University of Pennsylvania Health System Surgical Pathology Program

The Surgical Pathology Fellowship at the University of Pennsylvania Health System offers a comprehensive advanced training for pathologists interested in enhancing their expertise in surgical pathology. This program is formally accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) and operates within a structured model to promote professional development and specialization.

Fellowship Overview

The fellowship consists of a one-year term with seven positions available annually. Fellows engage in a subspecialty model of surgical pathology practice at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, which processes approximately 50,000 surgical specimens each year. The training is designed to prepare fellows for independent practice upon completion, emphasizing diagnostic accuracy, clinical correlation, and teaching responsibilities.

Curriculum and Rotations

The curriculum includes diverse rotations through various subspecialties within surgical pathology. Initially, fellows undertake rotations in all subspecialties for six months. Subsequently, they tailor their experience by selecting 1-3 subspecialties for concentrated training during the final three to six months. Available subspecialties include gastrointestinal (GI), genitourinary (GU), gynecological (Gyn), head and neck (ENT/Endocrine), pulmonary, breast, soft tissue, dermatopathology, and cardiac pathology. Throughout the year, fellows participate in on-call duty, undertaking frozen section diagnoses that integrate immediate clinical needs into the pathology workflow.

Research Opportunities

Fellows are encouraged to contribute to research efforts within the department. Candidates who exhibit outstanding diagnostic skills and commit to educational initiatives may compete for the H. T. Enterline Fellowship Award, honoring excellence in academic contributions. Research can range from clinical and translational studies to quality improvement projects within the pathology practice.

Requirements and Application Process

To be eligible for the fellowship, candidates must have successfully completed an accredited residency in pathology and meet the criteria for certification in Anatomic Pathology or a combined Anatomic and Clinical Pathology program according to standards set by the American Board of Pathology. Applicants need to submit a fellowship application, curriculum vitae, personal statement, USMLE score report, ECFMG certificate (for international graduates), medical school diploma, and three letters of recommendation. The application window typically opens annually in June, with a preference for early submission, as positions are filled on a rolling basis until all are filled.

Visa Sponsorship

The program sponsors both J-1 and H-1B visas for qualified international applicants, enabling a diverse cohort to pursue advanced training.1

Competitiveness and Selection Process

The fellowship is considered highly competitive, attracting a broad range of candidates, including U.S. graduates, international medical graduates (IMGs), and graduates from osteopathic (DO) schools. Applicants are encouraged to demonstrate their commitment to pathology, clinical experience, and educational leadership throughout the application process.1