Cytopathology Fellowship Program

Program Faculty

Ritu Nayar, MD (Director)
Denise Defrias, MD
Marina Ivanovic, MD
Xiaoqi Lin, MD, PhD

Description: The Department of Pathology offers two ACGME-accredited fellowships in cytopathology that emphasize a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach. The Division is headed by Dr Ritu Nayar and the faculty is actively involved in Cytopathology at the local, national and international level. The program offers the opportunity to learn the diagnostic and prognostic applications of cytopathology in a variety of specimens including gynecologic and non-gynecologic samples, as well as fine-needle aspirates of deep-seated organs and superficial masses. Northwestern University’s Robert H. Lurie Cancer Center is an NCI-designated comprehensive facility for the treatment and research of neoplastic disorders. The Division of Cytopathology’s annual volume is approximately 50,000 (37,000 gynecologic and 13,000 non-gynecologic including 4800 fine needle aspiration and/or core biopsy specimens). There is a FNA clinic within the Division and the staff and trainees participate in performance of superficial FNA’s, learn and perform ultrasound guided FNA’s, as well as on site evaluations/ triage of specimens acquired in interventional Radiology, Bronchoscopy, and interventional Gastroenterology. Ancillary facilities in immunocytochemistry, flow cytometry, molecular diagnostics, liquid based and automated (Cytyc ThinPrep imager) cytology, as well as other emerging technologies are available. A close working relationship exists with Surgical pathology and Hematopathology, especially since the division signs out a large number of core biopsies. Regular teaching conferences are held in cytopathology for residents and the fellow and there is significant involvement in departmental, inter-departmental and multidisciplinary conferences. The fellows participate in service, review of outside consultations, teaching, quality assurance activities and translational research.

Requirements: Applicants must have completed AP training or concluded the AP/CP requirements for Board eligibility, and hold a license to practice medicine in the State of Illinois. Recruitment interviews occur between January and February of the preceding year.

Stipends: The stipend is commensurate with the PGY year of training.

Applications: Send your CV and a letter with a one-page summary of your cytopathology interest and background to:
Ritu Nayar, MD, MIAC
Professor of Pathology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine and Director of Cytopathology, Northwestern Memorial Hospital
251 East Huron Street, Feinberg 7-210
Chicago, IL 60611