Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the structure of the pathology residency program at University of Cincinnati?

A: The institution sponsors an anatomic and clinical residency program. It is a 4 year program that has anatomic and clinical pathology integrated over all 4 years, accredited by the ACGME.  Rotations are divided into 13 4 week long blocks annually. There are approximately 27 blocks of required AP rotations, 18 blocks of required CP rotations, and 6 elective blocks of which at least one of which should be in CP. 

Q: How many resident positions are in the program?

A: The program is currently comprised of 12 residents. For the 2023 match, we are seeking 3 PGY1 positions through ERAS

Q: Will I have an opportunity to take on more responsibility as I progress through the residency?

A: Graduated responsibility is one of our program’s core values. Rotations on all services that span multiple years have expectations which ensure that residents are presented with more responsibility and have the opportunity to show autonomy as they progress through the program. Our goal is that residents are able to practice competently and independently in all areas of pathology after they have completed the program. Some specific examples of graduated responsibility include:

• In surgical pathology, increased case complexity each year means that by the end of training residents will be able to independently work up cases and write accurate reports. By PGY4 year, residents are expected to be able to formulate a complete and accurate report for both routine and complex cases, be comfortable ordering special studies, and be able to discuss cases with clinical teams.

• In hematopathology, upper-level residents will formulate diagnoses and interpret special studies independently, and have the opportunity to present cases at multidisciplinary conferences.

• In autopsy, the upper-level resident takes on the role of teacher and mentor to the PGY1 resident.

• In transfusion medicine, the PGY4 resident functions as the acting director of the service with the fellow

Q: Do residents have mentors?

A: By the end of their first year, each resident is asked to select at least one faculty mentor, who may or may not practice in an area of the resident’s clinical interest. Residents are expected to meet with mentors at least quarterly, but meetings can occur more often if desired.

Q: What is the didactic educational program for residents?

A: Every morning 8–9 am there is a required educational conference for residents. These include didactic lectures on a wide variety of AP and CP topics, rotating over a 2-year cycle, including gross conferences, autopsy conferences, unknown slide conferences. Surgical Pathology show and tell conference, and CP conferences with presentations by residents to allow experiences in public speaking and constructing a lecture. Journal club is held monthly on Wednesdays mid-day. Residents are free from service responsibilities during these conferences. Other educational conferences include the Surgical Pathology Show and Tell Conference (Thursdays at noon), and Microbiology Plate Rounds (Thursdays at 11AM). There are multiple multidisciplinary tumor conferences which residents attend when on related services. Residents gain experience presenting at these tumor conferences throughout their residency, particularly during the time they are on rotation during their PGY3 and 4 years in surgical pathology.

Q: Does the program have Pathologist Assistants?

A: Yes, we have 3 experienced PAs, who both gross specimens and support the frozen section service. We also have 4 histology technicians for additional support, including for autopsy evisceration.  The staff are highly trained and committed to pathology resident education.  PAs play an active role in resident education including providing basic grossing lectures to PGY-1 residents, and holding gross unknown conferences monthly. 

Q: How much vacation time is allotted annually?

A: All residents have 20 days of vacation time, 5 days of sick leave, and 5 days of educational leave per year. Vacation is flexible and can be taken off of both AP and CP rotations.  

Q: Do residents receive money for books or travel?

All residents receive a professional fund of $1000 annually. These funds can be used to purchase books, subscriptions, memberships to professional societies, for travel and registration for professional meetings, and for USMLE step and board exams. 

In addition, attendance at regional or national meetings is encouraged, with up to 5 days of educational leave provided annually. Residents who are presenting poster or oral presentations at a professional meeting can also apply for a Travel Grant which supports up to $2500 in professional expenses related to attending a meeting. 

Q: Is affordable housing available near the hospital?

A: Yes, there many several neighborhoods within 10 minutes driving distance of the hospital with affordable housing.

Q: Is parking free for residents?

A: Yes, residents are provided covered parking attached to the hospital at no charge.