University of Utah Health Program

The Pediatric Pathology Fellowship at the University of Utah Health is a one-year, ACGME-accredited program that delivers extensive training in pediatric anatomic and clinical pathology. Through partnerships with Primary Children’s Hospital, ARUP Laboratories, and University of Utah Health, the program provides opportunities for fellows to gain significant experience across various subspecialties.

During the fellowship, approximately 5,000 pediatric surgical pathology specimens, 120 perinatal and pediatric autopsy cases, and 1,300 placental examinations are processed annually. Additionally, fellows are involved in handling outside pediatric surgical and autopsy pathology consultations. This volume and diversity of cases provide a robust foundation for developing diagnostic skills essential to pediatric pathology 1.

The fellowship is designed to offer unique training opportunities, including exposure to general and esoteric pediatric laboratory testing available at Primary Children’s Hospital and ARUP Laboratories. Active programs in pediatric hematopathology, molecular diagnostics, cytogenetics, immunopathology, pediatric clinical chemistry, pediatric transfusion medicine, and pediatric microbiology contribute to a comprehensive clinical education 2.

Curriculum and Rotations

The fellowship curriculum includes extensive hands-on experience in pediatric anatomic pathology, covering surgical specimens and complex autopsies. The exposure is designed to develop confident and competent pediatric pathologists capable of diagnosing a wide range of pediatric conditions. The curriculum is tailored to fulfill the requirements set by the American Board of Pathology for certification examination in Pediatric Pathology 1.

Fellows participate in multidisciplinary conferences, ensuring they gain insight into the collaborative nature of pediatric care. This interaction enriches their training, as they present cases and engage with other healthcare providers 2.

Research Opportunities

Research is an integral part of the Pediatric Pathology Fellowship, offering fellows the chance to engage in projects related to pediatric anatomic and clinical pathology. The program encourages residents to develop research proposals and pursue their interests, providing essential support and mentorship for successful research outcomes. These efforts help fellows strengthen their academic credentials and open opportunities for future endeavors 1.

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

The Pediatric Pathology Fellowship is considered highly competitive. It is important for applicants to have a solid foundation in pathology and demonstrate strong clinical skills. The program is generally friendly towards fellows from various backgrounds, including DO and IMG candidates. Specific application requirements may involve limits on the number of failed STEP exams and stipulations regarding the year of medical graduation 2.

Visa Support

The Pediatric Pathology Fellowship at the University of Utah Health provides visa sponsorship opportunities for qualified international applicants. Applicants may be supported for specific visa types, which facilitates their training in the United States. The program aims to be inclusive and encourage talented individuals from diverse backgrounds to apply 1.

Training Sites

The main training site for the Pediatric Pathology Fellowship is Primary Children’s Hospital, recognized as one of the foremost children's hospitals in the region. The hospital serves an expansive patient population, offering fellows and residents unparalleled exposure to a wide array of clinical cases and conditions. In addition, ARUP Laboratories provides an environment rich in resources for laboratory diagnostics 2.

Fellowship Structure

The fellowship consists of one available position, and the stipend awarded aligns with the designated year of postgraduate training. This competitive stipend reflects the program’s commitment and investment in training the next generation of pediatric pathologists 1.