Rush University Medical Center Program

The Selective (Surgical) Pathology Fellowship at Rush University Medical Center offers a comprehensive one-year training program focused on various aspects of surgical pathology. This ACGME-accredited program accepts one fellow annually and is set within an academic tertiary-care medical center in Chicago, Illinois.

The fellowship provides an advanced training experience, combining core rotations in general surgical pathology with customizable elective rotations in several subspecialties. Core rotations encompass a wide range of fields including breast, lung, endocrine, dermatopathology, gynecologic pathology, gastrointestinal, liver, and genitourinary pathology. Fellows also have the option to specialize further with elective rotations in molecular pathology, renal pathology, and hematopathology, among others. The department handles a substantial volume of cases, approximately 40,000 surgical and 11,000 cytology cases per year, which are reviewed by expert subspecialty pathologists, ensuring a rich learning environment for fellows 1.

Fellows are integral to the diagnostic process, engaging in workups of consultation cases and participating in multidisciplinary cancer conferences, tumor boards, and specialty-specific conferences. They are also responsible for conducting intraoperative frozen section consultations and educating pathology residents and medical students 1. The diversity of specimen material encountered stems from Rush University Medical Center's collaborations with community hospitals in Illinois, including Rush Oak Park Hospital and Rush Copley Hospital, providing optimal exposure to both academic and community practices.

Research is a key component of the fellowship, with numerous opportunities available for collaborative projects with both pathology and clinical faculty. Fellows are strongly encouraged to engage in research activities, with the expectation of submitting abstracts to scientific meetings and contributing to manuscripts for publication 1.

Application Requirements

Applicants to the Selective (Surgical) Pathology Fellowship must have completed a residency in anatomical pathology or in both anatomical and clinical pathology accredited by an ACGME program. Candidates should be either certified or eligible for certification by the American Board of Pathology prior to starting the fellowship 1.

The application process involves submitting a completed application form, a comprehensive curriculum vitae, a personal statement, and three letters of recommendation. Successful applicants are those who demonstrate high academic achievement and commitment to the field of pathology.

Training Environment and Support

Rush University Medical Center stands out with its robust emphasis on both teaching and clinical excellence. The fellowship adheres to all ACGME regulations regarding duty hour limits, rest, assessment, evaluation, and feedback 1.

International medical graduates are welcome to apply, and the program provides support for J1 visa sponsorship, making it accessible to a diverse applicant pool 3. The program is considered moderately competitive, providing opportunities for all qualified candidates, including DO and IMG applicants. However, the program values candidates with strong backgrounds in pathology and a demonstrated interest in the field.

Additional Fellowship Programs

Rush University Medical Center offers a variety of fellowship programs in different medical fields, allowing for a rich multidisciplinary approach to medical training. The diverse patient population and state-of-the-art facilities enhance the fellowship experience, preparing candidates for future roles in various healthcare settings 2.

Overall, the Selective (Surgical) Pathology Fellowship at Rush University Medical Center combines extensive clinical exposure, hands-on experience, faculty mentorship, and research opportunities in a supportive educational environment—making it an exceptional choice for aspiring surgical pathologists.