Apr 20, 2020
Overview
The program in Selective Pathology at Emory University School of Medicine offers an extensive and immersive training experience backed by one of the top-rated pathology departments in the country. The Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine is known for its robust educational programs, which are deeply intertwined with cutting-edge research and patient care outcomes.
Curriculum Overview
The residency program at Emory focuses on developing pathologists through a comprehensive curriculum that consists of diverse rotations across multiple disciplines. This ensures that residents receive a well-rounded education in all aspects of pathology, including Anatomic Pathology, Clinical Pathology, and Experimental Pathology. The program has a commitment to teaching excellence, where residents engage closely with faculty who are recognized leaders and researchers in their respective fields 1.
This program nurtures residents with a structured learning environment, where education is tailored to their needs, including didactic lectures, hands-on training, and mentorship from experienced faculty. The integration of research into the training allows residents to participate actively in ongoing projects and enhances their learning experience 1.
Additionally, there are opportunities to engage in the Emory Pathology eLearning Portal, which complements the training with interactive cases and assessments that simulate real-life scenarios 18.
Rotations and Clinical Experience
Residents gain clinical experience through rotations at multiple medical centers affiliated with Emory, including Emory University Hospital, Grady Memorial Hospital, the Atlanta Veterans Affairs Medical Center, and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. These locations offer diverse patient populations and unique pathological cases, enriching the training experience and clinical acumen of each resident 4.
The residency includes rotations in various subspecialties such as surgical pathology, hematopathology, and forensics, with a strong emphasis placed on collaborative learning with clinical fellows and faculty support 4.
Research Opportunities
Research is a cornerstone of the program, with access to over $55 million in annual research funding, positioning the department among the top five NIH-funded Pathology departments. Residents are encouraged to engage in basic, translational, or clinical research projects 17. The university hosts numerous innovative research initiatives, including partnerships with the CDC and the Emory National Primate Research Center, which allows residents to contribute meaningfully to significant healthcare challenges 17.
Additionally, the program hosts Research Day events, where residents can showcase their findings and foster collaborations across the department 19.
Unique Aspects of the Program
The Emory residency program is lauded for its diverse and inclusive educational environment 2. With initiatives aimed at promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion, the program creates a respectful workspace that values contributions from trainees from various backgrounds 2. This culture not only enhances the educational experience but also prepares residents to work effectively in a diverse healthcare setting.
Furthermore, Emory’s Pathology Department encompasses various divisions, ensuring that residents are exposed to a plethora of subspecialties and research opportunities, particularly in immunology, oncologic pathology, and infectious diseases 4.
Fellowship Placement
One of the most remarkable statistics of the program is its 100% fellowship placement rate for graduating residents over the last few years. The fellowship opportunities cover a wide range of subspecialties, including cytopathology, dermatopathology, and forensic pathology, enhancing residents' career prospects post-residency 1.
Visa Support and Sponsorship
The program is supportive of international medical graduates and offers sponsorship for various visa types, understanding the importance of attracting a talented and diverse cohort of residents. Visa types include the J-1 visa, which is common for graduate medical education, reflecting the program’s commitment to inclusivity in recruitment
Competitiveness and Application Requirements
The Selective Pathology program at Emory is highly competitive and attracts a diverse group of applicants, including U.S. graduates and International Medical Graduates (IMGs) 5. Alongside the standard application requirements, specific prerequisites must be met, such as maximum failed USMLE STEP attempts, depending on individual evaluations.
Overall, the program strives to cultivate highly skilled, research-oriented pathologists who are prepared to excel in both academic and clinical settings. The focus on high-impact research, coupled with comprehensive training and excellent mentorship, makes Emory’s program an outstanding choice for aspiring pathologists.
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Program data
ACGME History [2]
Program
Program Size
-- (1 years) [1]
Accreditation Status
Continued Accreditation
(Effective: January 28, 2026)
Composition
--
Training
Fellowship Rate:--
Faculty-to-Residents Ratio:6X [1]
Residents Career Path
--
Quality of Life
First Year Paid Sick Leave: --
First Year Paid Vacation: --
First Year Salary: $72,303 [1]
First Year Maximum Consecutive Hours on Duty: 16 hours [1]
First Year Average Weekly Hours: 50 hours [1]
Admission
USMLE Step 2 Score: --
Visa Sponsorship:--
YOG Cutoff:--
Race / Ethnicity
No race data available.
Gender
No gender data available.
Incoming Schools
No incoming school data available.
Rotation Duration by Site
Benchmarks
Roster
Publications
24 Publications (5 yr)
Peer-reviewed output from faculty and residents, last 5 years
24 Publications (5 yr)
Neuroendocrine Tumors of the Gallbladder: A Multicenter Case Series and Systematic Literature Review Indicating Predominantly Non-Aggressive Tumor Behavior and a Common Association with Cholesterol Polyps and Cholesterolosis.
Unintended consequences of legacy oversight in digital medicine.
Location
Atlanta, GA [4]
- Above the national average
- Below the national average
- Similar to the national average
Housing — Rental prices [5]
Rental prices
Crime — All violent offences [6]
Rate per 100,000 residents
Living in Atlanta, GA
Crime Rate and Safety
Atlanta has some high-crime areas, but overall safety is similar to other major U.S. cities. It's recommended to be cautious and be aware of your surroundings.
Fun Activities
Atlanta offers a vibrant cultural scene with museums, parks, restaurants, and outdoor activities. You can enjoy the Georgia Aquarium, Piedmont Park, and the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site.
Climate
Atlanta has a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters. Be prepared for occasional thunderstorms and high humidity in the summer.
Races and Population
Atlanta is a diverse city with a blend of different races and cultures. It has a significant African American population and a growing Hispanic community.
Education
Atlanta is home to prestigious universities like Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, providing opportunities for continued education and research.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Atlanta is moderate compared to other major U.S. cities. Housing costs can vary based on the neighborhood.
Proximity to Bigger Cities
Atlanta is within driving distance to cities like Nashville, TN (about 3.5 hours), and Charlotte, NC (about 4 hours), offering weekend getaway options.
Pros
- Vibrant cultural scene
- diverse population
- moderate cost of living.
Cons
- Some high-crime areas
- hot and humid summers.
FAQ
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References
1. Freida - https://freida.ama-assn.org/program/3011230058
2. ACGME - Accreditation Data System (ADS) - https://apps.acgme.org/ads/Public/Programs/Search
3. NRMP Results and Data: 2022-2026 Main Residency Match - https://www.nrmp.org/match-data/2026/03/program-results-2022-2026/
4. United States Census Bureau - https://data.census.gov/profile/City,_VS?g=160XX00US1304000
5. Zillow Research - Observed Rent Index (ZORI) - https://www.zillow.com/research/data/
6. FBI - Crime/Law Enforcement Stats (Uniform Crime Reporting Program) - https://www.fbi.gov/services/cjis/ucr