Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science (Rochester) Soft Tissue/Bone Pathology Program

The Bone and Soft Tissue Pathology Fellowship at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, offers a deep and comprehensive training experience for those pursuing a career in this specialized area of pathology. Designed to equip fellows with the necessary skills for a successful career in an academic or major private referral center, the program involves exposure to approximately 5,000 cases annually within Mayo Clinic's well-respected consultation service.

This one-year fellowship program emphasizes a multidisciplinary approach to diagnosing benign and malignant bone and soft tissue tumors. The fellows benefit from a rich array of diagnostic resources that include extensive use of immunohistochemistry, cytogenetics, molecular genetics, and electron microscopy. Such resources ensure a strong foundation in both clinical pathology and laboratory medicine.

Curriculum

The curriculum includes intensive clinical training in various diagnostic techniques. Fellows will learn fresh gross examination, frozen section interpretation, and permanent section diagnostic skills using hematoxylin-eosin staining methods. Additionally, the fellows engage deeply in special techniques such as immunohistochemistry, benefiting from hands-on experience and instruction from more than 60 staff consultants.

Each fellow participates in an extensive rotation schedule that involves several months devoted to Mayo's frozen section labs, allowing them to gain critical experience in routine and complex specimens. Elective rotations can be chosen in various subspecialty areas, including breast pathology, gastrointestinal pathology, dermatopathology, and many others, which enrich the training experience.

Research Opportunities

Research is strongly encouraged, with fellows expected to complete at least one research project aiming for publication by the fellowship's conclusion. The curriculum provides extensive access to surgical pathology material and core science laboratories, enabling fellows to utilize advanced techniques such as microdissection, flow cytometry, and molecular genetics during their research endeavors.

Didactic Training and Conferences

A comprehensive didactic core lecture series offers further educational enrichment on various topics relevant to anatomic and clinical pathology. Fellows partake in daily and weekly conferences, including the Orthopedic Pathology-Radiology Conference and multidisciplinary sarcoma conferences, which fosters a collaborative learning environment.

Faculty and Mentorship

The Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology at Mayo Clinic is one of the largest clinical laboratories globally and is supported by a highly skilled faculty. The division features over 60 pathologists, ensuring that fellows benefit from a wealth of knowledge and expertise. Each fellow is paired with a dedicated mentor to assist in educational and professional growth throughout the fellowship.

Application Process and Qualifications

Each year, a single fellowship position is offered competitively. Eligible applicants must hold a medical degree with U.S. or Canadian specialty training in anatomic pathology and must have completed residency training. Applications to the fellowship are processed through a third-party service, and candidates are required to submit a completed application form along with supporting documentation, including letters of recommendation from their current program director.

The application must be submitted no later than August 1, two years prior to the desired program start date, aligning with Mayo Clinic’s academic year that commences in July. Applicants selected for consideration will be invited for a personal interview.

Visa Support

The Bone and Soft Tissue Pathology Fellowship program is supportive of international applicants and provides sponsorship for necessary visa types, which is crucial for international medical graduates seeking training opportunities in the United States.

Competitiveness

The fellowship is noted for being highly competitive. Aspects of the application process necessitate exceptional qualifications, including the completion of residency and obtaining strong letters of recommendation. This environment encourages a focused applicant pool committed to academic excellence in pathology.