NYU Grossman School of Medicine Program

Cytopathology Fellowship Overview

The Cytopathology Fellowship at NYU Langone’s Department of Pathology offers two one-year post-residency fellowship positions that are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). This fellowship prepares pathologists for a career in cytopathology through a combination of hands-on clinical experience, didactic training, and research opportunities.

Fellows gain extensive clinical experience at NYU Langone’s Tisch Hospital and Perlmutter Cancer Center, both of which are equipped to handle the complex caseloads typically present in cytopathology. The program processes approximately 50,000 cases annually and performs over 6,000 fine-needle aspirations (FNAs), ensuring that fellows are well equipped to handle a diverse array of pathology cases.

Curriculum and Rotations

The curriculum encompasses both general cytopathology and specific procedures involving ultrasound-guided FNAs. Fellows are expected to perform between 80 to 100 FNAs throughout their training, enhancing their technical skills in diagnostic processes. In addition to practical training, fellows are expected to participate actively in daily sign-out duties of submitted cases, conduct quality assurance projects, and contribute to multidisciplinary disease management conferences.

Research Opportunities

The program emphasizes research, allocating dedicated time for fellows to complete at least one research project. This research must culminate in an abstract presented at esteemed professional meetings, such as the annual United States and Canadian Academy of Pathology (USCAP) meeting or the American Society of Cytopathology (ASC) meeting. This expectation underscores the program's commitment to integrating scholarly activities with clinical training.

Training Sites

The major training sites for the Cytopathology Fellowship include:

• NYU Langone Tisch Hospital: A major academic medical center providing comprehensive healthcare.
• Perlmutter Cancer Center: A National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center known for its advanced cancer treatment and research facilities.
• NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue: A vital resource for exposure to a broad diversity of patient populations and pathology cases.

Visa Support and Application Requirements

NYU Langone supports the issuance of J-1 visas for candidates who require sponsorship to participate in this fellowship. Applicants typically must have completed a three-year anatomic pathology residency accredited by the ACGME.

Special application requirements include the possession of a New York State license (or a limited permit) prior to the fellowship start date, along with sufficient qualifications for medical staff appointment. The application requires a completed College of American Pathologists (CAP) application, personal statement, CV, medical school transcripts, and necessary licensing examination score reports.

Competitiveness and Special Considerations

The Cytopathology Fellowship at NYU Langone is highly competitive, with rigorous applicant evaluations based on both academic performance and clinical aptitude. The program is perceived as friendly to candidates from diverse backgrounds, including international medical graduates (IMGs) and those who hold Doctor of Osteopathy (DO) degrees.

Additional application requirements may include recent graduates (typically within the last three years) and limitations on the number of failed USMLE steps. Candidates are encouraged to showcase strong commitment and passion for cytopathology in their applications.