Washington University/B-JH/SLCH Consortium Gynecologic and Breast Pathology Program
Location:
St Louis, MOSpecialty:
Selective pathologyACGME Code:
3012830082The Gynecologic and Breast Pathology Fellowship at Washington University in St. Louis and Barnes-Jewish Hospital is a prestigious and immersive 12-month program designed to prepare graduates for future academic leadership in the fields of gynecologic and breast pathology. Launched in 2020, this fellowship is built upon the longstanding foundations of the surgical pathology fellowship program and emphasizes a structured, comprehensive training experience across various rotating specialties within surgical pathology.
Curriculum
The fellowship's curriculum is meticulously crafted and consists of several key rotations:
Breast Pathology
A significant part of the fellowship is dedicated to breast pathology, where fellows spend five months. During this rotation, fellows are responsible for reviewing half of the in-house breast cases and all inside/outside consults. They will pre-dictate cases, coordinate ancillary testing, and communicate preliminary diagnoses to clinical staff as needed. The breast pathology fellow is expected to meet with the assigned attending pathologist for daily case reviews and signouts. Furthermore, competency-based grossing of selected large cases is a crucial part of this rotation, along with weekly presentations at the tumor board.
Obstetric and Gynecologic Pathology
In the obstetric/gynecologic pathology service, which also lasts five months, fellows review half of current surgical cases and all consults. They are engaged with the assigned staff pathologist for signout purposes and must initially gross cases to gain familiarity with local practices. Educational objectives must be met to excuse them from further grossing responsibilities. Like the breast pathology rotation, this segment also includes participation in a weekly gynecologic oncology tumor board.
Frozen Section
A one-month rotation is dedicated to working on the frozen section service. Here, fellows alternate between two frozen section areas and are partnered with a technician or physician assistant. This service handles around thirty frozen sections per day, allowing fellows to gain practical experience under direct supervision from attending pathologists.
Research and Elective Time
Lastly, fellows are required to complete a research or quality improvement project during approximately four weeks of elective time. They must submit a hypothesis-driven research project for publication intentions and support. Additionally, fellows partake in various didactic activities such as sessions at the journal club and presentations at unknown conferences.
Facilities
The fellowship program is conducted in state-of-the-art facilities within the BJC Institute of Health, an expansive 680,000 square-foot building situated on the Washington University School of Medicine campus. This comprehensive setting enhances the learning experience and offers exposure to cutting-edge medical resources.
Application Requirements
Applicants must hold an MD or DO degree (or equivalent international degree with ECFMG certification) and must be board-certified or board-eligible in anatomic pathology. The program is legally authorized to sponsor J-1 visas for international medical graduates. Applications for the fellowship require submission of a CV, a personal statement, USMLE scores (step 3 is optional), and letters of recommendation. Typically, there are two fellowship positions available each year.
Competitiveness
The Gynecologic and Breast Pathology Fellowship is highly competitive and is designed to attract candidates with outstanding residency training at well-regarded pathology programs. The program is also friendly towards DO and IMG candidates, reflecting the institution's commitment to diversity and inclusion.
Website
Director
Ian S Hagemann, MD, PhDProfessor of Pathology & Immunology Appointed Since April 2020Coordinator
Program
Program Size
Composition
Quality of Life
First year average hours per week:
50hrsFirst year max cons. hours on duty:
14hrsFirst Year Salary:
$76,999First Year Paid Vacation:
-First Year Paid Sick Leave:
-Training
Fellowship Rate:
-Faculty to Residents Ratio:
5.2XResidents career path:
Admission
Min. Step 2 Score:
-Visa Sponsorship:
-YOG Cutoff:
-Location
St. Louis, MO
Housing - Rental Prices
Crime - All Violent Offences
Living in St. Louis, MO
St. Louis is a diverse city offering a mix of urban and suburban living. Here is an overview of different aspects of living in St. Louis:
- Crime Rate and Safety: St. Louis has areas with varying crime rates, so it's important to research specific neighborhoods. Overall, the city has made improvements in safety but like any big city, precautions are still necessary.
- Fun Activities: St. Louis is known for its Gateway Arch, Forest Park, diverse food scene, museums, and sports teams like the Cardinals and Blues. There are also many parks and outdoor recreational activities available.
- Climate: St. Louis experiences all four seasons with hot summers and cold winters. Spring and fall are often mild and pleasant.
- Races and Population: St. Louis has a diverse population with a mix of races and ethnicities, contributing to a rich cultural scene.
- Education: St. Louis is home to several universities and colleges, providing opportunities for continuing education and cultural events.
- Cost of Living: The cost of living in St. Louis is lower than the national average, making it an affordable option for residents.
- Proximity to Bigger Cities: St. Louis is approximately a 4-hour drive from Chicago, IL, and a 5-hour drive from Kansas City, MO. Both cities offer additional cultural, dining, and entertainment options.
Pros: Affordable cost of living, diverse cultural experiences, plenty of outdoor activities.
Cons: Some areas have higher crime rates, winters can be cold.
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