Tower Health Program

The Pediatric Pathology Fellowship at Tower Health is designed to equip the pathologist-in-training with the essential skills required to practice pediatric pathology effectively in an academic or private setting. The program is hosted primarily at St. Christopher's Hospital for Children, a prominent pediatric tertiary care hospital in Philadelphia, which also serves as the pediatric teaching facility for the Drexel University College of Medicine.

Clinical Training

The fellowship provides comprehensive clinical exposure across various pediatric pathology subspecialties, ensuring that fellows gain proficiency in several critical areas. Key strengths of the program include:

• Electron Microscopy
• Nephropathology
• Transplantation Pathology (kidney, liver)
• Neuropathology
• Tumor Pathology
• Congenital Heart Disease
• Cytogenetics
• Molecular Diagnostics
• Virology
• Bacteriology
• Chemistry
• Hematology
• Transfusion Medicine

The fellowship encompasses a hands-on experience with supervision from experienced staff members who are faculty at Drexel University College of Medicine. Residents from various programs, including Drexel University and Temple University, also rotate through St. Christopher's, fostering a collaborative learning environment.

Research Training

Fellows are encouraged to engage in research activities during their training. They are expected to either write or co-author at least one research paper based on cases encountered during the fellowship. The anatomic pathology department provides ample resources for research, including a well-equipped laboratory with 1,861 square feet of diagnostic space. The fellow's office is conveniently located near a dedicated library/conference room, facilitating easy access to necessary materials for study and research.

Educational Structure

Education comprises a significant component of the fellowship. The primary focus of training is in pediatric anatomic pathology. Fellows are responsible for leading the prosection and completion of all pediatric autopsies, excluding weekends and vacation periods. Responsibilities include chart reviews, organizational anatomy, and the assembly of clinical, gross, microscopic, and neuropathologic summaries. As they progress, fellows are granted greater autonomy and are expected to communicate autopsy results to clinicians independently.

Pathology Responsibilities

Throughout most of the training year, fellows will also participate in surgical pathology duties, where they will handle cases from their accession through to diagnosis and sign-out. This includes gross dissection, preliminary diagnosis, and management of pending cases with assistance from attending pathologists as needed.

Faculty

The fellowship is led by a dedicated faculty with expertise across various subspecialties in pediatric pathology, providing mentorship and guidance throughout the training process. The diverse backgrounds of faculty members provide a broad range of knowledge and a rich educational environment.

Clinical Rotations

In addition to core responsibilities, the fellowship may include diverse rotations that enhance exposure to clinical cases and the opportunity to participate in interdisciplinary teams that influence patient care in pediatric populations.

Eligibility and Application Requirements

Applicants must meet several criteria to be considered for the fellowship:

• MD degree
• Eligibility for Pennsylvania State licensure
• Successful completion of USMLE Steps 1, 2, and 3
• A minimum of two years training in Anatomic Pathology
• Completion of a personal interview

Interviews are a critical component of the selection process, and candidates should apply through the established fellowship application procedures.

Limited Visa Sponsorship

The program supports J-1 and H-1B visa types for eligible international medical graduates (IMGs). Compliance with U.S. residency and fellowship application procedures is essential for successful visa sponsorship.

Program Competitiveness

This fellowship is competitive, welcoming both U.S. graduates and international medical graduates. The program is committed to diversity and inclusion, providing opportunities for DO (Doctor of Osteopathy) graduates and IMGs to apply.