The residency training program in Pathology & Laboratory Medicine is a four-year program that is approved by the American Board of Pathology leading to certification in both Anatomic (AP) and Clinical Pathology (CP). The faculty are committed to the education and training of residents to ensure that they are adequately prepared to pursue a career in either academics or private practice. The program focuses on providing broad, yet in-depth training in surgical pathology with sub-specialties in soft tissue, hepatic, gastrointestinal, cardiac, transplant and head & neck pathology neuropathology. Cytopathology rotations include interpretation of gynecologic and nongynecologic specimens, as well as performance and interpretation of fine needle aspirates. CP training provides opportunities in transfusion medicine (including donor, transfusion service, and therapeutic apheresis/stem cell collection training), clinical chemistry (including core laboratory services and toxicology), molecular genetics, hematopathology (including bone marrow and lymph node interpretation, clinical hematology services and coagulation), microbiology (including bacteriology, mycology, virology), cytogenetics, tissue typing, HLA and molecular pathology. An autopsy pathology rotation is provided through Chandler Hospital and may include Forensic Pathology. The program provides a core of required rotations and ample time for elective training. Multiple elective rotations are available including advanced training in any area provided plus cardiac pathology, transplant, and GI pathology, and state Department of Public Health laboratory rotation. Exposure to Laboratory Management training to help develop the competencies needed to be able to direct one or more Clinical Laboratories is incorporated in core rotations. In-depth exposure to instrumentation and testing technologies, test verification/validation, specimen processing and handling, quality improvement/assurance, compliance, quality control practices, personnel management, data management, and other facets of laboratory administration will be covered during each rotation. Residents participate frequently in hospital-wide multi-disciplinary conferences, intradepartmental conferences, and medical school teaching. Opportunities exist for clinical research and publishing with faculty advisors. Funds are available to present data from projects at one national/scientific meeting per year. The program provides progressive responsibility under supervision, commensurate with the level of training and ability.
A total of 16 postgraduate pathology positions are available, four for each year of training.
The Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine is part of the College of Medicine, one of the six HealthCare Colleges under UK HealthCare. The University Hospital of the Albert B. Chandler Medical Center provides over 1000 Level 1 trauma center. The UK Good Samaritan Hospital has 191 acute care beds plus a 31-bed psychiatry unit which is in walking distance at the north end of the University of Kentucky campus. A 209-bed Veterans Affairs Medical Center is adjacent to the Chandler Medical Center with rotations available. In fulfilling its service responsibilities, the department performs approximately 70 autopsies and processes approximately 27,000 surgical specimens. In addition, approximately 15,000 cytology specimens are received. The clinical laboratory provides 3.5 million tests annually. This volume represents a broad range of pathologic material. The Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine is also responsible for pathology services at St. Claire Regional Medical Center in Morehead, KY, a 159-bed acute care community hospital. Pathology residents rotate at this facility that is staffed by two full-time faculty members.
The Medical Center is just outside of downtown Lexington, convenient to shopping and cultural centers and only 15-20 minutes by car from suburban residential areas. Lexington is a culturally diverse university city of approximately 489,000. The Lexington-Fayette-Frankfort-Richmond, KY combined area has an estimated population of 732,372. Lexington and the surrounding Bluegrass Region are rich in historical interest and scenic beauty. Extending to the Cumberland Mountains and crossed by the Kentucky River, this region offers a fresh and enjoyable experience to all. It is a land of rolling plains, lakes, streams, woodlands, productive farms, and comfortable homes. Fishing, boating, swimming, water skiing, hiking, rock climbing and camping are within easy reach of Lexington. Two conveniently located major shopping centers plus a nearby new outlet mall supplement the downtown district, which has recently been expanded and redesigned. Excellent inns noted for their traditional food are found throughout the area. Kentucky’s fine system of state parks provides for enjoyable weekends and short vacations. Four distinct seasons with pleasant springs and fall make outdoor activity available for many months of the year.
