Advance your career in cytopathology, FNA and molecular diagnostics

The OHSU Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine offers a one-year, ACGME-accredited cytopathology fellowship.  

As a fellow, you’ll build comprehensive cytopathology skills with emphasis on interpreting fine needle aspiration biopsies and integrating molecular diagnostics. Training prepares you for a career in academic or private practice pathology. 

Explore more:

• Why train with us?
• Fellowship objectives
• Curriculum
• How to apply
• Fellowship director
• Meet our fellows
• Frequently asked questions 

Why train with us?

At OHSU, we value educating the next generation of pathologists. Our department has a dedicated Vice Chair of Education, Mandy VanSandt, D.O., who also directs the residency program. This structural investment reflects our department’s commitment to teaching.

You will find: 

• Successful placement for alumni in academic medicine and private practice, including several who have returned to OHSU as cytopathology faculty
• High-volume, diverse case mix, with approximately 12,000 gynecologic specimens, 1,500 non-gynecologic specimens and 1,000 fine needle aspirations annually
• Oregon's only academic medical center, a major regional referral destination
• Strong FNA experience in head and neck lesions, including thyroid, plus EUS-guided biopsies of pancreatic, gastric and mediastinal sites
• Molecular integration training that bridges cytology and molecular diagnostics 

Fellowship objectives

You’ll be prepared to pass the American Board of Pathology cytopathology examination and succeed in either academic medicine or private practice. You will develop and graduate with skills in: 

• Diagnostic interpretation of gynecologic and non-gynecologic cytology specimens, including challenging cases referred from outside institutions
• Performance and interpretation of fine needle aspiration biopsies, with depth in head and neck and thyroid lesions
• Interpretation of EUS-guided FNA biopsies of pancreatic, gastric, and mediastinal lesions
• Integration of molecular diagnostics with cytopathology workup and reporting
• Use of ancillary studies including immunocytochemistry and flow cytometry
• Laboratory management, including quality control and CAP inspection preparation
• Compassionate, clear communication with patients during FNA procedures and with referring clinicians
• Teaching of residents and medical students
• Critical appraisal of the literature and engagement in translational research 

Curriculum

The fellowship year is built around clinical service rotations, with laboratory management training, teaching and scholarly activity intertwined. Fellows operate as trainees throughout the year, with progressive responsibility under faculty supervision adhering to ACGME requirements. 

Gynecologic cytology

With access to approximately 12,000 specimens per year, you will integrate ancillary HPV and molecular testing. 

Non-gynecologic cytology

You will review body fluids, exfoliative specimens and brushings from approximately 1,500 specimens per year. You’ll also train in ancillary immunocytochemistry, flow cytometry and molecular workup. 

Fine needle aspiration

You'll be exposed to about 1,000 cases per year. You will both perform and interpret FNAs, with depth in head and neck and thyroid lesions and EUS-guided biopsies of pancreatic, gastric and mediastinal sites. Rapid on-site evaluation is part of the experience. 

Laboratory management, teaching, and research

Beyond the diagnostic bench, you will participate in laboratory management, quality control and CAP inspection preparation. Fellows also help teach residents and medical students rotating through the service and collaborate with faculty and professionals across OHSU in translational research and other scholarly activities. 

How to apply

Submit your fellowship application and required materials to Stacey Davis, Administrative Coordinator, at davissta@ohsu.edu.  

• Next fellowship: July 1, 2028–June 30, 2029
• Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and accepted until the position is filled. 

Fellowship eligibility

To qualify you must: 

• Have completed three years of anatomic pathology or four years of anatomic and clinical pathology training in an ACGME- or RCPSC-accredited program
• Hold an M.D. or D.O. degree (or foreign equivalent with ECFMG certification)
• Be board eligible or board certified in anatomic pathology or anatomic/clinical pathology
• Have passed the USMLE Step three examination
• Be legally authorized to work in the United States, or eligible to obtain work authorization
• Be willing and able to take and pass the ABP cytopathology examination upon completion of training
• Obtain a full Oregon medical license prior to the start of the fellowship. OHSU provides funding to cover application fees for limited licenses. 

Required application materials

• Completed fellowship application
• Curriculum vitae
• Personal statement or letter of intent
• Three letters of recommendation (emailed directly from the writer or institution)
• Medical school diploma 

International medical school graduates must submit a valid ECFMG certificate. 

If selected for an interview, you will also provide:

• Dean's letter
• ECFMG certificate (if applicable)
• USMLE certificate and scores
• JPEG headshot photo 

Before starting the fellowship, you'll need to provide a letter verifying previous training and employment as a physician. 

Learn more about applying to OHSU residencies and fellowships 

Meet our fellows

Maryika (Maria) Blaszczyk, M.D., 2025–2026 

Recent fellowship alumni

Max Knap, M.D., 2024–2025 fellowship graduate 

Marcela Riveros Angel, M.D., 2022–2023 fellowship graduate
Pathology Faculty and Medical Director, Cytopathology, OHSU 

Sophie Cameron, M.D., 2020–2021 fellowship graduate
Pathology Faculty, Mayo Clinic of Rochester

Arlette Habashi-Daniels, M.D., 2019–2020 fellowship graduate
Pathology Faculty, Portland VA Medical Center

Frequently asked questions

Is this fellowship ACGME-accredited?

Yes. The OHSU Cytopathology Fellowship has been ACGME-accredited since 1999. 

How long is the fellowship and how many fellows are accepted?

The fellowship is one year, running July 1 through June 30. We accept one fellow per year. 

Will I perform fine needle aspirations myself?

Yes. Fellows both perform and interpret FNAs, with particular emphasis on head and neck and thyroid lesions, plus interpretation of EUS-guided biopsies of pancreatic, gastric, and mediastinal sites. 

Is the fellowship suited for those interested in academic pathology?

The fellowship prepares you for either academic or community subspecialty practice. Several alumni have returned to OHSU as cytopathology faculty. 

Can international medical graduates apply?

Yes. International medical school graduates must submit a valid ECFMG certificate as part of their application. Learn more about applying to residencies and fellowships. 

What is the fellowship salary?

Stipend and benefits are commensurate with postgraduate training level. Find details about resident and fellow employee benefits from the Graduate Medical Education Department.