Facilities | Programs Offered | Administration and Evaluation | Salary and Benefits | Application Process

The Department of Pathology at the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) is a fully accredited four-year training program in combined anatomic and clinical pathology. A total of 12 resident positions are offered, divided among each year of training. Most beginning appointments are at the first year level; however, advanced appointments may be arranged.
The University of Mississippi Hospitals and Clinics located on the main campus is the only state-of-the-art tertiary care center in the state and is the primary teaching facility where pathology residents train. Collaboration and interaction with other UMMC departments, as well as Mississippi Blood Services, The Mississippi State Board of Health, The State Crime Lab, and several private laboratories in the city afford a well-rounded training experience for the resident.

The residency program is designed to provide a comprehensive curriculum that meets the requirements of the American Board of Pathology yet allows the resident flexibility to pursue interests in various subdisciplines. In addition to AP/CP core rotations, the program offers elective months which can be utilized for applied and basic research as well as advanced training in selected areas of general and subspecialty pathology. The program is structured so that for each year of the 48-month curriculum, time is spent both in AP and CP, with increasing levels of responsibility and performance expected with each advancing post-graduate year. Virtually all residents participate in scholarly work and explore research interests with faculty members within or outside the department. Financial support for presenting papers at national meetings is provided by the University. Weekly conferences systematically cover the theory and practice of laboratory medicine and anatomic pathology. Residents are actively involved in interdepartmental conferences and in medical student small group teaching.

The faculty of the Department of Pathology are strongly committed to the overall success of the program and eagerly embrace the opportunity to actively participate in the educational endeavors of each resident and fellow. With 12 residents and 23 staff members, there is ample opportunity for close interaction between trainees and faculty. A wide array of specialties are represented in the curriculum and are taught by scholars with expertise in each field, including surgical pathology, autopsy, renal pathology, neuropathology, dermatopathology, coagulation, chemistry, immunopathology and transplant pathology, hematopathology, pediatric pathology, electron microscopy, exfoliative and aspiration cytology, molecular pathology, transfusion medicine, microbiology and cytogenetics. Didactic and practical exposure to laboratory management and informatics are incorporated into the training schedule. The department annually processes approximately 3,245,367 clinical lab tests, 17,000 surgical specimens, 71,000 cytologic specimens, 600 FNA's, and 120 autopsies.

Housestaff training is supervised by the Director of Residency Training, the Chairman, and the Departmental Residency Committee, which is comprised of the Chief Resident and faculty representatives from both anatomic and clinical pathology. There is ongoing review of the effectiveness and content of the program, with modifications made as new knowledge and techniques evolve. Resident progress is formally monitored by monthly and semi-annual
evaluations, whereas, the program and faculty are evaluated annually by each resident.
Resident appointments are for one year. Reappointment is subject to the standards of the Department and policies of the University of Mississippi Medical Center.

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Residents have access to the fitness center at the Norman C. Nelson Student Union building and covered parking on campus is provided to residents at no charge. Annual travel and book support are provided for residents. Computer resources, digital photography and imaging capabilities are continuously upgraded to ensure that the latest technological advances are available. A well-maintained resident library is adjacent to the residents' offices in addition to the major campus
library.

The University of Mississippi Medical Center Department of Pathology participates in the National Residency Matching Program (NRMP) and the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). Applications are accepted only through ERAS. Those who have already completed a year or more of residency training are handled individually and should contact the Program Director about openings. Interviews are usually scheduled November 1st through January 31. The following documents are submitted through ERAS:

1. Completed ERAS application form
2. Medical School Dean's Letter
3. Official Medical School transcript
4. 3 letters of recommendation
5. USMLE scores
6. Personal statement
7. Curriculum vitae
8. Recent photograph
9. International medical graduates must have ECFMG certification and have a J1 visa or permanent resident status.

Rhyne Flowers, M.D.
Director, Pathology Training Program.

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This page last modified on July 11, 2007