University of Colorado Program

The Pediatric Pathology Fellowship at the University of Colorado School of Medicine offers a comprehensive one-year fellowship program accredited by the ACGME, specifically designed for those wishing to specialize in pediatric pathology. This program is based at the Children’s Hospital Colorado, located on the Anschutz Medical Campus in Aurora, Colorado, which is renowned for its pediatric healthcare, being consistently ranked among the top pediatric hospitals in the nation according to US News and World Report.

The fellowship provides extensive training in various aspects of pediatric pathology, including pediatric surgical pathology, perinatal pathology, autopsy pathology, pediatric forensic pathology, electron microscopy, and clinical pathology, which encompasses transfusion medicine and apheresis, clinical chemistry, hematology, microbiology, flow cytometry, and molecular diagnostics. The program allows fellows to gain expertise in subspecialties such as gastrointestinal and liver pathology, pulmonary pathology, cancer and blood disorders, solid tumors, neuropathology, and dermatopathology, making it a well-rounded training experience for upcoming pathologists 1.

The clinical facilities include the Children's Hospital Colorado, which features an 18,000 square-foot clinical laboratory equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, providing around 1.5 million tests annually. The program handles a significant case load, including approximately 11,000 surgical cases, 2,700 cytology cases, and 650 bone marrows each year 1. The collaboration with the Colorado Institute for Maternal and Fetal Health allows fellows to engage in fetal surgical programs and perinatal examinations.

Training and Mentorship

The fellowship is supported by a robust faculty comprising 16 experienced professionals, including 11 board-certified pediatric pathologists. This mentoring environment enriches fellows through access to experts across various aspects of pathology, enhancing both clinical skills and research opportunities. The training year is individualized to align with the fellow’s professional interests, fostering both academic growth and career development 1.

Facilities and Resources

Fellows benefit from the close relationships established between Children’s Hospital Colorado, the University of Colorado Hospital, the Denver Office of the Medical Examiner, and the Colorado Genetics Laboratory. This collaborative approach enables fellows to access a vast array of diagnostic tools and support systems 1.

Application Requirements and Process

Applicants to the Pediatric Pathology Fellowship must have completed an approved residency in Anatomic Pathology (AP) or combined Anatomic and Clinical Pathology (AP/CP) and should be eligible for board certification in pediatric pathology upon completion of the fellowship. Applications are accepted until February 1 for positions beginning on July 1 of the following year 1. The program is competitive, attracting a diverse range of applicants, including international medical graduates (IMGs) and those with Doctor of Osteopathic (DO) backgrounds.

Visa Support and Sponsorship

The program sponsors J-1 visas, which are common for international medical graduates participating in fellowship training in the United States. This support extends to fellows from various backgrounds, ensuring that qualified candidates from around the globe have opportunities to train in specialized pediatric pathology.

Work-Life Balance and Community

The fellowship emphasizes work-life balance, striving to maintain a supportive academic culture while encouraging participation in local and national meetings pertinent to pediatric pathology. The Denver area offers a vibrant metropolitan lifestyle paired with stunning natural landscapes, making it an attractive place to live and work 1.