Surgical Pathology Fellowship

The University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center / Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine offers an ACGME‑accredited Fellowship in Selective (Surgical) Pathology. The program provides comprehensive training in diagnostic surgical pathology supported by an annual volume of approximately 100,000 surgical pathology specimens, including approximately 3,000 consultation cases. Fellows train under the mentorship of subspecialty faculty experts and gain broad exposure to both routine and complex surgical pathology.

The fellowship offers two distinct training pathways, allowing applicants to tailor their experience to their professional goals:

• Full‑year Surgical Pathology Fellowship (12 months) — a broad‑based program with extensive exposure across all major subspecialties.
• Surgical Pathology Fellowship with Subspecialty Focus (12 months) — a hybrid track with 6 months of core surgical pathology and 6 months of focused training in a subspecialty area of the fellow’s choice (e.g., thoracic, GI, breast, GU, GYN, bone/soft tissue).

Both pathways include opportunities for scholarly collaboration with the Center for Computational Imaging and Personalized Diagnostics (CCIPD) and other research programs at Case Western Reserve University.

Why Train at UH/CWRU?

Exceptional case volume and diversity: With approximately 100,000 surgical pathology specimens annually, UH provides one of the highest‑volume training environments in the Midwest, offering exposure to both common and rare entities.

Subspecialty expertise across all major domains: Fellows train directly with nationally recognized faculty in thoracic, GI, breast, GU, GYN, bone/soft tissue, neuropathology, and more.

Flexible training pathways: The option to pursue a full‑year general track or a subspecialty‑focused track allows fellows to align training with their long‑term goals.

Strong academic environment: As the primary teaching hospitals for Case Western Reserve University, UH offers a rich academic culture with opportunities for teaching, research, and scholarly productivity.

Cutting‑edge research opportunities: Fellows have access to collaborative research with CCIPD, a national leader in AI‑driven pathology and imaging analytics.

Graduates prepared for success: Alumni pursue competitive subspecialty fellowships, academic faculty positions, and leadership roles in both academic and community practice.

Training Pathways

Full‑Year Surgical Pathology Track (12 months)

• Rotations across all major subspecialty services
• Frozen section coverage
• Multidisciplinary tumor boards
• Resident teaching
• 12 weeks of elective time for focused study or research

Surgical Pathology with Subspecialty Focus Track (12 months)

• 6 months of core surgical pathology
• 6 months dedicated to a subspecialty area selected by the fellow
• Ideal for fellows preparing for subspecialty practice or academic careers requiring deeper expertise

Subspecialty Rotations

Fellows rotate through the following services:

• Bone and soft tissue pathology
• Breast pathology
• Cardiac pathology
• Gastrointestinal pathology
• Genitourinary pathology
• Gynecologic pathology
• Head and neck pathology
• Medical renal pathology
• Neuropathology
• Pancreatobiliary and liver pathology
• Pediatric and perinatal pathology
• Thoracic pathology

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must:

• Have completed an ACGME‑accredited residency in Anatomic Pathology (AP) or Anatomic and Clinical Pathology (AP/CP). Or
• Meet eligibility requirements for primary certification by the American Board of Pathology before the fellowship start date.

Positions Available

Two (2) fellowship positions are offered each academic year.

Stipend

Salary and benefits are determined by the UH Graduate Medical Education Office. A current summary of resident and fellow benefits available through GME.

Applications

Applications open on July 1, two years prior to the start date.

Application Materials

Submit the following electronically to PathologyFellowship@UHhospitals.org:

• Current Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• CAP Standardized Fellowship Application
• Personal Statement
• Photograph

Letters of Recommendation Three (3) letters should be sent directly by the letter writers to the same email address.

Program Contacts

Omid Savari, MD
Program Director
Director, Surgical Pathology Fellowship
Director, Thoracic Pathology
Assistant Professor of Pathology
Case Western Reserve University
University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center
Phone: 216‑286‑8265
Fax: 216‑201‑8393
Email: omid.savari@UHhospitals.org

Mindy Focarelli‑Gjerek
Program Coordinator
Phone: 216‑844‑3697
Fax: 216‑201‑5354
Email: Melinda.Focarelli-Gjerek@UHhospitals.org