Stanford Health Care-Sponsored Stanford University Program

The Stanford Health Care-Sponsored Stanford University Program in Pediatric Pathology offers a comprehensive and rigorous training in the specialty of pediatric pathology, focusing on diseases affecting children and adolescents, including those present from conception through fetal life.

Program Overview

This ACGME-accredited fellowship allows pediatric pathology fellows to gain exceptional competency in the practice of this specialty. The program is designed to prepare fellows for both academic and community practice careers.

Clinical Rotations

Fellows will participate in various clinical rotations throughout the one-year program which includes:

• Autopsy
• Biochemical Genetics
• Cytogenetics
• Dermatopathology
• Forensics
• Hematopathology
• Molecular Pathology
• Neuropathology
• Surgical Pathology

Dedicated research and elective weeks are also included, allowing fellows to pursue independent research initiatives.

Research and Quality Improvement

Each fellow is expected to engage in at least one research project and another project focused on Quality Assurance/Quality Improvement, thereby fostering both academic research and improvements in clinical practice.

Eligibility and Application Requirements

The program accepts two fellows per year and is suitable for candidates who have completed or are completing residency training in Anatomic Pathology. Applicants must demonstrate a commitment to pediatric pathology through a strong background in pathology and a keen interest in pediatric diseases.

Applications should include the following materials:

• Completed Standardized Application for Pathology Fellowships form (CAP with supplemental available)
• Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Cover letter and/or personal statement
• Three letters of recommendation
• Recent photograph

Funding and Support

The Department of Pathology provides a stipend that is consistent with national standards for fellowship training. Additionally, fellows may receive funding for research-related conferences and educational materials.

Visa Sponsorship

For Canadian trainees, ECFMG sponsored J-1 visas are available without the need for qualifying examinations like FMGEMS, NBME, and USMLE. Non-Canadian trainees must also apply for ECFMG sponsored J-1 visas, as Stanford does not sponsor H-1B visas. A valid ECFMG certificate is required, which must be obtained through successful completion of qualifying examinations. Processing of visas may require up to 120 working days.

Competitiveness

The Pediatric Pathology Fellowship program at Stanford is highly competitive. Candidates are expected to have a thorough grounding in pathology, a demonstrated commitment to the care of pediatric patients, and significant research interests.

Unique Aspects

This fellowship uniquely includes opportunities for multidisciplinary training via rotations in various disciplines, including hematopathology and molecular pathology, thus enabling fellows to develop a holistic view of pediatric diseases and their management.

Additional Opportunities

Stanford offers the option for fellows to engage in a Master of Science degree program after completing the fellowship, allowing for further academic and professional development in a related area of study.

The fellowship prepares trainees not only for expert practice in pediatric pathology but also mentors them towards impactful research and quality improvement projects, ensuring that graduates are well-equipped for future leadership roles in their field.