Sample Resident Curriculum

Anatomic Pathology and Clinical Pathology rotations are scheduled in each residency year, reflecting the actual practice of many pathologists and the increasing relationships and intersections between these two broad areas of pathology.

All residents rotate at University of Illinois Hospital & Health Sciences System and the community hospitals, but not every rotation is offered at each participating hospitals. Rotations must have adequate patient material and sufficient resources to offer an excellent educational experience.

The curriculum in place for the current academic year is shown below. Adjustments may be made to accommodate particular resident needs. The Education Committee continually reviews and modifies the curriculum as necessary to maintain the UIC educational experience at the highest level possible.

PGY I

Introduction to Anatomic Pathology (AP): (Surgical Pathology, Neuropathology, Pediatric Pathology, Autopsy)Five month rotationAll first year residents begin in AP with gradual responsibilities and with supervision done by faculty, pathology assistants, fellows and senior residents.
Introduction to Clinical Pathology:Blood Bank/Transfusion Medicine, Clinical Chemistry, Hematopathology and Microbiology
Four uninterrupted monthsSurgical Pathology, UI Hospital or JBVAMC
Two month rotationsAutopsy Pathology, covers UI Hospital, JBVAMC and John H. Stroger Hospital
1 month

PGY II-IV

Surgical Pathology
Approximately eleven months

Cytopathology
Three months

Forensic Pathology *
One month

Hematology/Hematopathology, UI Hospital/ALGH
Four months

Advanced Chemistry and Immunoserology
Three months

Blood Banking / Transfusion Medicine
Two months

Microbiology
Two months

Cytogenetics / Molecular Pathology
Two months

Renal Pathology/Electron Miroscopy / EM, ALGH †
One month

Laboratory Management combined with Informatics
One month

Electives in Pathology‡
Three to Four months

* Office of the Medical Examiner of Cook County, PGY IV
† PGY II or PGY III
‡ Electives in Pathology: May be taken as blocks or as single months, depending on availability of rotations, resident interest and needs; they may be taken earlier in the curriculum (with approval of Program Director and Education Committee).

Extra months of BB/TM and cytopathology are advisable for a resident interested in a general diagnostic community practice.