University of Utah Health Program

The University of Utah Health hosts a comprehensive one-year ACGME-accredited fellowship program in cytopathology, which is designed to offer extensive training and practical experience in the field. This program encompasses several leading facilities, including the University of Utah Hospital, Huntsman Cancer Institute, Primary Children’s Hospital, and ARUP Laboratories, which together allow fellows to experience a diverse and rich diagnostic environment.

With a commitment to excellence, the program has maintained “green-flag status” for five consecutive years, indicating that it consistently meets or exceeds all accreditation standards. The fellows are introduced to a significant volume of diagnostic material, with over 40,000 cytology specimens processed annually; approximately 75% of these specimens are Gyn cases and about 25% Non-Gyn cases 1.

Curriculum and Rotations

The curriculum is structured to provide fellows with hands-on experience in performing Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) biopsies, with each fellow expected to perform at least 50 palpable FNA procedures throughout the training year. The program emphasizes not only the performance but also the interpretation of FNA biopsies. Additionally, fellows have the unique opportunity to collaborate with an endocrinologist to perform ultrasound-guided thyroid FNAs, which enhances their practical skills 1.

The training encompasses comprehensive exposure to various diagnostic and research methodologies, including molecular biology, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence (FISH), and flow cytometry. Moreover, the Cytopathology Division operates an active clinical UroVision FISH testing laboratory, providing fellows with further experience in specialized testing 1.

Research Opportunities

In addition to practical training, the program invests significant time in educational activities. Fellows participate in interdisciplinary clinical conferences and journal clubs, encouraging critical thinking and collaboration. This aspect of the fellowship enhances the fellows' understanding of the application of cytopathology in clinical practice and promotes an environment of continuous learning 1.

Positions and Requirements

The program accepts two fellows each year, and the positions for the training program through June 2027 are filled. Interested candidates for the upcoming 2027-28 training year must possess an MD or DO degree (or its foreign equivalent with ECFMG certification), as well as board eligibility or certification in anatomic pathology 1.

Application materials required include a cover letter with a personal statement, a curriculum vitae, the CAP Standardized Fellowship Application, and three letters of recommendation, which should include one from the current or most recent program director. A preference for documentation in PDF format is indicated 1.

Visa Support

For international trainees, the University of Utah Health provides J-1 visa sponsorship, which is required for fellows participating in this program. This policy is applied uniformly to all Department of Pathology fellowships, ensuring that international candidates can secure necessary documentation to pursue advanced training in cytopathology 1.

Competitiveness and Application Information

The Cytopathology fellowship at the University of Utah Health is considered to be highly competitive. The selection process favors candidates who demonstrate a strong academic background alongside significant clinical experience in pathology. Both DO (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine) and IMG (International Medical Graduates) applicants are welcomed, provided they meet the necessary requirements and documentation for ECFMG certification 2.

Training Site Overview

As part of the fellowship, fellows gain experience in various state-of-the-art healthcare settings. The Huntsman Cancer Institute plays a crucial role in providing access to the latest cytopathology practices and technologies, while Primary Children’s Hospital ensures that fellows are well-versed in pediatric cytopathology 1. Collaboration across these various sites enriches the fellows’ clinical exposure and allows them to interact with diverse patient populations.