Cytopathology Fellowship

The Columbia University Department of Pathology and Cell Biology and its affiliated hospitals offers a one-year ACGME-accredited fellowship training in diagnostic cytopathology. The program is based at Columbia University Irving Medical Center/New York Presbyterian Hospital, and draws a wide range of materials from three hospitals and a large network of ambulatory clinics. We process over  58,000 specimens per year, including approximately  42,000 gynecologic specimens, 12,000 non-gynecologic specimens, and  3,800 fine-needle aspirations. Fellows become proficient at rapid on-site  evaluation (ROSE) of image-guided procedures, performing FNAs, diagnostic interpretation of FNA and exfoliative cytology specimens, patient safety, quality improvement, and lab management.

We have eight board-certified cytopathologists with various expertise, including thyroid, respiratory, gynecologic, genitourinary, and many with surgical pathology subspecialties, who are dedicated to resident/fellow education. We also have dedicated and excellent cytotechnologists involved in education.

As a major academic tertiary care hospital in one of the busiest metropolises, we are able to provide resources and material in all aspects of cytopathology. Ample opportunity in research is available with dedicated mentors. The program includes participation in interdisciplinary conferences, journal reviews, scientific/translational research with presentation at national/international meetings, and resident education. Graduating fellows are fully prepared for a career in either an academic or private practice setting.

Requirements

Applicants should have passed USMLE Step III and be board-eligible or board-certified in anatomic pathology or combined anatomic and clinical pathology. The applicant must be eligible for a permanent medical license in the State of New York.

Columbia University Irving Medical Center/New York Presbyterian Hospital only accepts J1 visas for all fellowships.

Types and numbers of appointments

One position is available each academic year.

Dates and deadlines

The Columbia Cytopathology Fellowship Program is participating in the ASC Unified Timeline. Review of completed applications (including recommendation letters) from candidates applying for the 2025–26 fellowship will commence in July 2023, and interviews will begin the week of August 14, 2023.

Stipends

Salaries are commensurate with the level of post-graduate training.

Applications

Applications should include a curriculum vitae, personal statement, names of three professional references and their letters of recommendation, including one letter from your residency program director. Stipend is commensurate with the number of relevant PGY training.

Recommendation letters 

Please arrange to have three letters of recommendation sent to us via email to:

Ramonita Ferreira at: rf2739@cumc.columbia.edu cc: pathcytotraining@cumc.columbia.edu.

The letters should be addressed to:

John P. Crapanzano, M.D.
Program Director, Cytopathology Fellowship
Department of Pathology and Cell Biology
Columbia University Irving Medical Center/New York Presbyterian Hospital
630 West 168th Street, PH 15 West, Room 1574-F
New York, NY 10032
Attn: Ramonita Ferreira

Current cytopathology fellows

• Natasha Singh (2023-2024)

Cytopathology fellowship graduates

• William Towne (2022-2023)
• Abdullah Almuqate (2021-2022)
• Sedef Everest (2020-2021)