Cytopathology fellows working together in the lab at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota.

Graduate medical education in laboratory medicine and pathology at Mayo Clinic

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Overview

The one-year Cytopathology Fellowship at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, provides the best setting for you to develop expertise in the performance and interpretation of fine needle aspiration biopsies; interpretation of gynecologic and nongynecologic exfoliative cytology; and application of ancillary techniques such as flow cytometry, molecular diagnostics, cytogenetics, and immunocytochemistry.

Unique program opportunities include:

  • An emphasis on reviewing and diagnosing clinical cytology specimens and interacting with the clinicians and radiologists involved in the patient care
  • 103,000+ total volume at our trainees' fingertips with an assortment of classic and unusual cases
  • A wide variety of specimens including gynecologic (cervix, uterus, vagina), thyroid, urine, pulmonary, body fluids, lymph node, biliary tract, liver, bone, and soft tissues, among other sites
  • Performance of superficial fine needle aspirations and on-site assessment of superficial and image-guided deep aspirates
    • Training in the techniques of ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration (FNA) for thyroid FNA is given under the guidance of endocrinologists
  • Increasing responsibility in cytopathology sign-out as you acquire experience
  • Research opportunities in clinical-pathological correlation, translational research, and applied molecular and digital pathology
    • Most fellows are involved in at least one research project during their fellowship year which has resulted in publications and presentations at national meetings
  • Training in molecular cytopathology includes fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) for urine, biliary, and bronchial brushings; and digital image analysis (DIA)
  • Training in the techniques of ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration (FNA) for thyroid FNAs is given under the guidance of endocrinologists
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hospital in Minnesota and nationally recognized on the Best Hospitals Honor Roll (U.S. News, 2024-25)

Cytopathology fellow working with a neon green microscope in the lab at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota.

Your training experience

As a fellow at Mayo Clinic, you'll have access to robust clinical, educational, and research resources. You'll find support both inside and outside of the campus to promote physical and mental wellness and ensure your work/life balance.

More about the curriculum

Diva Salomao, M.D.

Director's welcome

My goal is to help fellows use the vast resources of Mayo Clinic to tailor their training to meet their individual career goals. Our core faculty are very engaged in education, research, and preparing our fellows for successful careers in cytopathology.

More from the program director

See our graduate outcomes

Accreditation

The Cytopathology Fellowship is fully accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME).

Certification

After successfully completing the fellowship, graduates are prepared and qualified to take the American Board of Pathology examination in cytopathology if they are certified in anatomic pathology or combined anatomic and clinical pathology. The Cytopathology Fellowship at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota has a 100% board pass rate.

Program history

The Cytopathology Fellowship at Mayo Clinic began in 2009. Since that time, multiple physicians have completed training. It is anticipated that one fellow will complete this program annually.

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Stipend and benefits