Shape the future of diagnostic medicine

The OHSU Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine brings together expert diagnosticians, educators and researchers to improve patient care.

Our team covers more than 25 pathology and laboratory medicine subspecialties. We provide precise diagnoses that guide treatment, make innovative therapies possible and train the next generation of pathology leaders.

Work or train with us to advance the future of pathology and laboratory medicine.

What sets us apart

• Expert faculty who collaborate closely across interdisciplinary teams and pathology subspecialties
• Digital pathology tools advancing diagnostic precision and research
• Oregon's only academic health center, with access to OHSU Hospital, Doernbecher Children’s Hospital, Knight Cancer Institute and Portland VA Medical Center 
• Nationally recognized education, with training programs for residents, fellows and medical students
• Compassionate leaders who prioritize well-being and meaningful work
• The Oregon Brain Bank and translational research from molecular pathology to cardiovascular disease

About the Department of Pathology

Pathologists are essential partners on every healthcare team.

At OHSU, our department is at the center of patient care, connecting surgeons, oncologists and other clinicians with the precise diagnoses that drive treatment decisions. We don't just deliver reports. We collaborate across disciplines to improve outcomes for every patient.

Clinical care

Our subspecialized pathologists provide expert diagnostic services for patients at:

• OHSU Hospital
• Doernbecher Children's Hospital
• Portland Veterans Affairs Medical Center
• Community network partners including Hillsboro Medical Center and Columbia Memorial

We also provide second opinions and pathology services for physicians throughout the Pacific Northwest and across the country.

Research

Our research program spans leading-edge molecular pathology, hematologic malignancies, placental biology, cardiovascular disease, aging and neurodegenerative disease.

The Oregon Brain Bank is housed in our department, supporting studies that advance understanding of brain disorders.

Under the leadership of Guang Fan, M.D., Ph.D., department chair, and Yabing Chen, Ph.D., M.B.A., vice chair for research, the department is advancing digital pathology and promoting machine learning in research across OHSU.

Faculty choose our pathology team for its innovative research approach, collaborative culture and world-class resources, including OHSU’s Knight Cancer Institute and Knight Diagnostic Laboratories.

Education and training

Pursue training with our pathology experts to build diagnostic and technical skills in pathology specialties.

Pathology residency

This four-year ACGME-accredited pathology residency covers anatomic and clinical pathology and offers an integrated anatomic pathology/neuropathology track.

Pathology fellowships

Explore subspecialty training through eight pathology fellowship programs:

• Six ACGME-accredited fellowships in blood banking/transfusion medicine, cytopathology, dermatopathology (joint program), hematopathology, molecular genetic pathology and neuropathology
• Two fellowship opportunities in breast and gynecologic pathology and gastrointestinal/pancreaticobiliary/liver pathology

Medical student education

Our pathology medical student program offers rigorous education built around mentorship, patient cases and clinical exposure. The program offers a year of hands-on anatomic pathology training, medical student electives, student experience fellowship, a pathology interest group and visiting student opportunities.

Culture and benefits

We foster a department where people find meaning in their work and are valued as whole human beings. Our leadership style is humanistic and person-centered — we set clear expectations, then give you the autonomy and support to thrive.

What you can expect:

• A collaborative team atmosphere where every member has a voice
• Commitment to appropriate workload expectations and time off
• Protected academic time for faculty
• A junior faculty mentorship program and internal leadership opportunities
• Support for conference attendance, with faculty and trainees partnering on presentations and research
• Access to OHSU's resident and faculty wellness program, staffed by clinicians who understand the demands of academic medicine

We also encourage you to explore OHSU's commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging.

Community impact

Our department reaches beyond campus to improve healthcare in communities across the Pacific Northwest. Recent highlights include:

• A multi-year $45,000 See, Test and Treat award from the College of American Pathologists for HPV screening outreach in partnership with community organizations, including the Chinese Friendship Association and Multnomah County Health Department
• Ongoing pathology services at community network hospitals, extending subspecialized diagnostics to patients who might otherwise lack access

Your gifts support pathology training programs, research and community outreach.

Department news

• Project Seeks to Develop Retinal Screening for Alzheimer’s
• OHSU Pathologists Offer Community HPV Screenings