Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center Program

The Hematopathology Fellowship at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center offers a unique one-year training program aimed at providing in-depth knowledge and experience in the field of hematopathology. This program is specifically designed for three fellows per year and is accredited by the ACGME, ensuring a standardized level of education and training.

The fellowship focuses on various aspects of hematopathology, including morphologic evaluation, flow cytometric immunophenotyping, clinicopathologic correlations, and genetic/genomic analysis of hematologic malignancies. Each fellow will gain hands-on experience through rotations in lymphoma and leukemia sign-out services, along with experiences in flow cytometry, cytogenetics, molecular pathology, and hematology laboratories throughout the year 1.

Curriculum

The curriculum is structured to provide both theoretical knowledge and practical experience. It consists of:

• Lymphoma, Leukemia, and consultation services – 34 weeks

• Molecular diagnostics and cytogenetics – 4 weeks

• Flow cytometry – 6 weeks

• Hematology/Coagulation – 2 weeks

• Elective – 3 weeks

• Vacation – 3 weeks

This structured approach ensures that fellows are well-rounded in both clinical skills and academic knowledge 1.

Training Environment

The fellow will have the opportunity to work within a high-volume clinical service, processing approximately 20,000 hematological malignancy biopsies and flow cytometry cases annually at MSKCC. With the involvement of 18 dedicated hematopathology faculty members, fellows are provided with extensive learning opportunities through didactic lectures and microscope sessions 1.

Research and Educational Opportunities

Fellows are also encouraged to participate actively in research initiatives as part of the training program. The combination of a high-volume clinical service at MSKCC and an extramural consult service opens numerous avenues for clinical and translational research. Furthermore, participation in educational activities such as weekly consensus meetings, interesting case conferences, and journal clubs is essential to the fellowship experience 1.

Application Process

Applicants must hold an MD or MD/PhD degree and have completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology (AP), Clinical Pathology (CP), or a combined AP/CP program in the United States or Canada. Certification or eligibility for certification by the American Board of Pathology is also required. Applications must include:

• Three letters of recommendation from institutions where the applicant has completed training
• A curriculum vitae (CV)
• A copy of the medical school diploma (with translation if necessary)
• International medical graduates must submit a copy of the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) certificate marked ‘valid indefinitely’ 1.

Visa Support

The program offers visa support and is typically able to sponsor J-1 and H-1B visas for eligible international applicants. This enables qualified applicants from outside the United States to participate in the fellowship program, demonstrating an inclusive approach to residency education 1.

Competitiveness and Availability

The Hematopathology Fellowship at Memorial Sloan Kettering is recognized as highly competitive. Prospective fellows should be prepared for a rigorous selection process, with only three positions available each year 1. This prestigious program aims to attract the best candidates to develop future leaders in the field of hematopathology.