Since 1999, the Oregon Health & Science University Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine has offered a one year, ACGME-approved fellowship in cytopathology. Our faculty and fellows have a track record of success in both academic and private practice careers.

The program is designed to provide comprehensive training in cytopathology with emphasis on the performance and interpretation of fine needle aspiration biopsies and the integration of molecular diagnostic tools in non-gynecologic and gynecologic specimens. The clinical service volume is moderate with approximately 12,000 gynecologic specimens, 1,500 non-gynecological specimens, and 1,000 fine needle aspirations (FNA) each year.

The FNA service emphasizes head and neck lesions, including thyroid, and provides exceptional training in diagnosing endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided biopsies of pancreatic, gastric, and mediastinal lesions. The fellow has increasing levels of responsibility commensurate with his/her level of performance.

In addition to their clinical duties, fellows participate in laboratory management, CAP inspection training, quality control measures, resident education, and translational research activities. Ancillary facilities support immunocytochemistry, flow cytometry, and molecular diagnostics.

Mission Statement and Program Aims

The OHSU Cytopathology Fellowship Program’s mission is to train fellows to be well-rounded cytopathologists who can succeed in private practice or academic settings using practical service-based clinical experiences, laboratory management training, teaching experiences and practice-based learning approaches. Our mission is consistent with OHSU’s mission of healing, teaching, and discovery.

The OHSU Cytopathology Fellowship Program’s aims are to train fellows to pass the cytopathology board exam and be well prepared for clinical practice and laboratory management responsibilities. Our fellows are well-rounded and capable of succeeding in private practice or academic settings. We aim to train our cytopathology fellow with an outstanding knowledge of diagnostic criteria and to provide the technical skills required to perform fine needle aspiration (FNA) biopsies. We aim to teach compassionate patient care when performing FNAs and/or communicating results to clinicians and patients, including practicing respectful behavior and using appropriate informed consent protocols. Our goal is to train fellows to be ethical, respectful, show initiative, and be dependable. We train fellows to communicate clearly with patients, colleagues, and support staff, both personally and in written clinical reports. We aim to train the fellow to analyze data critically and synthesize new information, striving to improve diagnostic and technical skills in cytopathology. Finally, we aim to train the fellow to learn to effectively utilize system resources, including technology, equipment, literature, and cutting-edge concepts.

Eligibility

Applicants must have completed 3 years of AP training or 4 years of AP/CP training in an ACGME- or RCPSC-accredited program and have passed the USMLE Step 3 exam. Applicants must be legally able to work in the U.S., or eligible to obtain work authorization, and are expected to take and pass the ABP cytopathology examination upon graduation.

Cytopathology Fellowship Graduates

Arlette Habashi, M.D. 
June 2020
Cytopathology Faculty at OHSU

Aaron Halfpenny, D.O. 
June 2019
Cytopathology Faculty at OHSU

Elizabeth Dacey, M.D.
June 2018
Staff Pathologist with Pathologists’ Regional Laboratory, Lewiston, ID

David Edwards, M.D.
June 2017 
Anatomical Pathologist, Kootenay Boundary Regional Hospital, BC 

Megan Lockyer, M.D.
June 2016
Staff Pathologist, Advanced Pathology Solutions, Little Rock, AR

Matt Prall, M.D.
June 2015
Associate Pathologist, Foothills Pathology, Tucson, AZ

Michele McElroy, M.D. 
June 2014
Pathologist, Ameripath, Denver, CO 

Nicole Turner, M.D.
June 2013
Staff Pathologist, Blue Mountain Pathology, Pendleton, OR

Marina Landa, M.D.
June 2012
Staff Pathologist, Harlem Hospital Center, New York, NY

George Wettach, M.D.
June 2011
Chief of Pathology at Missouri Baptist Medical Center, St. Louis, MO

Sandra White, M.D.
June 2010
Director of Cytopathology & Staff Pathologist, Puget Sound Institute of Pathology, Seattle, WA

Thomas Palmrose, M.D.
June 2009
Staff Pathologist, Good Samaritan Hospital, Corvallis, OR

Reva Ricketts-Loriaux, D.O.
June 2008
Staff Pathologist, Kaiser Regional Laboratory, Portland, OR