Cytopathology Fellowship

Training well-rounded cytopathologists with an emphasis on diagnostic and procedural skills, quality improvement, teaching, and research.

A comprehensive ACGME-accredited, one-year fellowship program in Cytopathology is offered in an academic institution affiliated with Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine.

This program's mission is to train well-rounded cytopathologists with an emphasis on diagnostic and procedural skills, quality improvement, teaching, and research. We take pride in serving our community through an interdisciplinary team approach in which the diagnostic and consultative role of the pathologist is valued.

Fellows learn the art and science of Cytopathology through study of a vast array of cytologic specimens with extensive histological and clinical correlation. Over 25,000 annual cytologic specimens and numerous educational resources are available to meet the fellow’s educational objectives.

Faculty includes five cytopathologists who staff a modern laboratory which includes a state-of-the-art computer system that facilitates histological-cytological correlation and quality control monitoring.

We are one of the few centers in North East Ohio that offers a robust, pathologist-performed FNA service, which is time and cost-efficient, drawing positive feedback from our clinicians.

The fellowship experience includes both procurement and rapid on-site evaluation of FNA samples from superficial sites. Non-palpable, deep body site FNAs are performed under CT or ultrasound guidance (EUS/EBUS) with cytology support.

Ancillary studies such as immunocytochemistry, flow cytometry, and molecular testing complement morphologic studies and are integrated into the educational program. The fellow assumes progressive, supervised sign-out and conference responsibilities, including tumor boards, general pathology and cytopathology journal clubs, and teaching of residents and medical students.

Fellows actively participate in quality assurance programs unique to the cytology laboratory. Management principles are stressed throughout the curriculum. Active participation in clinical research and presentation at a national meeting is encouraged.

Apply

We're currently recruiting for 2026-2027.

Requirements:

  • Completion of an ACGME-accredited four-year AP/CP or three-year AP residency program
  • Candidate should be Board Eligible or Board Certified

Stipend: Commensurate with level of post-graduate training.

Application Process

Mission

The mission of the MetroHealth Cytopathology fellowship Program is to train well-rounded cytopathologists with an emphasis on diagnostic and procedural skills, quality improvement, and research. The mission of The MetroHealth System (MHS) is "Leading the way to a healthier you and a healthier community through service, teaching, discovery, and teamwork."

A major focus of the health system is dedicated to training clinicians, scholars, educators, and future leaders prepared to face the future challenges in health care. The Cytopathology Division and fellowship program share the institutional mission and serve our community within a public hospital, through an interdisciplinary team approach in which the diagnostic and consultative role of the pathologist is valued.

Our values mirror those of the System: Service to others, Teamwork, Accountability, Respect, Inclusion and Diversity, and Quest for excellence.

Aims

  • Recruit committed and passionate candidates to pursue the art and science of cytopathology.

  • Train competent cytopathologists through a practical curriculum that offers excellent diagnostic and problem-solving skills, continuing education to facilitate lifelong learning, cytologic-histologic correlation, and prospective and retrospective correlation.

  • Provide comprehensive training in gynecologic, non-gynecologic, and Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) cytology material. Support a unique and robust pathologist-performed FNA service for superficial body site lesions, involve the fellow in image-guided FNA for deep body sites, and enable the fellow to play an important role in delivering precision medicine.

  • Facilitate laboratory management training through participation in Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) mandated QA programs unique to the cytology laboratory and identify quality metrics for further quality improvement and patient safety.

  • Participate in intradepartmental and/or interdepartmental research projects to learn study design, collection and analysis of data, interpretation of findings and preparation required for peer-reviewed publication.