Anatomic and Clinical Pathology Curriculum

The curriculum at the University of Virginia emphasizes anatomic pathology during the first and third years of training, which allows residents to focus on clinical rotations during their second year. The second year also provides added flexibility for residents to pursue research activities, attend national conferences and solidify the vast amount of knowledge from first year. Fourth year integrates both anatomic and clinical pathology; residents are able to select rotations that will best prepare them for board examinations and clinical practice. This curriculum has proven to be highly successful, with an AP/CP board pass rate of 100% averaged over the past three years.

The AP/CP residency program adheres to the guidelines of the American Board of Pathology and the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education. Residents in three-year AP-only or CP-only programs receive the same basic training in anatomic or clinical pathology as the AP/CP residents, but with greater exposure to basic science or clinical research.

In order to ease the transition into residency, first year residents are paired during their first two blocks (surgical pathology and autopsy pathology). The paired residents complete the duties of one resident, thus reducing the workload until they become more confident in their abilities. Upper level residents and pathology assistants are also assigned supervisory roles during this period to ensure that first year residents receive proper education and support.

First year residents have four-weeks of elective training, and may select from either cytopathology, dermatopathology, or neuropathology. In addition to the elective choice, all first year residents complete one block of both cytopathology and dermatopathology. Neuropathology is integrated within the autopsy rotation as well as the lecture series. The remainder of the year is divided between surgical pathology and autopsy pathology. For more detailed descriptions of the rotations, please refer to clinical rotations.

Combined AP/CP Schedule (1 block = 4 weeks)

First Year Schedule

Second Year Schedule

Third Year Schedule

Fourth Year Schedule