Fellowship Course in Cytopathology

• MD, DO, or equivalent international medical degree.
• Completion of AP residency or fulfillment of AP/CP board eligibility requirements.
• Eligible for medical licensure in the State of Illinois.
• Strong academic and professional record in pathology.
• Submission of:

Fellowship application

Current Curriculum Vitae (CV)

One-page cover letter describing interest and background in cytopathology

Minimum of three letters of recommendation

• Successful completion of the faculty interview and institutional credentialing process.

The Cytopathology Fellowship at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine is a one-year ACGME-accredited fellowship designed to provide comprehensive training in diagnostic cytopathology within a leading academic medical center. Based at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, the program exposes fellows to one of the highest-volume cytopathology services in the region, processing approximately 40,000 cytology specimens annually, including gynecologic, non-gynecologic, fine-needle aspiration (FNA), and core biopsy specimens. Fellows actively participate in ultrasound-guided head and neck FNAs, interventional radiology procedures, bronchoscopy, gastroenterology, and ENT clinics while developing expertise in specimen adequacy assessment and rapid on-site evaluation. The curriculum emphasizes integration of cytology with immunocytochemistry, flow cytometry, molecular pathology, microbiology, and surgical pathology to provide comprehensive patient care. Fellows participate in multidisciplinary conferences, tumor boards, resident and medical student teaching, quality improvement initiatives, and translational research projects. The program also offers extensive exposure to laboratory management, diagnostic reporting, and emerging cytopathology technologies. Graduates are well prepared for careers in academic pathology, community practice, and leadership positions in cytopathology laboratories.