Time Allocation
The time allocation is presented in the rotation table above.
Routine Work Week
The routine work day is 8:00am through 5:00pm although it is necessary to be at work earlier or to remain later as the FNA service, sign-out service or teaching requires. Faculty may also request that you come earlier or stay later especially on those days on which more than one conference is scheduled.
Sign-out Procedure
All cases are reviewed by a pathologist with the trainee, with graduated and progressive responsibility geared to preparing the fellow for future independent signout as an attending. Trainees are expected to review all microscopic material prior to signout with the pathologist. Cases assigned for sign-out include both gynecological and non-gynecological cases.
Night & Weekend Call
Cytopathology fellows do not take part in on-call frozen section call coverage.
Scheduled Time Off (Vacations, meetings)
Four weeks of vacation (20 working days) are permitted. Out of town meeting attendance is allowed for up to 5 days, and is frequently used for abstract/poster/platform presentations at national meetings. All requests for vacation and meetings are made in writing to the Program Director via an on-line web-based tracking tool.
Research
Fellows are expected to complete one quality assurance project per year. Many fellows also participate in web case publications, case reports, short case series, and original research projects. In addition, many of these projects are submitted as abstracts and for publication. Projects will be reviewed as part of quarterly review meetings with the Program Director.
Secretarial Support
There is a fellowship coordinator that supports the fellows and can provide any necessary secretarial support.
Library Services
The Department of Pathology in its various hospital settings has pathology reference libraries. In addition, the University of Pittsburgh Medical School Library and the MWH library are available including the ability at both sites to get materials nationally.
Computer Services & Work Spaces
Computers and updated work spaces are available in all sites and include computers with internet access, and microscopes.
Cytology Screening Education & Certification
All fellows are allowed to screen 200 cases and receive feedback from the cytotechnologists that rescreen the case, to help familiarize them with thresholds and screening procedures. In addition, fellows are allowed to participate in both Thin Prep and Sure Path training to obtain a certificate.