Cytopathology Fellowship Program

Our one-year ACGME-accredited fellowship offers a broad and comprehensive experience in diagnostic cytopathology. Our program includes the cytopathology laboratories at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and the contiguous John L. McClellan Memorial Veterans Hospital. Opportunities to resolve diagnostic problems through interaction with the laboratories of hematopathology (including flow cytometry) and molecular pathology, as well as close cooperation with the division of surgical pathology enhance the fellow’s experience.

The material available for study and diagnosis includes over 8,000 gynecologic specimens, which are predominantly Thin-Prep based and represent a high-risk patient population. Our molecular laboratory performs over 4000 high risk HPV tests per year. In addition, our cytology laboratory receives over 7,000 nongynecologic specimens, of which approximately 1,800 are fine needle aspirations. The cytopathology fellow performs over 350 fine needle aspirations in addition to conducting numerous rapid on-site adequacy assessments of endobronchial and endoscopic ultrasound guided FNAs as well as interventional radiology procedures. Proficiency in obtaining, preparing and interpreting aspirate samples is a major focus of our program. A robust thyroid consultation service further enhances the fellowship experience.

The fellow is supervised by expert cytopathology faculty and given gradually increasing responsibility toward independent practice. Close interaction with our active interventional pulmonology, surgical and oncology services is an important part of the program. A rich teaching conference schedule for cytopathology and other areas of pathology, and comprehensive teaching sets complement training. Learning is further enhanced by a monthly journal club and hands on experiences in the cytology preparatory laboratory and molecular laboratory (HPV testing).

The fellow is expected to participate in the teaching of various other trainees. These include cytotechnology students, pathology residents and medical students from our affiliated cytotechnology school, pathology residency program and medical school, respectively. Scholarly activity is encouraged, and the department will financially support presentations of research at regional/national/international meetings and publications.

Faculty and Staff

The program is supported by expert cytopathology faculty, cytotechnologists and laboratory preparatory staff.

UAMS Faculty

Susanne Jeffus, M.D. – Fellowship Director
Nicole Massoll, M.D. – Cytopathology Laboratory Director
Chien Chen, M.D., Ph.D.
Soheila Korourian, M.D.
Felicia Allard, M.D.
Elizabeth Grasmuck, M.D.

VA Faculty

Anissa Hodges, M.D. – Cytopathology Laboratory Director
Fengjuan Zhang, M.D.

Requirements

• M.D. or D.O. degree (or foreign equivalent with ECFMG certification)
• American Board of Pathology certified or board eligibility in AP or AP/CP
• Eligible for a license in Arkansas
• Successful completion of any step of USMLE or COMLEX in no more than three attempts per exam (ASMB regulation 3 & 14)
• English language proficiency
• Ability to reside continuously in the U.S. for the duration of training

Fellowship Positions

One position per year (July 1 – June 30)

Open Positions (last updated June 2024)

• 2025-26: 1
• 2026-27: 0
• 2027-28: 1

To Apply

Applications and supporting documents should be submitted electronically (preferred) or via mail. Applications will be accepted starting July 1, twenty-four months prior to the start date. Interview invitations will be extended beginning mid-July. All interviews will be conducted virtually. View a video tour of the Pathology department.

Interested candidates should send a current curriculum vitae (CV), personal statement (with career goals), CAP Standard Application and three reference letters to:

Donna K. Miller
Fellowship Coordinator
University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
Department of Pathology
4301 W. Markham Street, Slot 517
Little Rock, AR, 72205

Email: dkmiller@uams.edu