Train for the future of molecular diagnostics

The OHSU Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine offers two positions per year in our ACGME-accredited one-year fellowship in molecular genetic pathology. This subspecialty program is jointly accredited by the American Board of Pathology and the American Board of Medical Genetics.  

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:  

• High-volume and diverse case exposure, with approximately 10,000 cases annually across oncology, inherited disorders, cytogenetics/FISH and molecular biology
• Comprehensive training in current molecular diagnostic technologies and bioinformatics through hands-on experience with a broad range of laboratory methods and analytical tools
• Jointly accredited by the American Board of Pathology (ABP) and the American Board of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ABMGG), providing subspecialty training recognized by both boards 
• An optional second year of protected, full-time research for fellows pursuing translational or basic science investigations
• A strong track record of successful alumni placement in academic medicine, industry and private practice in molecular diagnostics 

Fellowship objectives

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

• Diagnostic interpretation of molecular test results across oncology, inherited disease, infectious disease and cytogenetics/FISH, integrated with clinical, morphologic, immunophenotypic and cytogenetic findings
• Hands-on performance and interpretation of DNA and RNA extraction, Southern blots, FISH/in situ hybridization, comparative genomic hybridization and mutation scanning methods
• Standard (Sanger) and next-generation (massively parallel) DNA sequencing, including targeted NGS panel interpretation
• Qualitative, quantitative and multiplex amplification methods
• HLA-typing and identity testing
• Design and implementation of translational research and new test validation projects
• Laboratory quality assurance, bioinformatics and laboratory administration
• Compassionate, clear communication with clinicians and genetic counselors on molecular diagnostic results
• Teaching of residents and medical students 

Curriculum

The fellowship includes four clinical rotations spanning the full range of molecular diagnostics, each representing roughly one-quarter of the annual case volume. Training in lab management, teaching and research is integrated throughout the year. 

You will progressively add responsibility under faculty supervision, in keeping with ACGME requirements. An optional second year of full-time research may be available to interested and eligible fellows. 

Molecular oncology

Oncology accounts for about a quarter of annual case volume. You will interpret molecular results for solid tumors and hematologic malignancies, integrating findings with clinical, morphologic and immunophenotypic data to support diagnosis, prognosis and treatment selection. 

Inherited disease

A quarter of annual cases span Mendelian disorders, trinucleotide repeat diseases and complex inherited conditions. You’ll gain experience in the full range of germline testing modalities and communicating results to clinicians and genetic counselors. 

Virology and infectious disease

Virology and infectious disease make up another quarter of annual case volume. You will build expertise in molecular testing for viruses and other infections, including result interpretation and clinical correlation. 

Cytogenetics and FISH

This rotation also covers about one-quarter of annual cases. You will gain hands-on experience in FISH, in situ hybridization and cytogenetic analysis in both oncologic and constitutional settings. 

Laboratory administration, bioinformatics, teaching and research

Training spans lab quality assurance, CAP inspection preparation and ethical issues in molecular medicine. You will learn bioinformatics for NGS interpretation. Fellows lead teaching sessions for residents and medical students and collaborate with faculty on research or test development projects. 

How to apply

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

• Next fellowship: July 1, 2027–June 30, 2028
• Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and accepted until positions are filled. 

Fellowship eligibility

To qualify you must: 

• Hold an M.D. or D.O. degree (or foreign equivalent with ECFMG certification)
• Have completed training in an ACGME-accredited residency in medical genetics or pathology (anatomic or clinical pathology)
• 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 molecular genetic pathology 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 

If selected for hire, also provide

• Letter of verification of previous training and employment as a physician 

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

Zhengchun Lu, M.D., 2025–2026
Assistant Professor of Pathology, OHSU  

Douglas (Doug) Preston, M.D., 2025–2026  

Recent fellowship alumni

Maryjka (Maria) Blaszczyk, M.D., 2024–2025 fellowship graduate  

Benjamin (Ben) Smith, M.D., 2024–2025 fellowship graduate
Assistant Professor of Pathology, OHSU 

Marcela Riveros Angel, M.D., 2023–2024 fellowship graduate
Assistant Professor, Cytopathology and Surgical Pathology and Medical Director, Cytopathology, OHSU  

Maria Cristina Magallanes Hoyos, M.D., 2023–2024 fellowship graduate
Assistant Professor, UT Southwestern Medical Center 

Ibrahim Hajjali, M.D., 2022–2023 fellowship graduate
Assistant Professor, Pathology and Molecular Hematology, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine 

Madeh Mohebnasab, M.D., 2021–2022 fellowship graduate
Assistant Professor of Molecular Pathology, University of Pittsburgh 

Andres Madrigal, M.D., 2020–2021 fellowship graduate
Assistant Professor of Pathology, The Ohio State University 

Is this fellowship ACGME-accredited?

Yes. The OHSU Molecular Genetic Pathology Fellowship is ACGME-accredited and jointly recognized by the American Board of Pathology and the American Board of Medical Genetics. 

How long is the fellowship?

The fellowship is one year, July 1 through June 30. An optional second year of full-time research may be available to interested and eligible fellows. 

How many fellows are accepted?

We accept two fellows per year. 

Can I apply if I trained in Medical Genetics rather than Pathology?

Yes. Eligibility is open to candidates who have completed an ACGME-accredited residency in either medical genetics or pathology (AP and/or CP). 

Does this fellowship participate in a match?

No. Applications are accepted directly through the OHSU Department of Pathology and reviewed on a rolling basis until positions are filled. 

Is there a research component?

Yes. Fellows collaborate with faculty on translational research and new test validation projects during the clinical year. An optional second year of full-time research may also be available. 

Is the fellowship suited for those interested in academic pathology?

The fellowship prepares you for either academic or private practice in molecular diagnostics. The curriculum is specifically designed to train clinical consultants and future laboratory directors in both settings. 

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.