University of California (San Francisco) Program

Hematopathology Fellowship Overview

The program at the University of California, San Francisco, offers a one-year ACGME-accredited fellowship in Hematopathology, specifically focusing on diagnostic hematopathology and laboratory hematology. Each year, the program accepts two fellows. The hematology laboratory is notably active, performing approximately 600,000 tests annually, which includes both hematology and coagulation tests. The breadth of cases handled by the hematopathology service is extensive, reviewing around 1600 adult and 300 pediatric bone marrows, along with 700 consult cases for marrows and lymph nodes each year.

Training Structure

The training structure emphasizes a balance between autonomy and supervision, allowing fellows to progressively gain independence. The fellowship aims to prepare participants for independent practice in various aspects of hematopathology, including hematology, coagulation, bone marrow and lymph node pathology, alongside laboratory management. In addition to clinical education, the program ensures fellows have dedicated time for scholarly activities, teaching, quality improvement initiatives, patient safety projects, and educational undertakings.

Faculty and Curriculum

The program benefits from a diverse faculty with varied interests in hematopathology, providing fellows with opportunities to acquire in-depth knowledge across multiple areas within the field. This diversity enhances the educational experience and enables fellows to explore different sub-disciplines of hematopathology effectively.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the fellowship, candidates must have successfully completed a minimum of two years of an ACGME-accredited pathology residency or one accredited by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC). Applicants should also hold certification by the American Board of Pathology in either anatomic pathology, clinical pathology, or both. Upon selection, candidates are required to obtain an unrestricted medical license or a Postgraduate Training License (PTL) from the Medical Board of California prior to their start date.

For non-U.S. citizens, possession of a Permanent Resident Card or an appropriate educational visa is required before starting the program. The program can sponsor J1 visas for eligible candidates.

Application Process

The program participates in the NRMP Match process for Hematopathology Fellowship positions. It currently accepts applications for the academic year 2026-2027. The timeline for this match includes key dates: interviews will start in January 2025, with a match opening for registration on February 5, 2025. Following this, a rank order list certification deadline in April 2025 precedes the match day on April 30, 2025, with the fellowship commencing in July 2026.

Salary and Financial Information

Fellows in the program will be appointed as PGY-5 residents, which aligns with the financial structures outlined by UCSF Graduate Medical Education, ensuring a competitive salary commensurate with experience and training level.

Related Fellowship Programs

Within the Department of Laboratory Medicine at UCSF, additional advanced fellowship programs are available, such as Cellular Therapy & Transfusion Medicine and Clinical Chemistry. Each program is designed to develop future leaders in their respective fields alongside the Hematopathology Fellowship, enhancing the overall educational environment.