Cytopathology
Cytopathology is a subspecialty area in Anatomic Pathology, which studies the morphologic abnormality of cells from precursor lesions to frank malignancy. The detection of pre-malignant and malignant cells is at the heart of what we do in Cytopathology.
Cytopathologists and their cytotechnologist counterparts are trained in the detection of malignant cells by cytologic evaluation of specimens obtained through fine needle aspirations (FNAs), pleural and peritoneal effusions, cerebrospinal fluids, urine, pelvic washings, gastric and bile duct washings/brushings and the Pap smear. Currently, the Papanicolaou smear is the longest running and most successful screening test performed for the detection of cervical cancer.
Fine Needle Aspiration
The Fine Needle Aspiration Service was first established at RPCI in late 2010 and is becoming widely accepted as an important ancillary test in the detection of primary and recurrent disease. It is especially helpful for patients seeking a preliminary diagnosis and looking for help in the triage of their disease. The Cytology laboratory accessions over 7,500 specimens per year of which 1,300 are fine needle aspirations.
Cytopathology Fellowship
Cytopathologists who train an additional year beyond the Anatomic or Anatomic/Clinical Pathology Residencies are trained in the performance and acquisition of cytologic material for diagnosis.
This year, we have established an ACGME accredited fellowship in Cytopathology. The fellow selected for this position will participate in fine needle aspirations, disease specific multidisciplinary conferences, teaching of junior residents and be an active participant in a scientific research project for submission, presentation and publication in a cytology or scientific journal.
Requirements
Because of the complex nature of the diseases encountered at RPCI, only residents who have completed their training in an ACGME-accredited Program in either a three-year AP or four-year AP/CP Program by the Fellowship start date will be considered. A fellow who has passed the American Board of Pathology in AP or AP/CP before starting the fellowship in Cytopathology is highly desirable. In addition, candidates must be eligible for a New York State Medical License or Limited Permit.
Cytopathology Fellowship
- Year 1—One position (ACGME-accredited)
Facilities
The campus spans 29 acres in downtown Buffalo and consists of 15 buildings with about 1.2 million square feet of space. The hospital houses a comprehensive diagnostic and treatment center. In addition, the Institute's medical research complex built in conjunction with the State University at Buffalo, has renovated existing education and research space to support RPCI's growth and the expansion of the Buffalo Niagara Medical Complex.
Community
Buffalo has four wonderful seasons and a vibrant intellectual and cultural life. It is a treasure to discover and is an exceptional place to live work, and raise a family. Buffalo is an area of geographic beauty offering temperate summers for boating, camping, bicycling, sports, amusement and water parks, and other activities. During the winter, one can ice skate, ski, snowmobile, snowshoe, or just take a walk. Unlike some cities, traffic is hardly an issue. The average commute time is just 20 minutes! Nearby getaways include Niagara Falls, Toronto, Pittsburgh and Cleveland.
Stipends
Stipends commensurate with postgraduate year of training.
Applications
A personal statement, CV, RPCI Fellowship application form, and three letters of reference should be sent to:
Lourdes R. Ylagan, MD, FIAC
Fellowship Director
c/o Christine Hegarty
Department of Pathology
Roswell Park Cancer Institute
Elm & Carlton Streets
Buffalo, New York 14263
Email: christine.hegarty@roswellpark.org
Applications are currently being accepted.
Interviews begin approximately 16 months prior your fellowship start date; however, exceptional candidates may be interviewed sooner.
