The Montefiore Cytopathology Fellowship Program is an ACGME-accredited, one-year fellowship program offering two fellowship positions each year. The program offers a structured curriculum with graded responsibility in a collaborative environment.
The fellowship was started and developed at Montefiore by Leopold G. Koss, MD, one of the founders of the field of Cytology. Dr. Koss helped codify the practice of Cytology and authored several editions of the original textbook in the field. In 1985, our training program was augmented by the initiation of a fellow-run aspiration biopsy service in the method developed by Torsten Lowhagen of the renowned Karolinska Institute in Sweden. This fellow-run service allows hands-on experience at the bedside and in outpatient settings with fellows performing approximately 300-350 superficial aspirates each, using palpation or ultrasound guidance.
Fellows also interact closely with radiologists during “deep” CT or ultrasound-guided aspirates, immediately assessing the specimen’s adequacy in a “frozen-section”-type rapid evaluation setting. On all reviewed cases, fellows are expected to formulate a diagnosis and make relevant comments where appropriate, prior to final sign-out by the attending. The Cytology Division interacts closely with Surgical Pathology, allowing tissue correlation as needed. Consultation slides are reviewed by fellows prior to final diagnosis. A daily slide conference discussing interesting cases encourages input and discussion between fellows and faculty.
Fellows participate in weekly tumor board conferences, which enhance interaction with clinicians regarding implications of diagnosis and therapy. In addition, the fellows collaborate on research projects under the guidance of faculty mentors. Research projects include clinical and applied diagnostic techniques, basic or applied molecular biology, and evolving diagnostic and investigative techniques. The department provides access to extensive archival materials which include glass slides and teaching sets, and specialty labs and funding.
Since Montefiore Medical Center sees numerous oncology and immunocompromised patients and has an extensive community-based referral network, the Cytology Division receives high-quality material representative of the entire spectrum of cytopathology. We process approximately 10,000 non-gynecologic specimens and 35,000 Pap specimens each year.
One of the program’s many strengths is the accessibility of full-time cytology faculty, who provide continuous mentorship while enhancing the fellow’s educational experience and professional growth as a colleague and team member.
These attributes contribute to an outstanding training and learning environment. Feedback from former fellows has been uniformly positive, and our fellows receive instant recognition and respect in whatever setting they choose to practice.
Requirements
ACGME-accredited combined Anatomic/Clinical Pathology or Anatomic Pathology residency training program.
Application
Download Application Form
Additional materials: CV, Steps 1,2 and 3 scores, letters of recommendation (as specified in the application) and personal statement (not exceeding a page) to be sent to our program coordinator
Deadline: September 15 (Approximately 16.5 months prior to the July 1 start date)
Positions for 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 are filled.
Contact Us
Cytopathology Core Faculty
Location
Montefiore Medical Center
Hofheimer Pavilion, 4th Fl.
111 East 210th Street
Bronx, NY 10467
