Dartmouth-Hitchcock/Mary Hitchcock Memorial Hospital Program

The Dartmouth-Hitchcock/Mary Hitchcock Memorial Hospital Program in Pathology, located in Lebanon, New Hampshire, offers a comprehensive 4-year Pathology Residency Training Program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). Annually, the program appoints an average of three first-year residents, providing a tailored curriculum that aligns with the specific interests and career aspirations of each resident.

The program operates within state-of-the-art facilities, including a cutting-edge clinical laboratory that services both inpatient and outpatient populations at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center as well as affiliated outreach practices across southern New Hampshire. The department benefits from affiliation with the Veterans Affairs Medical Center laboratory and has an educational partnership with the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Concord, NH, fostering an opportunity for residents to engage with forensic pathology.

In terms of clinical exposure, residents encounter a significant volume of material, enhancing the training experience. The program's statistics for 2021 included 78 autopsies, 396 beds, 30,900 cytology specimens, 17,595 dermatopathology specimens, 37,174 surgical specimens, 560 therapeutic apheresis procedures, and a staggering total of 3 million laboratory tests performed.

Curriculum and Rotations

The curriculum is designed to provide a robust foundation in both anatomic and clinical pathology. Each resident completes a core curriculum consisting of 23 blocks of anatomical pathology training, 18.5 blocks of clinical pathology training, and 10.5 blocks of electives over the course of their training. The first year (PGY-1) emphasizes anatomic pathology (AP), while the second year (PGY-2) transitions to a focus on clinical pathology (CP). Residents in the third (PGY-3) and fourth (PGY-4) years complete remaining core rotations and electives, allowing for both depth and breadth in training.

Research Opportunities

Research plays a significant role in the training program, with active encouragement for residents to engage in clinical and basic research projects. The faculty is dedicated to guiding residents in developing their own research initiatives, with support available for travel and costs associated with presenting original scientific research at national meetings.

Facilities and Resources

Residents have access to advanced laboratory facilities including the Borwell Research Building and the Williamson Translational Research Building. The clinical laboratory spans 40,000 square feet, providing comprehensive resources for training. Specialized facilities include the Rippel Light and Electron Microscope facility, Flow Cytometry Laboratories, and other advanced diagnostic labs, all of which support a wide range of medical evaluations and innovative research initiatives.

Competitiveness and Application Process

The Pathology Residency Program is known for its competitiveness, welcoming applicants from diverse backgrounds, including Doctor of Osteopathy (DO) and International Medical Graduates (IMGs). The program requires an official medical school transcript, a valid Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) certificate for international applicants, a personal statement, a common application form via the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS), and three letters of recommendation. Interviews, which are necessary for application consideration, are conducted virtually due to ongoing adjustments related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Visa Support

The program supports international applicants and offers sponsorship for J-1 visas, making it accessible for residents from various international backgrounds. This sponsorship ensures that international medical graduates can actively participate in the program without immigration barriers.

Resident Life and Community

Located in the beautiful Upper Valley region, the residency program not only emphasizes rigorous academic training but also supports resident well-being through a collegial environment and robust community engagement. The region offers a variety of recreational activities, allowing residents to enjoy outdoor pursuits year-round.

Unique Aspects

The program's emphasis on education extends beyond merely providing clinical knowledge. Pathology residents are encouraged to take on teaching roles and engage in conferences, fostering a culture of sharing knowledge and collaboration. Weekly conferences and seminars encompass a broad range of topics, including autopsy reviews, journal clubs, and specialized seminars in surgical and clinical pathology.