Hematopathology Fellowship

The Case Western Reserve University/University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center Hematolopathology Fellowship at University Hospitals, in collaboration with Case Western Reserve University, is a one-year, Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME)-accredited comprehensive fellowship in hematopathology, with training in interpretation of peripheral blood and body fluid smears, bone marrow biopsies, lymph node biopsies and specialized testing for benign hematologic disorders, including hemoglobin analysis. In addition, there is a flow cytometry lab with an extensive panel menu.

Measurable Behaviors Based on Program Aims

The ACGME requires each program to create program aims. The program aims are measurable behaviors expected for program graduates, including aims based on societal and community needs.

Our graduates are expected to do the following:

• Act as a consult to other pathologists as well as hematologists/oncologists
• Apply recent advances in hematopathology diagnostics in their daily practice
• Be aware of their own limitations and when to consult other hematopathologists for complex cases
• Feel competent to train pathology residents, fellows, and laboratory technicians
• If staying in academics, publish actively in the field of hematopathology
• Practice hematopathology (including bone marrow, lymph node, blood smear, and flow cytometry review) at least 20 percent of the time in their clinical practice
• Practice life-long learning via literature review and/or meetings, to keep up with the latest developments in hematopathology
• Order appropriate molecular and genetic testing for hematopathology cases according to the most up-to-date practice guidelines

In-House Genetic and Molecular Labs

Fellows also have interaction with in-house genetic and molecular labs (including NGS), allowing for "360-degree" analysis of malignant hematology cases, with incorporation of the latest guidelines for diagnosis and prognostication using state of the art genetic and molecular testing.

Tertiary Referral Center

At our tertiary referral center, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, a wide range of both benign and neoplastic hematologic diseases is seen, including diseases found in specialized populations such as neonates, pediatrics/young adults and bone marrow transplant patients.

Fellowship Instruction

The fellowship also includes instruction in lab management and opportunity for research projects. Presentation of projects at national meetings is strongly encouraged.

Approximate Yearly Volumes

• Peripheral blood smear/body fluid review: ~7,000
• Bone marrow biopsies: ~2,200
• Tissues specimens for lymphoma work up: ~1,000

Requirements

To apply for the program, residents must have board eligibility or certification in anatomic pathology (AP) and/or clinical pathology (CP), with completion of an ACGME-accredited residency.

Types and Numbers of Appointments

There is one fellowship per year.

Stipends

The Graduate Medical Education office maintains a comprehensive detailed list of up-to-date resident benefits and salary information.

Application Submission

Applications should be sent before January 1.

Applications should include: Personal Statement, CV, CAP Standardized Fellowship Application and at least three letters of recommendation (sent by the letter writers themselves), photo, USMLE Steps 1, 2 and 3 Score Report (Canadian physicians and Doctors of Osteopathy eligible for licensure may substitute documentation of successful completion of LMCC/MCCQE and COMLEX examinations, respectively, in lieu of USMLE examinations).  For foreign medical graduates, please also include a copy of your ECFMG certificate and MD degree with your application materials.

The Pathology Fellowship Match opens for registration in early February through the NRMP.

• January – Programs begin interviewing
• February – Match opens for registration to programs and applicants
• March – Ranking opens
• April – Rank order list certification deadline mid-month, match day month end
• July – Fellowship begins July 1 of your contract year

See the Society for Hematopathology website for specific dates and FAQs regarding the Match process.

Pedro Ciarlini, MD
c/o Linda Krencik
Department of Pathology
University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center
11100 Euclid Ave.
Cleveland, OH 44106
Phone: 216-286-8278
Fax: 216-201-5354
PathologyFellowship@UHhospitals.org