Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science (Rochester) Pulmonary Pathology Program

The Pulmonary Pathology Fellowship at Mayo Clinic's campus in Rochester, Minnesota, is dedicated to training physicians to become competent pathologists, particularly in evaluating and diagnosing a wide variety of pulmonary pathologic specimens. The program's mission emphasizes both expert diagnosis and advancing the field of pulmonary pathology through research and clinical practice.

This one-year fellowship program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education, ensuring that it meets high educational standards.

Curriculum Overview

The curriculum is structured to provide in-depth clinical training primarily at the Rochester campus, with opportunities for rotation at the Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale, Arizona. Trainees are exposed to a diverse range of cases, including both common and rare thoracic pathologies, as well as access to high-volume specimen reviews totaling 3,500 to 4,000 cases annually. Interdisciplinary collaboration with chest radiologists enhances learning through weekly case discussions that integrate imaging with pathology assessments.

Training Components

Fellows participate in a variety of weekly conferences, including lung-cutting sessions, gross pulmonary conferences, and clinical case discussions. An essential part of training involves gross examination of lung explants, heart and lung transplant biopsies, and a month-long rotation in the frozen section laboratory, which allows fellows to directly correlate clinical and pathological data.

Research Opportunities

The fellowship provides robust research training, allowing fellows to engage in multidisciplinary projects in collaboration with the Mayo Clinic’s extensive faculty network. Projects often focus on clinical epidemiology and cancer research, supported by Mayo's vast resources, including an extensive tissue registry. Past trainees have actively participated in national meetings and contributed to published research, showcasing the program's commitment to academic excellence.

Application Process

The program admits one fellow annually on a competitive basis. Applicants must hold a medical degree and complete U.S. or Canadian residency training in anatomic pathology or a combined anatomic and clinical pathology residency. Preference is shown to those who have completed a surgical pathology fellowship. The application process requires submission through a designated online service and includes three letters of recommendation, one from the current program director.

Special Application Requirements

Eligibility stipulates that applicants should have completed their residency no more than three years prior to application. The program invites candidates for personal interviews as part of the selection process, with applications due by December 1 prior to the fellowship year.

Competitive Landscape

The Pulmonary Pathology Fellowship at Mayo Clinic is considered highly competitive. The program's robust training environment, extensive faculty expertise, and high specimen volume contribute to its reputation, making it a preferred choice for many aspiring pulmonary pathologists. The program welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds, including those from osteopathic (DO) and international medical graduate (IMG) programs.

Visa Support

The program supports international applicants by offering sponsorship for J-1 and H-1B visas. This ensures that qualified candidates from abroad can participate in the fellowship, contributing to the program's diverse learning environment.

Fellow Life

Current fellows emphasize the supportive environment and the high level of mentorship available throughout the fellowship year. They express gratitude for the opportunities to engage in a wide breadth of thoracic pathology cases, further enriched by the chance to rotate at the Arizona campus, enhancing their training experience.

Meet Our Distinguished Faculty

The faculty at the Mayo Clinic's Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology is composed of leading experts in the field, many of whom are recognized nationally and internationally. Trainees benefit from close mentorship, engaging with faculty during clinical training and research to foster their professional development.

Alumni Success

Since the program's inception, numerous alumni have gone on to successful careers, many in academic settings across the United States and Canada. Alumni testimonials highlight the program's well-rounded approach to training, offering experiences that are critical for future practice in pulmonary pathology.