Frequently Asked Questions

What is it like to work at MetroHealth?

Pathology residents at MetroHealth train in a unique educational environment which combines the best of academic medicine in Cleveland with outstanding, high-volume, hands-on diagnostic training. In 2018 we accessioned over 25,000 surgical cases, which ranged from benign and common entities to complex oncological specimens and performed over 92 autopsies.

Additionally, our faculty, staff, and residents enjoy working closely in a collegiate atmosphere within the department and participate in multiple interdepartmental conferences. In addition to a robust academic foundation and the unique breadth and depth of the patient pathology encountered at MetroHealth, our residents consider the camaraderie within our department to be one of our greatest strengths.

What is the curriculum for Pathology residents?

The pathology residency program offered at MetroHealth Medical Center is a combined 4 year anatomic and clinical pathology curriculum (AP/CP), in which the first and third years are predominantly dedicated to anatomic pathology (AP), and the second and fourth years are predominantly dedicated to clinical pathology (CP). The anatomic pathology years are divided into three main rotations: surgical pathology, cytopathology and autopsy pathology.

The resident must perform at least 30 autopsies by the end of the fourth year. During the clinical pathology training years, monthly rotations of the core clinical areas include: microbiology, immunology, molecular pathology, transfusion medicine, hematology, and clinical chemistry.  

The majority of time is spent at our main campus (MHMC). Several outside rotations include: 

• 2 weeks at the Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner’s Office
• 2 weeks at University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, cytogenetic lab
• 2 weeks at Cleveland Clinic Foundation, HLA and tissue typing 
• 2 weeks at Cleveland Clinic Foundation, special coagulation lab 

Residents will have available approximately 3 months of elective time during the 3rd or 4th year rotation schedule in anatomic and clinical pathology. Elective time can be used for a rotation in a specialty area or supervised research project.

The residents give multiple intra- and interdepartmental conferences throughout the academic year. In addition, there are didactic lectures given by our faculty several times per week in both anatomic and clinical pathology. The didactic lectures within surgical pathology are systematic reviews, organized into month long blocks by subspecialty. 

See a detailed curriculum

What research opportunities are available?

Research is encouraged and there are many research opportunities depending on the resident’s interest.  

Are educational funds provided?

Generous educational and travel funds are provided.

Where do residents typically go after graduation?

Graduates may choose further study or any number of career paths available to them.

Additional Questions?

Please email Nigmeh Salti, Program Coordinator, at [email protected].