University of Kansas School of Medicine Surgical Pathology Program

The Surgical/Selective Pathology Fellowship at the University of Kansas School of Medicine is a one-year accredited program designed to provide advanced training in the diverse field of diagnostic surgical pathology. The program encompasses significant exposure to subspecialties such as Breast, Head and Neck, Endocrine, Gynecologic, Gastrointestinal/Pancreatic, Liver, Thoracic, Genitourinary, Bone and Soft Tissue, as well as Heart pathology. The fellowship is particularly structured to offer elective concentrated training in chosen subspecialties, aligning with fellows' specific interests and career goals. Annually, the program evaluates approximately 41,000 in-house surgical specimens, providing a robust foundation for practical experience 1.

One of the distinctive features of the fellowship is its emphasis on comprehensive case sign-outs, intra-operative frozen section consultations, and the review of outside consultations. Fellows are expected to assume increasing levels of responsibility for these tasks under supervision as their training progresses. Furthermore, participation in interdepartmental multidisciplinary tumor conferences and teaching responsibilities towards pathology residents and medical students are integral components of the fellows' roles. All fellows are also encouraged and afforded the opportunity to engage in clinical research, which includes designing and completing a research project 1.

Program Requirements

Candidates desiring to enter the fellowship must be board eligible or certified in Anatomic Pathology or in Anatomic and Clinical Pathology. Additionally, candidates need to possess, or be eligible for, an unrestricted license to practice medicine in Kansas. These requirements ensure that fellows have a solid foundational knowledge and the necessary legal qualifications to partake in the program's clinical responsibilities 1.

Application Process

The application process includes several specific requirements, outlined as follows:

• Completed Standardized Application for Pathology Fellowships
• Current CV
• Personal statement
• Three letters of recommendation addressed to the program director
• USMLE or COMLEX Transcript of Scores

The program director is actively involved in the application review process, ensuring a thorough assessment of each candidate. Applications must be sent to the Fellowship and Education Coordinator 1.

Training Environment

The University of Kansas hosts a National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, making it a vital training ground for pathology fellows. Here, fellows have the advantage of working with a complex patient population which greatly enriches their clinical experience. The program's faculty comprises a diverse group of professionals, including board-certified pathologists with extensive experience in their respective areas of expertise, providing adequate mentorship throughout the fellowship 1.

Visa Sponsorship

The program supports visa sponsorship for international medical graduates (IMGs). Eligible fellows may obtain J-1 visas, which are commonly granted to medical residents and fellows participating in accredited programs in the United States. This sponsorship allows international candidates to pursue a fellowship at the University of Kansas.

Competitiveness of the Program

The Surgical/Selective Pathology Fellowship is known to be highly competitive, primarily due to the quality of training and breadth of exposure provided to fellows. The program is accessible to USMGs (United States Medical Graduates), DOs (Doctors of Osteopathy), and IMGs, which can offer a robust application pool.1

Fellow Interaction and Community

The University of Kansas fosters a collegial environment where fellows can collaborate, share knowledge, and help each other in clinical and educational endeavors. The fellowship program prides itself on producing not only skilled pathologists but also integral contributors to the academic and clinical fields.