University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center Head and Neck Pathology Program

The Head and Neck Pathology Fellowship at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center is designed to provide a comprehensive educational experience for fellows aiming to excel in Head and Neck Pathology. The fellowship aims to train fellows in medical knowledge, communication skills, patient care, and professionalism, thereby preparing them for careers in academia, private practice, or research 1.

Program Overview

This one-year ACGME-accredited fellowship integrates diagnostic pathology training focused on the head and neck region. Fellows will gain expertise in handling lesions of the oral cavity, pharynx, sinuses, larynx, salivary glands, neck, ear/temporal bone, and jaw, as well as upper endocrine organs like the thyroid and parathyroid 1. The fellowship is hosted at UT Southwestern Medical Center, including the William P. Clements Jr. University Hospital and Parkland Health and Hospital System, and leverages opportunities for clinical research.

The Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center at UT Southwestern is recognized as a major center for head and neck oncology, being the only NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center in North Texas. This center sees approximately 1,000 head and neck oncology cases each year, providing fellows with a wealth of clinical experience 1.

Clinical Responsibilities

Fellows in the Head and Neck Pathology program will have clinical responsibilities that include:

• Signing out in-house biopsies and resections with residents, with cases reviewed and finalized by an attending pathologist.
• Reviewing all in-house and external head and neck consultation cases.
• Grossing a predetermined number of routine and complex head and neck specimens.
• Creating and delivering grossing lectures for Pathologists’ Assistants.
• Providing preliminary intraoperative diagnostic information during procedures.
• Presenting cases at the Head and Neck Consensus Conference and the weekly General Surgical Pathology Conference.
• Conducting the ENT Resident Interesting Case Conference.
• Managing social media communications related to the program.
• Assisting pathology residents with unknown slide seminars.
• Presenting at the Head and Neck Pathology Journal Club 1.

Research Opportunities

Research is a crucial component, where fellows are expected to conduct clinical or translational research and present findings at national meetings. They are also encouraged to publish their work in reputable journals. Funding for research can be obtained through faculty grants as well as departmental resources 1.

Requirements and Competitiveness

To apply for the fellowship, candidates must meet certain requirements:

• Completion of three years of Anatomic Pathology training in an ACGME-accredited residency program or four years of Anatomic and Clinical Pathology training in an ACGME-accredited pathology residency program.
• Board-eligible or certified in Anatomic Pathology (AP) or Anatomic and Clinical Pathology (AP/CP) by the American Board of Pathology.
• Eligibility for a medical license in Texas 1.

The program is recognized as being competitive, welcoming both D.O.s and International Medical Graduates (IMGs).

Benefits

Fellows receive several benefits, including financial support for attending conferences, educational funds, and a laptop. Additional benefits may depend on the particulars of the program 1.

Training Sites

The head and neck pathology fellowship allows fellows to engage deeply with training sites that include Clements University Hospital and Parkland Hospital and Health System. These sites are equipped with the necessary resources and patient populations to provide extensive training in pathology 2.

Visa Support

The program provides visa support options, particularly for fellows needing to secure J-1 or H-1B visa sponsorship, ensuring a smooth transition into the fellowship for international applicants 2.

Faculty and Mentorship

Fellowship faculty include experienced professionals who provide mentorship and guidance throughout the fellowship year. This environment encourages fellows to pursue their research interests actively while providing comprehensive training in head and neck pathology 2.

Current Fellow Profiles

The fellowship features a diverse group of current fellows who have completed their residency at various prestigious institutions and possess a broad array of medical training backgrounds. This diversity enriches the learning environment and promotes collaboration 3.