Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Program

The Molecular Genetic Pathology Fellowship at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai offers a comprehensive one-year training program designed for individuals seeking to enhance their expertise in molecular diagnostics. This Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education-approved program accepts one fellow each year, allowing participants to gain essential skills and knowledge necessary for leading a molecular diagnostics laboratory.

Fellows experience core laboratory rotations entailing both didactic and practical training in the performance and interpretation of molecular diagnostics, which includes cytogenetic and biochemical tests related to various medical conditions such as solid tumors, leukemia, lymphoma, heritable genetic disorders, infectious diseases, tissue typing and identity testing, and pharmacogenetics. Fellows gain direct exposure to critical laboratory management tasks including quality assurance, troubleshooting, assay development and validation, as well as instrument evaluation 1.

Active participation in genetic clinics allows fellows to serve as molecular genetic pathology consultants, assisting clinical teams in diagnosing and caring for patients. With a combined test volume exceeding 100,000 annually, the program engages fellows in innovative genomic medicine practices alongside both the Department of Pathology and the Department of Genetics and Genomics Sciences 1.

Curriculum

The curriculum is meticulously structured to impart a strong foundation in molecular biology and genetics. Fellows are taught how to effectively integrate clinical and laboratory data throughout their training. The program entails organizing and preparing case discussions for sign-out, collaborating with various healthcare professionals including clinical physicians, residents, patients, and technologists. Participants are expected to contribute significantly to regularly scheduled conferences, lectures, and journal clubs, thereby enhancing their educational experience. Teaching opportunities are also available for residents and medical students rotating through the laboratory 1.

Research Opportunities

Fellows are required to engage in scholarly activities as a vital component of the fellowship. This can include a variety of research pursuits such as publications presented at national meetings, clinical research investigating the relevance of molecular diagnostics, and basic science or translational research 1. These research components are not only essential for the fellow's development but also contribute to advancing the field of molecular genetic pathology.

How to Apply

Applications for the fellowship are accepted on a rolling basis, spanning from July 1 to December 31. Applicants are required to submit the Standardized College of American Pathologists application along with a curriculum vitae, personal statement, three letters of recommendation, and proof of the United States Medical Licensing Examination completion. Notably, beginning in July 2026, the molecular genetic pathology fellowship will participate in the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) Match 1.

Visa Support

The program provides visa support for international medical graduates. Specific visa types that may be sponsored by the program include H-1B and J-1 visas, enabling international candidates to pursue their fellowship training at Mount Sinai.

Competitiveness and Eligibility

The fellowship is considered highly competitive, yet it welcomes applications from both DO and IMG candidates, facilitating a more diverse cohort of fellows. Applicants should be board eligible or certified in anatomic or clinical pathology or medical genetics and must be eligible for a New York State medical license to be considered 1.

Special Application Requirements

In addition to the required materials, candidates should be aware of specific eligibility criteria, including the year of graduation from medical school. Notably, there is a maximum limit on the number of failed USMLE Step exams permitted, ensuring that all fellows have a solid foundation in fundamental medical knowledge.