Cytopathology Fellowship

This one-year program is based on the cytopathology laboratories at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and the contiguous John L. McClellan Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Opportunities to resolve diagnostic problems through interaction with the laboratories of hematopathology, 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 7,000 nongynecologic specimens, of which approximately 1,800 are fine needle aspirations. The cytopathology fellow gets to perform over 350 fine needle aspirations in addition to conducting numerous adequacy assessments throughout the year.  Proficiency in obtaining, preparing and interpreting aspirate samples is a major focus of our program, and close interaction with the clinical services is an essential part of the experience. Our 8,000 gynecologic specimens are predominantly thin preparation based and represent a high-risk population, and extensive interaction with our active gynecologic oncology service 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.

The fellow is given gradually increasing and supervised responsibility, and is expected to participate in the teaching of cytotechnology students, pathology residents and medical students.  Scholarly activities are encouraged and the department will support those leading to presentations at national/international meetings and publications.  This program aims for training cytopathologists with well-rounded skills and the flexibility to pursue any goal they may have in their career.