Temple University Hospital Program

The Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine offers a four-year, fully accredited residency program in combined anatomic and clinical pathology at Temple University Hospital. This program is ACGME accredited and qualifies residents to sit for the American Board of Pathology examination in Anatomic Pathology/Clinical Pathology at the conclusion of their training. The curriculum is designed with a focus on forming both academic and community hospital-based pathologists, providing residents with a graded increase in responsibility tailored to meet individual interests and needs. Throughout the residency, opportunities for clinical and basic research are emphasized, and residents are encouraged to participate in the education of medical students.

Curriculum Overview

The residency program at Temple involves a balanced curriculum covering various aspects of pathology. Residents undergo multiple rotations within a variety of subspecialties, including but not limited to surgical pathology, cytopathology, hematopathology, clinical chemistry, blood banking, and immunogenetics. Each subspecialty provides a comprehensive initiation into the field, ensuring that residents acquire hands-on experience and a robust theoretical foundation in pathology.

Rotations

Rotations within the program include:

• The Surgical Pathology Rotation: This rotation consists of 14 blocks and covers over 16,000 cases, allowing residents to develop diagnosis skills through an apprenticeship model. They are responsible for their own cases from accessioning to sign-out with faculty support throughout the training.
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• Hematopathology/Hematology Rotation: Residents spend time learning various aspects of hematopathology, including the interpretation of clinical history and laboratory findings related to blood disorders. They acquire hands-on experience, including performing bone marrow aspirations.
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• Cytopathology Rotation: This rotation focuses on diagnostic procedures, fine-needle aspiration techniques, and quality control in cytology. Residents become competent in evaluating cytology slides and issuing reports.
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• Blood Banking/Transfusion Medicine: Residents receive training in all aspects of transfusion medicine, including testing, regulations, and quality management over a period of 18 weeks.
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• Clinical Chemistry: This 12-week rotation covers analytical principles, method validation, and quality assurance, providing residents with essential laboratory management skills.
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• Molecular Pathology: This unit helps residents understand and perform various molecular diagnostic tests and their applications.
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• Neuropathology: In this elective, residents will explore the pathological basis of neurologic diseases with ample case material and teaching opportunities.
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Research Opportunities

Residents are encouraged to engage in scholarly activities through basic science and clinical research during their training. This includes collaborative research projects, case study preparations, and participation in external conferences. The program fosters an environment where residents can explore diverse topics in pathology through studies funded by NIH and other organizations.

Training Sites

Temple University Hospital serves as the primary training site, supplemented by rotations at affiliated centers such as the Fox Chase Cancer Center. These sites offer a range of specialized facilities ensuring a wide variety of pathology cases and exposure to different patient populations.

Application Process and Competitiveness

Applicants to the program must submit USMLE Steps 1 and 2 scores, medical school transcripts, three letters of recommendation, and a personal statement through ERAS. The selection process emphasizes various personal attributes such as communication skills, integrity, and motivation rather than focusing solely on academic credentials. The program is competitive, welcoming graduates from all backgrounds including DO and IMG candidates.

Visa Support

The program provides visa support for eligible international applicants, commonly sponsoring J-1 and H-1B visas. Specific visa types may vary depending on individual circumstances, and it is advisable for applicants to explore their options during the application process.

Stipend and Benefits

Residents receive a competitive stipend along with comprehensive benefits. This may include health insurance, annual leave, professional development opportunities, and other generous support mechanisms.1