University of Utah Health Program

The University of Utah Health offers a two-year ACGME-accredited Neuropathology Fellowship that is designed to provide a comprehensive educational experience in diagnostic neuropathology. This program is particularly renowned for its strong emphasis on surgical neuropathology, while also covering autopsy, forensic, and neuromuscular neuropathology. The fellowship provides exposure to a diverse patient population through a variety of training sites including the University of Utah Hospital, Huntsman Cancer Institute, Primary Children’s Hospital, and the Office of the Medical Examiner. The experienced faculty includes professionals such as Dr. Qinwen Mao, Dr. Andrew Guajardo, Dr. Missia Kohler, Dr. Nick Mamalis, Dr. Cheryl Palmer, and Dr. Changhong Xing, who contribute to an in-depth training experience applicable to real-world scenarios.1

The training in the fellowship is designed to equip fellows with the expertise necessary to pass the American Board of Pathology examination in Neuropathology. Each fellow is expected to engage with a high volume and variety of pathological cases, offering an abundance of material that enriches learning opportunities. The active consultation service ensures that fellows will have ample experience dealing with diverse diagnoses and clinical situations, further enhancing their educational journey.2

Application Requirements

To be considered for the Neuropathology Fellowship, candidates must hold an MD or DO degree, or an equivalent foreign degree recognized by the Education Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG). Additionally, applicants should be board eligible or board certified in anatomic pathology and must be eligible for a medical license in Utah. There is a robust requirement for application submission including a cover letter, a personal statement, a CV, the CAP Standardized Fellowship Application, and three letters of recommendation, with one needing to be from the candidate's current or most recent program director.1

Visa Sponsorship

The University of Utah Health supports the J-1 visa, which is the required visa type for international trainees in this fellowship program. This is consistent with the policies set forth by the Office of Graduate Medical Education at the University of Utah, applicable across all fellowships offered in the Department of Pathology.1

Competitiveness

The Neuropathology Fellowship at the University of Utah is considered to be competitive, welcoming applications from both US and international candidates. The program's reputation, coupled with its comprehensive training opportunities and distinguished faculty, means that prospective fellows are encouraged to present a strong application to enhance their chance of selection.2

Unique Aspects of the Program

The fellowship's training is unique due to its emphasis on extensive clinical exposure across multiple disciplines in neuropathology, including surgical, forensic, and neuromuscular aspects. The involvement with the Huntsman Cancer Institute, Primary Children’s Hospital, and the Office of the Medical Examiner further diversifies the training experience, enabling fellows to develop competencies in a wide array of neuropathological presentations and forensic investigations.1

Faculty and Research Opportunities

The faculty members bring a wealth of experience and specialization in various aspects of pathology, offering fellows the opportunity to engage in collaborative research projects. The fellowship emphasizes not just clinical training but also provides avenues for academic inquiry, allowing fellows to contribute to ongoing research efforts and further their academic credentials through publications and presentations.2

Additional Information

The application period for the fellowship generally aligns with conventional timelines for training programs, so candidates interested should be attuned to relevant academic calendars. The fellowship is structured to maintain a balance between hands-on clinical training and academic responsibilities, fostering an environment conducive to professional growth in the field of neuropathology.1