Penn State Milton S Hershey Medical Center Program

The Pathology Residency Program at Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center is a comprehensive four-year ACGME-approved training program that prepares residents for careers in pathology. With a total complement of 16 residents, this program emphasizes education through a combination of clinical practice, research opportunities, and academic instruction.

Program Overview

The residency offers training in combined anatomic and clinical pathology, as well as options for focusing exclusively on either area. Residents engage in a structured curriculum that covers various specialties within pathology, supplemented by a wealth of resources including experienced faculty members committed to education and mentorship.1

Curriculum and Rotations

The training is organized around a series of rotations designed to facilitate hands-on learning and progressive responsibility. Key components of the curriculum include:

• A two-year longitudinal core curriculum featuring didactic lectures covering the essential topics in anatomic and clinical pathology.
• Elective rotations in various subspecialties, including opportunities for research.
• Low-volume rotations combined with other training to maximize exposure, such as autopsy/cytopathology, clinical pathology, and surgical pathology.
• A unique mentorship program where residents can choose faculty mentors for career guidance.

Residents are expected to participate in interdisciplinary conferences and presentations through the Visiting Professors series, which brings nationally recognized faculty to share insights and educational content.1

Research Opportunities

Research is highly encouraged within the program. Residents may engage in a variety of research projects with the support of the Division of Experimental Pathology. Funding is available for projects, and residents can gain experience developing and presenting their work at national meetings.1

Training Sites

The primary training site is the Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, which is recognized for its high patient volume and complexity of cases. The facility is equipped with state-of-the-art laboratories and resources, providing ample opportunities for hands-on experience in diagnosis and laboratory management.1

Application Process

Applicants are required to apply through the ERAS (Electronic Residency Application Service) and submit several materials including:

• Dean's letter
• Official transcripts
• USMLE/COMLEX scores (Step 1 is mandatory; Step 2 must be taken and passed before February of the applicant's entrance year)
• Three letters of recommendation

International medical graduates must have ECFMG certification and a valid ECFMG certificate upon employment. The program seeks applicants with a strong commitment to the field and does not enforce minimum score requirements, although evidence of continual learning throughout any periods away from clinical duties is considered important.1

Visa Support

This residency program only sponsors J-1 visas for international applicants. Previous experience in a U.S. clinical laboratory is not required, and observerships are not permitted within the Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center.1

Competitiveness and Diversity

The program is competitive; however, it welcomes applications from DO and IMG candidates, valuing diverse experiences and backgrounds. The Office for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion supports various initiatives to promote a diverse training environment, acknowledging the importance of varied perspectives in medical education and patient care.1

Wellness Resources

The residency program emphasizes wellness and provides resources to support the health and well-being of residents. Various institutional resources are available including the Doctors Kienle Center for Humanistic Medicine and a dedicated Employee Health Care Concierge service to support residents and their families as they transition into the community and workplace environment.1

Unique Aspects of the Program

Distinct features of the Pathology Residency at Penn State Health include opportunities for longitudinal mentorship, active resident participation in medical education, and collaborative research projects. The program also supports valuable experiential learning in a fully integrated academic health system, enhancing the residents’ professional training and future career development.1