Train at the forefront of GI pathology

The OHSU Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine offers a one-year, non-accredited fellowship in gastrointestinal, pancreaticobiliary and liver pathology. You will train across the full spectrum of GI pathology with expert mentorship from program director, Brian Brinkerhoff, M.D. 

Through progressive responsibility, you will build skills in diagnostic and digital pathology and gain experience teaching residents and medical students. Depending on your progress, you may reach independent signout by the end of the year, practicing at an attending level. 

Explore more:

• Why train with us?
• Curriculum
• How to apply
• Fellowship director
• Recent alumni
• 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. 

As a GI pathology fellow, you will train alongside five subspecialty GI pathologists who manage 7,500 cases a year. You will focus on both GI biopsy and resection, developing expertise in: 

• Medical and transplant liver pathology, including native and post-transplant biopsies, with access to OHSU’s active liver transplant program
• Pancreaticobiliary pathology, spanning diagnostic biopsies, complex resection specimens, and intraoperative consultations, including Whipple and distal pancreatectomy cases from the OHSU Knight Cancer Institute
• Luminal GI tract pathology, high volume of upper and lower GI biopsies, inflammatory bowel disease, and polyposis cases
• Challenging consultative cases from OHSU’s regional clinical network including the Portland VA Medical Center, OHSU Doernbecher Children’s Hospital, Shriners Hospital, Hillsboro Medical Center and Columbia Memorial Hospital 

Digital pathology

OHSU is one of a few academic programs in the country actively developing digital pathology technology tools. These include integrated whole-slide imaging and AI-assisted clinical workflows. You will work with tools as OHSU expands their use. 

Elective time

You'll have three months of protected elective time for subspecialty rotations, research or other pursuits aligned with your career goals. 

Consulting experience

OHSU trains pathologists to function as clinical consultants, not just report-generators. You will work as a member of the diagnostic team, collaborating with gastroenterologists, surgical oncologists and hepatologists.

You'll also attend and present at tumor boards and clinical conferences, helping shape treatment decisions in real time.

Research

We encourage fellows to pursue research projects. You will have access to a broad clinical dataset, a collaborative faculty and the OHSU Knight Cancer Institute, one of only 57 NCI-designated cancer centers in the country.  

Projects range from retrospective case analyses to prospective outcomes studies. We help you identify work aligned with your interests and career goals

Curriculum

The fellow rotates equally between the GI Biopsy and GI Resection services. Seven pathologist assistants handle the grossing work, so you spend your time doing what a fellowship should prepare you to do: interpreting cases, not preparing specimens. 

GI Biopsy service

• Esophageal, gastric, and small intestinal biopsies
• Colorectal biopsies and polypectomies
• Inflammatory bowel disease: medical and surveillance biopsies
• Liver biopsies: medical (native) and post-transplant
• Pancreaticobiliary biopsies and brushings 

GI Resection service

• Esophageal, gastric, and small bowel resections
• Colorectal resections, including total proctocolectomy specimens
• Hepatic resections: primary and metastatic tumors
• Pancreaticoduodenectomy (Whipple) and distal pancreatectomy specimens
• Liver explant and transplant pathology
• Complex gallbladder and biliary tract specimens 

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 and 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 GI 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 

Fellowship director

Recent fellowship alumni

Graham Stoddard, D.O., 2025–2026 fellowship graduate  

Chloe Young, M.D., 2025–2026 fellowship graduate 

Robert Freund, M.D., 2024–2025 fellowship graduate  

Ariannette Robledo-Gomez, M.D., 2023–2024 fellowship graduate

Is this fellowship ACGME-accredited?

No. The OHSU Gastrointestinal, Pancreaticobiliary, and Liver Pathology Fellowship is not ACGME-accredited. Fellows who require an ACGME-accredited program for licensing or other purposes should confirm whether this meets their needs before applying. 

How long is the fellowship?

The fellowship is one year, July 1 through June 30. 

How many fellows are accepted each year?

We accept one fellow per year. 

Will I split time equally between GI biopsy and resection services?

Yes. Fellows spend equal time on the GI Biopsy Service and the GI Resection Service. 

Will I have opportunities for independent signout?

Fellows who reach the required diagnostic proficiency can be credentialed as OHSU faculty in the second half of the fellowship year, with full privileges to signout cases independently. The program director works with each fellow individually and determines readiness based on demonstrated proficiency. 

Will I be expected to complete a research project?

Fellows are strongly encouraged to engage in research projects during the fellowship year. Projects are developed based on individual interests and career goals, in collaboration with faculty mentors. 

Is the fellowship suited for those interested in academic pathology?

Yes. The fellowship prepares you for either academic or community subspecialty practice and is well-suited for pathologists with either career goal. 

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.