Penn State Milton S Hershey Medical Center Program

The Hematopathology Fellowship at Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center is a fully funded, one-year, ACGME-accredited program designed to admit one fellow per year. This program provides an intensive training experience that encompasses all aspects of the laboratory evaluation of benign and malignant hematolymphoid disorders. Participants in this fellowship will benefit from a wide array of automated laboratory testing, coagulation assessments, morphological evaluations, immunophenotyping, and molecular and cytogenetic techniques.

Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center is a comprehensive 491-bed tertiary-care facility affiliated with several institutes including the Penn State Cancer Institute and Penn State Children’s Hospital. This affiliation allows for rich clinical and research opportunities related to both adult and pediatric hematolymphoid diseases, enhanced by the presence of an active bone marrow transplantation program. The hematopathology service plays an essential role by offering consultative services to external pathologists and oncologists, which greatly enriches the fellow's learning experience.

Each year, the program handles substantial volumes of cases, performing over 1,200 comprehensive bone marrow evaluations, 2,300 flow cytometry interpretations, and evaluations of numerous lymph node, spleen, and other tissue samples. There is also significant engagement with a Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory that supplements hematopathology services by providing over 1,000 tests and interpretations.

Curriculum Overview

The curriculum is structured to provide fellows with the necessary competencies to operate as medical directors of hematopathology laboratories. The program emphasizes communication skills to effectively report results that contribute directly to patient care, and encourages participation in scholarly activities to foster critical thinking and literature evaluation skills. Educational goals are aligned with the recommendations set forth by the Society for Hematopathology Education Committee, contributing to the fellow's readiness for future academic or private practice careers.

Fellows will engage in specific rotations designed to develop knowledge and skills across various hematopathological domains:

Introduction to Hematopathology

Fellows will become acquainted with the hematology laboratories, key personnel, and the operational workflow. Each fellow will identify an area of research interest and select a research mentor to guide them through the development of a research proposal.

Hematology Rotations

This includes intensive training in evaluating hematolymphoid malignancies, managing blood smears, bone marrow samples, and tissue evaluations. Fellows will acquire proficiency in recognizing and diagnosing common hematological abnormalities.

Research and Electives

Protected time is allocated for fellows to initiate or complete research projects, with supervision from chosen faculty mentors. Fellowships can also opt for elective rotations in specialized areas such as Benign Hematology and Molecular Pathology.

Coagulation and Cytogenetics

The program includes a focused curriculum on coagulation tests and their clinical implications and a two-week rotation at Quest Diagnostics for practical cytogenetics training. Here, fellows will learn essential techniques and limitations of hematopathological analyses.

Application Requirements

To be eligible for the Hematopathology Fellowship, applicants must hold an MD, DO, or foreign equivalent degree with ECFMG certification. Candidates should also be board-certified or eligible in anatomic and/or clinical pathology. In addition, applicants must be eligible for a Pennsylvania medical license. The program is open to U.S. citizens, green card holders, or J-1 visa holders. The application requires a complete CAP Standardized Pathology Fellowship Application, CV, cover letter, USMLE test scores, and multiple letters of recommendation.

Visa Support

The program provides sponsorship for J-1 visas, which may be necessary for international medical graduates seeking to participate in the fellowship.

Competitiveness and Unique Features

This fellowship is highly competitive, well-suited for both U.S. and international medical graduates, with a favorable stance toward DOs and international medical graduates (IMGs). The unique aspects include extensive hands-on training, a robust research environment, and access to significant clinical resources through a large academic health system.

Institutional Environment and Diversity Initiatives

Penn State Health fosters an environment of wellness and diversity, supporting the balanced emotional, social, and professional growth of its fellows. Various resources and mentorship programs aim to promote inclusivity and actively address wellness, ensuring a holistic educational experience.