Students who anticipate postgraduate programs in clinical disciplines other than pathology: Senior elective programs in pathology are designed and recommended for students who anticipate postgraduate training in any clinical field, some of the course offerings being more relevant to a particular area than others. Members of the faculty are available for counseling concerning these courses and their relevance to your plans for postgraduate training.
Students Planning Careers in Pathology:
Students anticipating postgraduate training in pathology are encouraged to limit their senior electives to no more than three rotations in pathology electives and to concentrate on more or less "general" electives, especially in medicine or pediatrics, and those areas of special interest to the student.
In view of the diversity of activities in pathology, ranging from teaching and research to practice in limited areas of special competence, The American Board of Pathology recognizes and encourages several training pathways to qualification for examination and certification.
1. The American Board of Pathology will admit candidates who are otherwise qualified and who have done one of the following types of training:
A. Combined Anatomic Pathology and Clinical Pathology (AP/CP) Certification
Four full years of full-time training that must include at least 18 months training in anatomic pathology and 18 months of training in clinical pathology, plus 12 months of full-time, continued training in anatomic pathology and/or clinical pathology as part of the defined four-year accredited AP/CP training program.
B. Anatomic Pathology (AP) Certification
Three full years of full-time, approved training in anatomic pathology program that includes at least 24 months of training in anatomic pathology, plus 12 months of full-time, continued training in anatomic pathology or 12 months of full-time, approved training in other areas of pathology as part of the defined accredited training program.
Primary certification in clinical pathology and two full years of full-time, approved training in anatomic pathology with at least 18 months of structured training in anatomic pathology. Six months may be full-time, approved training in a subspecialty area of anatomic pathology as part of the defined accredited training program
C. Clinical Pathology (CP) Certification
Three full years of full-time, approved training in clinical pathology program that includes at least 24 months of structured training in clinical pathology, plus an additional 12 months of full-time, continued training in clinical pathology or 12 months of full-time, approved training in other areas of pathology as part of the defined accredited training program.
Primary certification in anatomic pathology and two full years of full-time, approved training in clinical pathology with at least 18 months of structured training in clinical pathology. Six months may be full-time, approved training in a subspecialty area of clinical pathology as part of the defined accredited training program.
2. Advanced Pathology Training Credit Mechanisms. Under special circumstances, advanced credit may be given. Advanced credit is any medically relevant, post-baccalaureate, 12-month experience that is not approved by the ACGME for training in pathology and is relevant to the education of pathologists as determined by the ABP and can be applied to satisfy the flexible year in pathology. Advanced credit is given only for activities that have occurred in either the United States or Canada. The acceptance of advanced credits is not automatic and is evaluated by the American Board of Pathology on an individual basis.
A. For residents entering pathology training programs on or after July 1, 2003, credit for a Ph.D. degree will not be granted.
B. For residents entering pathology training programs on or after July 1, 2003, the ABP will grant up to 6 months of research credit for primary certification. The research must be done during the 4-year pathology training program and with the approval of the program director.
C. Advanced credit toward single certification in anatomic pathology or single certification in clinical pathology will be given toward only the flexible year of required pathology training and not toward the 24 months of required structured training.
Members of the faculty are available
for counseling in respect to plans for postgraduate training.
John N. Eble, M.D.
Professor and Chairman
Department of Pathology