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

The Pulmonary Pathology Fellowship at Mayo Clinic's Scottsdale campus provides a one-year training program dedicated to developing expertise in the evaluation and diagnosis of pathologic specimens from the lung, pleura, and mediastinum. The program's primary goal is to leverage the extensive resources of Mayo Clinic to support individual career objectives while advancing the science of pulmonary pathology.

Program Highlights

This fellowship offers a comprehensive clinical training experience that encompasses all areas of thoracic pathology. Fellows are exposed to both neoplastic and non-neoplastic diseases, with an average of 3,500 to 4,000 thoracic specimens reviewed annually. Unique educational resources include the Charles B. Carrington Memorial Teaching Collection, which contains over 30,000 historical cases. Additionally, fellows have the chance to participate in research projects relevant to pulmonary pathology, gaining graduated responsibility throughout the fellowship period, culminating in independent case work and consultations with referring pathologists.

Training and Curriculum

The fellowship curriculum consists of clinical rotations primarily at the Scottsdale campus, with the option to rotate for up to two months at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. The breadth of clinical training includes experience in:

• Daily review of in-house specimens and consultations
• Cytopathology services, with emphasis on samples obtained through endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS)
• Interdisciplinary interactions, enhancing a physician's proficiency in radiologic-pathologic correlation

The rotation schedule is structured into 13 four-week blocks, of which nine are dedicated to pulmonary pathology. Additional blocks cover cytopathology, general surgical pathology, and elective areas of interest tailored to individual career goals.

Conferences and Educational Opportunities

Fellows participate in several interdisciplinary conferences, including:

• Weekly Thoracic Tumor Board
• Bi-monthly Pulmonary Medicine Case Conferences
• Monthly Lung Failure Conferences

These interactions foster valuable learning experiences and networking opportunities within the field, while the monthly Pulmonary Journal Club allows fellows to engage with the latest literature and research developments.

Research Training and Opportunities

Research is a significant component of the fellowship, with fellows encouraged to participate in basic, translational, and clinicopathologic studies. Opportunities for collaborative research are facilitated, including access to resources such as the Lung Cancer Epidemiology Project, which includes extensive tissue registries. Fellows can allocate research time throughout the year as needed, with research presentations at national meetings strongly encouraged to foster professional development.

Application Process and Competitiveness

One position is available annually, and applicants must have completed U.S. or Canadian residency training in anatomic pathology, with preference given to those who have prior surgical pathology fellowship training. The fellowship is competitive, requiring submissions via an online application through a designated service, including three letters of recommendation and a personal interview for selected candidates. The beginning of the academic year is in July, and complete applications should ideally be submitted 24 months in advance.

Visa Support

The program supports international applicants and is able to sponsor visas for eligible candidates. Specific details regarding visa types and support are provided during the application process.

Faculty and Educational Environment

The Pulmonary Pathology Fellowship is supported by a diverse team of specialists, including pathologists who have established a reputation in pulmonary pathology. The mentors embedded in the program are dedicated to fostering the educational success of fellows, guiding them through both clinical challenges and research endeavors.

The Mayo Clinic fosters a balanced approach to work and life, with resources available to support both physical and mental wellness during fellowship training.