Director: Kim Ely, MD
Description
The Cytopathology Fellowship provides sub-specialty training in Cytopathology in preparation for certification in specialty qualification in Cytopathology by the American Board of Pathology. Fellows will be trained in gynecologic cytology a non-gynecologic cytology including fine needle aspiraton (FNA) cytology with acquisition of diagnostic competence and technical skill. Training in effective communication with patients and clinicians is emphasized as well as training in cytopathology laboratory management including QA/QC training and improvement, with the ultimate goal of optimizing patient care. Vanderbilt University receives 20,000 pap smears, 9,000 non-gyn specimens and 3,000 fine needle aspiration biopsies annually. The fellow has one month of elective time during the fellowship and may elect to do research or to spend time on a surgical pathology sub-specialty rotation such as Gastrointestinal, Breast, GYN or Genitourinary.
Goals and Objectives of the Program
Requirements
Completion of an ACGME accredited Pathology Residency training program.
Types and Numbers of Appointments
One fellowship position per year will be available.
About Vanderbilt Health
Vanderbilt Health is the largest comprehensive research, teaching and patient care health system in the Mid-South region. Based in Nashville, Tennessee, Vanderbilt Health sees over 3.2 million patients, performs 79,000 surgical operations and discharges 78,000 inpatients from its eight hospitals and more than 180 clinics. Vanderbilt Health is the largest non-governmental employer of Middle Tennesseans, with more than 43,000 employees, including more than 3,000 physicians, advanced practice nurses and scientists.
Community
Vanderbilt Health's 21st Avenue campus is adjacent to the Vanderbilt University campus in a sophisticated, diverse residential community about 1.5 miles from downtown Nashville, with numerous shops and restaurants within easy walking distance. Nashville, the capital of Tennessee, is the site of numerous colleges and universities, two medical schools, and several large teaching hospitals. The city has an extensive parks system, a symphony orchestra, opera, ballet, performing arts center, zoo, several museums, The Country Music Hall of Fame and the Grand Ole Opry. The city offers a wide variety of cultural, educational, and recreational opportunities, including professional football, hockey and soccer teams. The Nashville Metropolitan area is home to about 1.5 million inhabitants.
Applications
For fellowships starting July 1, 2028, VUMC will be participating in the Cytopathology Fellowship Match. Applications will be accepted beginning August 1, 2026, with Interviews commencing in January 2027. Match Day will take place on April 28, 2027.
Interested applicants should submit a cover letter, application*, CV, personal statement, three letters of recommendation and ECFMG certificate (if applicable) to:
Deanna Williams
Department of Pathology, Microbiology & Immunology
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
CC-3322 MCN
1161 21st Avenue South
Nashville, TN 37232
deanna.williams@vumc.org
*Application and pertinent information can be found under Graduate Medical Education