Indiana University School of Medicine Program

The Hematopathology Fellowship at the Indiana University School of Medicine is offered by the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, specifically through the Division of Hematopathology. This program is designed to provide fellows with extensive clinical experience, advanced resources, and exposure to a variety of specimens in diverse practice settings. A commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion is fundamental to the program's mission. The fellowship focuses on preparing participants for successful careers that encompass both clinical and research aspects of hematopathology. This one-year accredited fellowship—is recognized by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME)—accepts two fellows annually. Graduating from this fellowship qualifies individuals for hematopathology certification by the American Board of Pathology 1.

The fellowship training takes place in a unique setting—the Division of Hematopathology operates out of an independent core pathology laboratory located along the scenic Indianapolis Central Canal and Cultural Trail. The program processes over 25,000 specimens from various IU Health system-based hospitals, affiliated laboratories, and other healthcare facilities, including Riley Hospital for Children, Eskenazi Health, and the Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center. This extensive access affords fellows a chance to interact with a diverse patient population and to gain experience in diagnosing complex cases from both academic practices and community-private practices 1.

Fellows will engage with multidisciplinary teams that assist in guiding patient management strategies. The program offers comprehensive training in the diagnostics of bone marrow, peripheral blood, body fluids, and lymph nodes. It includes automated hematology and medical director oversight, as well as ancillary testing methods such as immunohistochemistry, in situ hybridization, flow cytometry (including minimal residual disease analysis), cytogenetics, and molecular pathology techniques (PCR-based and next-generation sequencing). The training also encompasses aspects of coagulation and capillary electrophoresis aimed at addressing RBC disorders, hemoglobinopathies, and thalassemias 1.

In terms of educational content, the fellowship is structured to include daily clinical case evaluations, along with specific didactic sessions such as a daily QA conference, regular lectures, fellow-focused didactics, monthly journal clubs, and biweekly sessions termed 'Path to Hemepath.' Participation in national meetings, including the Society for Hematopathology/European Association for Hematopathology meetings, is also expected as part of the fellowship 1.

On the operational side, the fellowship enhances medical director competencies by involving fellows in daily lab operations and participating in laboratory inspections necessary for CLIA accreditation. The faculty actively engages in clinically oriented research, providing fellows with two dedicated elective months to focus on research and gain diagnostic exposure 1.

Application Process

The application process encourages candidates who have a solid interest in the field of hematopathology to apply. Stipends are in accordance with the level of postgraduate training attained. The Hematopathology Fellowship actively participates in the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) and adheres to the guidelines established by the Society for Hematopathology. The application timeline is as follows: applications are currently open, interviews for fellowship candidates will commence in January 2025, with the match registration starting on February 5, 2025, and match day occurring on April 30, 2025. The fellowship officially begins on July 1, 2026.

Interested candidates are required to submit a standardized CAP fellowship application along with their curriculum vitae, personal statement, and three letters of reference to the fellowship director and administrator 1.

Diversity and Inclusion

The program emphasizes a commitment to creating an inclusive environment that recognizes and respects individual uniqueness. The faculty and training encounters prioritize diversity, with a robust approach to cultivating cultural competency. The diversity represented in the faculty and clinical settings serves to enhance the fellows' skill sets and enrich their ability to provide compassionate and equitable patient care 1.

Testimonials from Alumni

Feedback from alumni indicates a high level of preparedness for subsequent roles and responsibilities. Many former fellows report that the diversity of cases they engaged with during their fellowship has significantly contributed to their capacity to work in various clinical settings. They note the importance of mentorship received throughout the program and how it equipped them to handle diagnostic challenges effectively. Alumni express a strong sense of confidence, not just in clinical acumen but also in the skills necessary for research and communication with multidisciplinary teams 2.