Rotations are structured in 4-week blocks with mixed AP and CP rotations integrated throughout each year, although some rotations including forensic pathology, dermatopathology, neuropathology, renal pathology/electron microscopy (EM), cytogenetics and molecular pathology are typically 2-week blocks. The frequency of rotations emphasizes and reinforces concepts learned on complementary services. Additionally, exposure to rotations at different levels of training helps naturally increase gradation of responsibilities and education. This design also helps routinely expose residents to most sub-specialty areas before fellowship applications are due.

Curriculum Highlights

  • Integrated AP & CP rotations throughout all 4 years

  • Rotating 4-day structure to include a day of grossing, followed by a day of protected preview, a full day of sign out,  and a separate dedicated day for intraoperative consultations.  

  • New dedicated “boot camp” Surgical Pathology Orientation with direct, personalized training by the program directors

  • Independent subspecialty CP Rotations promote focused training:

    • Hematopathology
    • Medical Microbiology
    • Transfusion Medicine / Coagulation
    • Clinical Chemistry
    • Flow Cytometry
    • Toxicology / Immunology
    • Molecular Pathology / Cytogenetics
    • Lab Management / Informatics

  • Training is tailored to each resident’s individual interests, with elective time provided both within the institution and utilizing outside rotations

Curriculum

Anatomic Pathology

  • Autopsy – 14 weeks (3 rotations + 2 weeks in forensics)

  • Cytology – 16 weeks (4 rotations)

  • Surgical Pathology - 80 weeks (~ 20 months/rotations), including 40 weeks (~10 months) at the VA Medical Center

Surgical pathology rotations include a “boot camp” orientation at Loma Linda University Medical Center with introductory experiences at the Loma Linda VA Medical Center and FMC. All other rotations are organized by general signout with subspecialists available for additional teaching from faculty with expertise in each area.

Surgical Pathology Sub-Specialty Signout Services

  • Dermatopathology – 2-4 weeks

  • Neuropathology – 2-4 weeks

  • Renal Pathology/Electron Microscopy – 2-4 weeks

Clinical Pathology

  • Chemistry/Toxicology/Informatics – 12 weeks (3 rotations)

  • Cytogenetics – 2-4 weeks

  • Hematopathology/Flow Cytometry – 36-48 weeks (6-8 rotations)

  • Microbiology – 12 weeks (3 rotations)

  • Molecular Diagnostics– 2-4 weeks

  • Transfusion Medicine, including Apheresis/Coagulation – 12-16 weeks (3-4 rotations)

  • Lab Administration – 2-4 weeks

Elective Rotations

Residents will have 12-16 weeks of elective rotations available during their core AP/CP 48 month training program. Numerous electives are available; elective time can also be utilized as protected research time. Novel electives may be pursued with an identified mentor and approval by the Residency Program Director. This is to ensure the overall quality of the training experience and that the experience meets American Board of Pathology (ABP) requirements.