive. The collaborative atmosphere among faculty and peers ensures robust mentorship opportunities and access to cutting-edge facilities, including advanced diagnostic laboratories.

Visa Sponsorship

The program supports international medical graduates by providing sponsorship for J-1 and H-1B visa types. This ensures that qualified candidates can pursue their residency training without visa-related barriers.