Curriculum

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A weekly multidisciplinary gross conference evaluates interesting specimens from autopsy and surgical services and correlates findings with clinical and radiologic data.

Rotation schedule

This sample rotation schedule for the Cardiovascular Pathology Fellowship has 13 four-week rotations.

8 rotations (32 weeks)	2 rotations (8 weeks)	2 rotations (8 weeks)	1 rotation (4 weeks)
Cardiovascular consultation Endomyocardial biopsy (transplant and nontransplant) Cardiovascular surgical pathology	Autopsy — congenital heart disease	Elective and research	Molecular genetic pathology of cardiovascular disease

Rotation descriptions

Cardiovascular training

The Cardiovascular Pathology Fellowship curriculum includes four-week rotations in cardiovascular surgical pathology and cardiovascular consultation. It also includes exposure to transplant and nontransplant endomyocardial biopsy, with optional elective time in other areas.

Autopsy training

Both forensic and hospital autopsies are performed under the direct supervision of a consultant. The autopsy service is also staffed by a laboratory supervisor, six full-time autopsy technicians and nine rotating pathology assistants. The newly renovated, state-of-the-art facilities are spacious and include two autopsy rooms, a gross dissection room, and an X-ray room. They also include a resident work area, digital photography equipment, storage freezers, and a custom-built heart-lung perfusion fixation apparatus.

You formulate a complete autopsy report incorporating all relevant clinical information, autopsy findings and supplemental studies. The autopsy rotation is an excellent rotation to learn systemic pathology, gross anatomic pathology and histopathology.

3D printed specimen models that are routinely obtained in the work-up of cardiovascular cases — 3D-printed specimen models that are routinely obtained in the a diagnostic examination of cardiovascular cases.

Didactic training

To supplement your on-the-job learning during rotations, you also use the cardiovascular pathology teaching collection. The collection includes gross heart specimens and microscopic slides.

You also have the opportunity to participate in teaching activities for the Cardiovascular Unit of the Pathophysiology Course. These activities occur within Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine and other institutional conferences. In addition, you may spend short periods of time in the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory and the Echocardiography Laboratory.

Research training

You participate in various research projects dealing with cardiovascular disorders from a pathology and clinical perspective.

Teaching opportunities

You have the opportunity to interact with and teach medical students and allied health staff in echocardiography and histotechnology programs. Teaching also includes residents in pathology, radiology, and internal medicine, as well as cardiology fellows.

Evaluation

To ensure you acquire knowledge and develop technical skills to meet program expectations, your performance is carefully monitored. Monitoring occurs throughout the Cardiovascular Pathology Fellowship. You are formally evaluated by supervising faculty at each rotation’s completion and meet with the program director to review evaluations. You also regularly evaluate faculty to confirm your educational needs are being met.