William B. Hawkins Year-Out (Post Sophomore) Fellowship
The Year-Out Medical Student Fellowship in Pathology and Laboratory Medicine is a long-standing Rochester tradition, first established more than 100 years ago at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry. Dr. Hawkins was one of the department’s first faculty members and a member of the department from 1929 until 1971. He is well regarded for his high personal standards, consideration of others, and dedication to scholarship.
What Does a Pathology Year-Out Fellow Do?
Our student fellows get to do nearly everything a resident does. By giving the student fellow the ability to function like a resident, including taking on clinical service responsibilities that prepare them well to be a resident in the future, we set the student fellow on a track for success as a resident. This is done while providing a flexible framework where the student fellow will be able to explore their academic interests.
As a student fellow, you will have the opportunity to:
- Gain insights into diagnostic medical decision-making comparable to those of first-year pathology residents.
- Consolidate your basic science knowledge and experience.
- Participate in clinical or basic science research projects.
Students who have completed the program tell us that their knowledge of basic and clinical sciences was greatly enhanced by this intense learning experience. It will positively impact your performance as a medical student, resident, and ultimately a physician. A fellow is expected to participate in the fellowship from July 1 through June 30, although flexibility is provided for any overlaps with required medical school functions.
Who Should Apply?
Any medical student finishing Phase 2 or Phase 3 should consider this program, especially if they want to distinguish themselves before applying for residencies. The Year-Out Fellowship is not intended to only prepare students to become pathologists. Many of our student fellows have decided to pursue careers in other areas of academic or clinical medicine, going on to distinguished careers in dermatology, family medicine, internal medicine, surgery, pediatrics and psychiatry.