Women and Infants Hospital of Rhode Island/Brown University Program

The program offers a comprehensive 12-month ACGME-accredited fellowship in Perinatal and Pediatric Pathology through the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University and Women & Infants Hospital. The fellowship is structured to develop expertise in both perinatal and pediatric pathology, addressing a broad spectrum of disease processes encountered in these populations.

Curriculum and Training

The program combines rotations in various areas of specialization. Fellowship training includes intensive exposure to placental pathology, autopsy pathology, pediatric surgical pathology, pediatric forensic pathology, cytogenetics, molecular pathology, clinical chemistry, microbiology, hematology, flow cytometry, and transfusion medicine. A unique aspect of the program is the equal time allocation between perinatal and pediatric rotations, allowing fellows to develop a well-rounded skill set in both domains and catering to a comprehensive workload of around 150 perinatal and pediatric autopsies alongside thousands of other specimens annually. This extensive case volume enhances the fellows' learning experience by providing ample opportunities for hands-on practice and real-world application of their knowledge 1.

Faculty and Mentorship

The educational experience is enriched by a faculty of six full-time pathologists, all certified by the American Board of Pathology with subspecialty training in pediatric pathology. The mentorship provided by seasoned professionals forms a critical component of the fellows' training, fostering an environment conducive to professional growth and scientific inquiry 1.

Research Opportunities

Fellows are encouraged to engage in research projects throughout the year, equipped with the necessary resources and mentorship to contribute to the field of pediatric pathology. The program also supports attendance at national pediatric pathology meetings, thus promoting networking as well as engagement with contemporary research and clinical practices 1.

Training Sites

The program utilizes multiple training sites, including Women & Infants Hospital, Rhode Island Hospital, Hasbro Children’s Hospital, and the Medical Examiner’s Office of the State of Rhode Island. This multi-site exposure provides fellows with a diverse clinical experience and numerous resources to maximize their learning and professional development 1.

Application Requirements

To be eligible for the fellowship, applicants must possess a medical doctorate degree and be U.S. board-eligible in anatomic pathology or both anatomic and clinical pathology. The selection process prioritizes candidates who demonstrate a strong commitment to the field of pediatric pathology and an aptitude for research and clinical excellence 1.

Visa Support

The program provides visa support for qualified international medical graduates. It typically sponsors J-1 visas, which are suitable for students and trainees participating in research or teaching programs 1.

Competitiveness and Applicant Profile

The fellowship is recognized for its high competitiveness, appealing to candidates with a strong academic record and a commitment to pediatric pathology. International medical graduates (IMGs) and graduates from osteopathic (DO) schools are encouraged to apply, with a focus on their clinical experiences and letters of recommendation reflecting their capabilities in this specialized area 1.

Fellowship Benefits

Salary is structured to align with the postgraduate level of training, ensuring that fellows are fairly compensated as they advance their medical education. Additionally, funding for travel to key pediatric pathology conferences is provided, fostering opportunities for fellows to expand their professional network and engage with leading experts in the field 1.