The Pathology Student Fellowship (Pathology Student Experience) is a 1-year program that is normally open only to OHSU students. Pathology student fellows are fully integrated into the daily case work of the Pathology Department, working alongside residents, and working closely with faculty, often in a one-on-one setting. Student fellows rotate through the autopsy and surgical pathology services at OHSU and the Portland VA hospital, and will have opportunities for research experience and electives. On the autopsy service, the student fellow participates in prosection and generation of a complete autopsy report, including clinicopathologic correlation. Interesting autopsy cases are presented at a weekly autopsy conference. On the surgical pathology service, fellows engage in intraoperative consultations, gross examination of surgical pathology specimens, and preview and review cases with faculty. Student fellows manage their cases independently with faculty guidance.  Protected time to attend pathology didactics and Departmental Grand Rounds is ensured.  Opportunities to participate in medical student teaching are available. 

An informational meeting is held during early spring when interested students will be able to meet current and former student fellows. After the informational meeting, interested students will arrange to spend time observing in the Department of Pathology followed by a brief interview session.

Here's what pathology student fellows have said about the program:

“I was given incredible responsibility from day one, the ability to learn directly from attendings and the chance to reflect on the future”

“I leave with a strong desire to show the same kind of patience and willingness to share knowledge with others”

“I feel that I’ve gained a lot of confidence in my abilities and inspiration from others through their work ethic and enthusiasm”

“In addition to helping me decide on a specialty, the pathology year really rounded out my medical school experience”

“I met people who have helped me with advice and ideas about making some really tough (career) choices”

“Some days were long and hard, but they were always fun and interesting”

FAQ

Do I get paid?

Yes. There is a salary stipend during the student fellowship year as well as a $600 educational allowance.

What about my loans?

Students are eligible for loan deferment from most loan vendors during program participation. Some students also consider the benefits of making minimum monthly payments. Students should work with the OHSU Financial Aid office to assess the best options for each individual situation.

What electives can I take?

Any of the Department of Pathology electives or resident rotations are available as electives. These include Neuropathology, Cytology, Renal Pathology, Hematopathology, Cytogenetics, Blood Banking/Transfusion Medicine. On occasion, student fellows have designed their own electives, including Pathology experiences off-hill, electives in other Departments, and research electives. Students do not receive credit toward their MD degree for participation in this program but may be able to apply or adapt projects toward curricular elements.

Are there research opportunities?

Yes. Student fellows have been involved in a variety of research projects, mostly in the Department of Pathology. Opportunities to write up interesting autopsy or surgical pathology cases may also arise.

What are the hours like?

The workload and schedule varies by rotation. Surgical Pathology at OHSU is the busiest rotation and generally has the longest hours.  A typical day may start at 7 a.m. and end at 6 p.m. Rotations on the Autopsy service and at the VA typically have shorter hours.  Student fellows do not have call responsibilities.

What are the employment benefits?

Student fellows are eligible for the OHSU research and unclassified administrative benefits package, which includes ample paid time off, medical and dental insurance, and a variety of other great benefits. All student fellows receive a laptop to use during the fellowship, and a $600 allowance is provided for eligible educational expenses. Additional financial support for travel expenses may be provided for student fellows who present research at national conferences.

When does student fellowship start and end?

The program runs from spring quarter through the beginning of spring break the following year.

Who should consider the Pathology student fellowship?

Because the individual gains extensive experience in recognizing and understanding disease processes in all systems and the role of diagnostic pathology in clinical medicine, the program is valuable for those entering virtually any clinical specialty.

Whom do I contact for more information or questions?