Our one-year ACGME approved fellowship program is structured to provide comprehensive training in all aspects of cytopathology.  You will have the opportunity to see and discuss a vast number of interesting and challenging gynecologic and non-gynecologic cases during the academic year. From these cases and the close, continual interaction you will have with our cytopathology staff, you will gain the appropriate knowledge, skills, and tools to make a host of specific and accurate diagnoses, and become a well-rounded diagnostician.

Tests and Techniques

Pap tests are currently evaluated via ThinPrep technology utilizing the ThinPrep Imaging System, with all HPV DNA tests physically performed in the Division of Cytopathology by specialty trained and certified cytotechnologists.

As a fellow, you will:

• have exposure to ancillary techniques utilized in both the division and the full Department of Pathology:
  — flow cytometry
  — molecular diagnostics
  — image analysis
  — in-situ hybridization
  — immunocytochemistry
  

• be trained, and perform, clinical fine needle aspirations and receive certification in ThinPrep Pap test evaluation

• gain knowledge in the principles of QA/QC and laboratory management as they apply to the field of cytopathology and CLIA regulations.

Additional Responsibilities

• You will eventually assume graduated responsibility to reach junior staff sign-out responsibilities under faculty supervision.

• You will play an active role in teaching residents and medical students rotating within the Cytopathology Service.

• In addition, there is opportunity for participation in cytopathology workshops given by faculty at local, regional and national meetings.

• You will participate in clinical research projects utilizing resources in the department as well as affiliated institutions with an opportunity for presentation at the national meetings of the American Society of Cytopathology and/or the United States and Canadian Academy of Pathology.

Mandatory Conferences

In addition, fellows are required to attend mandatory conferences throughout the entire year.

Cytopathology Fellowship Curriculum Checklist

At the start of the academic year, a detailed Curriculum Checklist is reviewed with each fellow. This review will include the overall goals of the fellowship and the evaluation process. The checklist is reviewed again at the end of the academic year to confirm that all components have been completed to satisfaction. 

Strengths of Baystate's Cytopathology Fellowship

• Excellent one-on-one daily sign-out and teaching with staff cytopathologists

• Dedicated teaching cytotechnologist with over 20 years of experience

• Detailed and clearly-defined teaching conference schedule, reading schedule, and schedule of one-on-one teaching sessions with the education cytotechnologist

• Computerized, continually-updated teaching file, CD-ROM file, teleconference file

• Additional staff expertise in Hematopathology and Neuropathology for such cytology cases

• Opportunity to participate in a large regional cytopathology conference and serve in its planning committee

• Opportunity for independent assessment of complex image-guided fine needle aspiration specimens

• Opportunity for hands-on FNA experience through formal organized weekly thyroid clinics and the division’s FNA service

• Participation in continuing education programs such as the ASCP GYN and non-GYN Assessment products

• Participation in the American Society of Cytopathology's Progressive Evaluation of Competency Exam

• Opportunity for research and submission of original work for national conference presentation and publication.