University of Rochester Medical Center Program

The Pathology Residency Program at the University of Rochester is a robust ACGME-accredited four-year training program that prepares residents for careers in Anatomic and Clinical Pathology. This program is designed to provide comprehensive training in all facets of pathology to produce well-rounded and knowledgeable pathologists.

The program emphasizes an intimate learning environment in which residents regularly engage with a diverse patient population in Western New York. With the motto "Meliora," meaning "ever better," the program is committed to fostering continual improvement in both resident education and patient care. As part of the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, residents benefit from a highly supportive community and extensive faculty mentorship, which are pivotal for professional growth and success.1

Curriculum Overview

The curriculum is structured to cover essential components of both Anatomic Pathology (AP) and Clinical Pathology (CP) over the four years. The combined AP/CP training includes 18 months of core rotations, supplemented by 12 months of electives tailored to the individual interests of residents. For those pursuing AP-only or CP-only tracks, the program allows for a focused 36-month curriculum respectively.2

Core rotations cover various specialties, including but not limited to:

• Subspecialized Surgical Pathology
• Cytopathology
• Hematopathology
• Neuropathology
• Forensic Pathology at the Monroe County Medical Examiner's Office
• Clinical Microbiology

In addition to core rotations, residents can engage in advanced electives and research projects that stimulate academic inquiry and innovation, further enhancing the educational experience.6

Clinical Training and Rotations

Residents primarily rotate at Strong Memorial Hospital, a 850+-bed tertiary care facility that houses all major departments required for a comprehensive training experience. In addition to the core facility, residents have opportunities to engage in specialty rotations at Highland Hospital and participate in forensic pathology at the Monroe County Medical Examiner’s Office, ensuring diverse exposure across all pathology disciplines.4

Research Opportunities

The program strongly encourages research engagement and offers a structured Resident Research Year-Out Program. This unique opportunity allows residents to dedicate a year solely to research, enhancing their competitiveness for fellowship positions and academic careers. Research engagement is recognized by the American Board of Pathology and is considered a vital aspect of education in pathology.8

Additionally, residents can participate in various projects to drive innovation in pathology, supported by funding for conference attendance to present research findings.7

Training Environment and Support

Residents appreciate the personal relationships and mentoring available within the program, often highlighting these aspects as influential in their decision to join URMC. The program values a supportive atmosphere where faculty and peers actively foster a collaborative learning experience.3

Moreover, with rigorous training programs and a breadth of academic opportunities, residents can achieve recognition in fellowship programs both within URMC and at competitive institutions elsewhere. The department offers numerous fellowship pathways, including Cytopathology, Dermatopathology, and Forensic Pathology, among others.5

Living in Rochester

Outside the residency program, Rochester presents a vibrant community for residents, featuring an affordable cost of living and a diverse cultural scene. The city is known for its picturesque parks, outdoor activities, and rich food variety, making it conducive to work-life balance. Many residents choose to remain in Rochester post-training due to the welcoming community and high quality of life.9

Competitiveness and Application Process

The program is considered competitive among applicants, seeking well-rounded candidates with a strong academic background. There are no specific graduation year restrictions or testing constraints for applicants from US or international medical schools. Visa sponsorship is available for qualifying international applicants, providing the option for J-1 or H-1B visas.10

Application requires submitting the MyERAS application, a personal statement, medical school transcripts, letters of recommendation, and USMLE or COMLEX scores. The program structure includes four PGY-1 positions annually, selected through the National Resident Matching Program, and interviews are conducted virtually to streamline engagement and assessment.11