Advanced Rotations
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The program is extremely flexible, and there is a real willingness to accommodate each person’s unique learning goals. There is massive diversity in the long term career objectives among the residents, which makes for a really interesting cohort to work with.
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(BWH, AP)
Following the Core program, training is highly flexible. Residents can choose from numerous subspecialty electives that span weeks to months; engage in supervisory or teaching roles for junior residents; design their own electives in the areas of education, community practice or computational pathology; or participate in research electives including time in research laboratories. The resident designs this schedule following discussion with program leadership regarding interests and career goals (e.g. community practice, subspecialty academic practice, research), and readiness to advance beyond the core competencies.
AP or AP/CP
AP electives for AP residents (up to 1 year) or AP/CP residents (up to 6 months) include opportunities for advanced rotations in all AP core areas at BWH and/or MGH: autopsy pathology, bone and soft tissue pathology, breast pathology, cardiovascular pathology, cytopathology, dermatopathology, endocrine pathology, gastrointestinal pathology, genitourinary pathology, gynecologic/obstetrical pathology, head and neck pathology, hematopathology, medical renal pathology, molecular diagnostics and cytogenetics, neuropathology, ophthalmic pathology, and pulmonary and thoracic pathology. Off-site rotations can also be designed based on interests; for example, a resident interested in concentrated exposure to pediatric pathology may request time at Boston Children's Hospital, or a resident interested in community practice may want to rotate at one of our community partners like Brigham and Women's Faulkner Hospital or Newton-Wellesley Hospital. In addition, senior residents will participate in graduated frozen section responsibilities at MGH, supervising and mentoring junior residents on the service. Residents can also spend time in a research laboratory or rotate on advanced CP electives, described below.
CP or AP/CP
Senior residents can spend time in a research laboratory, perform advanced rotations in any of the core areas (Chemistry, Microbiology, Molecular Diagnostics, Coagulation, Hematopathology/Hematology or Transfusion Medicine), or engage in electives such as Informatics. The responsibilities of senior residents on clinical services include assisting in the orientation of junior residents to the service, providing primary backup for residents on call and working with medical directors in a junior directorship capacity.
Chief Residency
Chief residents will be appointed at both BWH and MGH, to serve as a "local" source of guidance and support to on-site trainees. The opportunity to serve as chief resident facilitates development of management, organizational and problem-solving skills that form a firm foundation for future leadership positions.
