Head & Neck Pathology Fellowship

The fellow reviews cases from three major institutions, including a multidisciplinary cancer center (NCI-designated Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center), a large tertiary hospital (Jackson Memorial Hospital), and several private hospitals (University of Miami Hospital and other primary care satellite clinics). The fellow works closely with our Head and Neck Pathologists, as well as the faculty members of the University of Miami Department of Otolaryngology, a renowned program that is consistently top-ranked by the US News and World Report. The Head and Neck Pathology Fellow is also in a unique position to work closely with other fellows, residents, medical students, and observers, actively participating in a collaborative educational experience.

History

Our ACGME-approved fellowship program has been active since 2014 and reflects the unique combination of an NCI-designated cancer center paired with one of the largest county hospitals in the country. Our program provides a robust education with a friendly environment. The multidisciplinary team includes very experienced surgeons, radiologists, medical oncologists, and radiation oncologists.

Curriculum

The fellows will dedicate up to 10 months to the Head and Neck Pathology service including a one-month rotation in the Frozen Section service, 1-month elective service, and 1-month vacation. The strong surgical presence of the highly ranked University of Miami Department of Otolaryngology on campus affords a large Head and Neck surgical pathology case volume with complex, unique and interesting cases daily. The Head and Neck Pathology service receive over 5000 surgical specimens/year from UHealth Tower, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Lennar Foundation Medical Center and Jackson Health System. Additionally, there are over 250 external consults received by the Head and Neck Pathology faculty for review. The fellow will be expected to begin the daily sign-out at 8:00 AM, prepare monthly journal club sessions and participate in the weekly multidisciplinary head and neck tumor board and monthly endocrine multidisciplinary conference. There are no grossing responsibilities. The fellow will have several opportunities to engage in research studies and is expected to complete translational research projects that will result in publication in a peer-reviewed journal.

Goals

To acquire comprehensive knowledge and experience on the pathophysiology of Head and Neck diseases in order to provide appropriate and effective care. To teach the trainee to accurately diagnose the spectrum of neoplastic and non-neoplastic diseases of the head and neck. To expose trainees to state-of-the-art research techniques and support trainees in their research projects and scholarly activities.

Application

Applicants must be Board eligible or certified in Anatomic/Clinical Pathology or Anatomic Pathology.

Applications should be submitted by October 31 (20 months before the start date). Candidates should submit the CAP standardized application, curriculum vitae and three letters of recommendation to the Fellowship Program Director and copy the Fellowship Program Coordinator.

Current Faculty and Trainees

Core Faculty: Carmen Gomez Fernandez M.D.; Jaylou M. Velez Torres M.D., Oleksandr Kryvenko M.D., Youley Tjendra, M.D., Manuel Lora-Gonzalez, M.D.

Fellowship Program Director: Carmen Gomez Fernandez M.D. - cgomez3@med.miami.edu

Fellowship Program Coordinator:  Anail Moreno – pathology.fellowships@miami.edu