Cytopathology

Come Join our Cytopathology Team!

Now Accepting Applications for 2025

The cytopathology training program is a one-year ACGME approved program designed to provide the fellow with the necessary opportunities, experience and background to become proficient in all aspects of cytopathology. This includes development of diagnostic skills in the interpretation of gynecologic and non-gynecologic specimens as well as performance and interpretation of fine needle aspiration biopsies.Read More

Training is conducted at Tulane University School of Medicine (TUSOM) and Ochsner Medical Center (OMC). The total of eight months of training is conducted at Tulane under direct supervision of Dr. Moroz, the program director and four months at Ochsner are under direct supervision of Dr. Bansal, director of cytopathology. The section of cytopathology at TUSOM accessions over 5,800 cytology specimens (gyn including liquid based ThinPrep Pap tests: 4,900; non-gyn: 610 and aspiration cytologies: 310) and at OMC over 49,000 cases (liquid based ThinPrep tests: 42,000; non-gyn: 3,900 and aspiration cytologies: 1,600). The fellow is expected to gain the necessary administrative skills in management of an active cytopathology laboratory including quality assurance and quality control. The fellow upon completion of the fellowship should have skills in cytopreparatory techniques and use of ancillary techniques such as flow cytometry, imaging, immunocytochemistry and molecular diagnostics as they apply to practice of cytopathology. The fellow should develop during the fellowship curriculum necessary interactive skills to communicate effectively with clinicians, radiologists and pathology staff and faculty. Upon completion of this fellowship program the fellow should be ready to practice independently in any work setting and to be able to meet all competency requirements in daily practice of cytopathology.

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Requirements

Applicants must hold an M.D. degree, D.O. degree (or foreign equivalent with ECFMG certification), be board eligible or board certified in anatomic pathology, and be eligible for a Louisiana State medical license. We support only J1-Visa.

Applications

Send the following documents in PDF format to bdelucc@tulane.edu

Personal statement
Curriculum Vitae
Copy of USMLE I-III
Three letters of recommendation
ECGMG certificate (if applicable)

Address letters of recommendation to:

Krzysztof Moroz, MD
Director Cytopathology Fellowship
Tulane University School of Medicine
1430 Tulane Ave., SL79
New Orleans, LA 70112

We are participating in the American Society of Cytopathology (ASC) unified recruitment timeline for cytopathology fellowship programs for the 2025-2026 fellowship year.

Applications will start being reviewed: July 14, 2023 (application submission window: July-September 2022)
Interviews will start being offered: August 14, 2023
Earliest date to extend an offer to an applicant: October 2, 2023 (applicants will have 24 hours to accept/decline)

Educational Goals

To learn cytofixation and cytopreparation including liquid based Pap Tests, and staining of different types of specimens. To learn techniques and interpretation of results used in modern cytopathology practice such as immunocytochemistry, flow cytometry and molecular diagnostics.
To acquire competence in the performance and interpretation of superficial fine needle aspirations (FNAs) utilizing available clinical, radiologic and ancillary data. Assist in the performance of deep-seated FNAs in radiology and endoscopy, and assess adequacy and triage the specimen based on preliminary diagnosis.
To develop management and administrative skills with understanding quality control and assurance procedures essential in running a cytology lab. Have an understanding of CAP and CLIA 88 requirements and regulations.
To develop effective communication with technical, clinical and pathology faculty and staff. Be able to present cases at conferences with clarity and completeness and be able to handle questions.

Research

A research project during the year of training is highly encouraged. It can be structured as translational clinical or molecular research. There is a block of 2 hours of time that is available for research activities at the end of the working day (3-5 PM) for most of the days. There is an additional elective month of research that is offered. It can include areas related to interests of the fellow or field of cytology. Rotations in molecular diagnostics, flow cytometry or cytogenetics are available.

Stipend

Stipend is commensurate with year of postgraduate training.

Staff - Cytopathology Fellowship Program

Krzysztof Moroz, MD
Professor, Director Cytopathology Fellowship Program
Tulane University Medical School

Shams Halat, MD
Cytopathologist
Tulane University Medical

Lorene Yoxtheimer, MD
Cytopathologist
Tulane University Medical School

Mona Bansal, MD
Site Director, Cytopathology
Ochsner Medical Center (OMC)

Thom F. Smilari, MD
Cytopathologist
Ochsner Medical Center (OMC)