Training & Curriculum

The fellows will be integrated into both the molecular pathology and cytogenomics laboratories which use state-of-the-art assays for the diagnosis, prognosis and individualized predictive response to therapy in solid tumors and hematopoietic malignancies and prenatal and constitutional testing.  

The cytogenomics laboratory specializes in large-scale, genetic analysis using the tools of conventional karyotype, fluorescence in situ hybridization and chromosomal microarrays to evaluate structural and copy number alterations throughout the genome. The molecular pathology laboratory specializes in  analysis of both DNA and RNA with a focus on next generation sequencing (NGS) but also utilizing other techniques such as end point and real time polymerase chain reaction (PCR/qPCR), Sanger sequencing and capillary electrophoresis to assess specific genetic alterations associated with disease.

The Cedars-Sinai molecular pathology and cytogenomics services provide the fellow an opportunity to evaluate a wide range of clinical testing modalities. The fellowship is primarily structured with case-based learning and discussion but also includes formal lectures and projects related to assay development and research. Fellows work with and mentor residents and other rotating fellows while on these services and prepare cases prior to daily sign-out.

The fellows participate in departmental and interdisciplinary conference with the Division of Hematology and Oncology, including clinical case conferences and case reviews. Fellows staff various tumor boards that are both general system based (eg Thoracic, GI, Neurooncology etc.) and molecular focused. Additionally, there are numerous laboratory developmental and QC meetings that meet on a regular basis as well as weekly interesting case conferences. Finally, fellows are expected to present at monthly divisional journal clubs and are assigned to present once at a departmental conference.

The fellows have administrative responsibilities as part of the program structure, affording an opportunity to learn skills required for academic and private practice. Administrative quality assurance activities in which the fellows participate include:

• Validation of novel tests in collaboration with the scientific directors, supervisors and managers of the laboratory
• Laboratory management and administrative group meetings
• Clinical pathology performance improvement committee meetings
• At least one quality improvement project
• Preparation for and participation in either mock or live CAP inspections depending on the year of training

Cedars-Sinai has an anatomic and clinical pathology residency program with up to 20 residents. In addition to rotating residents, the genetics division hosts rotating pathology, genetics and oncology fellows. The fellows are expected to take an active role in the rotator's education, honing teaching skills during the year. The fellow teaching activities include:

• Supervising rotators during their molecular pathology and cytogenomics rotations
• Assisting residents in molecular techniques, applications and interpretations during hematopathology and anatomic pathology rotations
• Clinical pathology didactics, once annually

Research is considered an important aspect of education and has strong departmental and institutional support. State-of-the-art research techniques are available.

• At least one clinical or translational research project resulting in abstract presentation at a national meeting and/or manuscript preparation for publication is expected.
• Research must be in the Division of Molecular Genetic Pathology.

The department provides funds for the purchase of books and/or attendance at national meetings. If an abstract is presented at a meeting, additional funds and time off are provided. Departmental micro and mini grants (up to $20,000) are readily available to help fund research projects by residents and fellows.

Additionally, Cedars-Sinai offers a Clinical Scholars Program, which fosters and trains fellows, residents and junior faculty who wish to conduct clinical and translational research upon graduating from the program. It provides funding, career guidance, education and skill acquisition for aspiring clinical scientists.

The program director meets with the fellow at the beginning of the academic year to identify the fellow's goals and career aspirations, create an individualized development and learning plan, and tailor training as needed. The program director also meets formally with the fellow biannually to review the fellow's evaluations, ensuring that the fellow is on track to meet all appropriate milestones, make considered career choices and engage with local and national pathology organizations. In addition, the fellow has open access to the program director to discuss any issues that may arise throughout training.

Evaluations are based on Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education Milestones incorporating the six competencies into the curriculum (medical knowledge, patient care, interpersonal and communication skills, professionalism, practice-based learning and improvement, and systems-based practice). Assessment tools include direct observation, faculty evaluations, 360 evaluations, fellow in-service examinations, educational and research activities, quality assurance and patient-safety activities, and conference presentations. The fellow will also become a member of the fellowship Program Evaluation Committee, reviewing the fellowship program and offering insight regarding areas in need of improvement.

Our MGP fellows have secured positions at institutions of national and international repute, including at Cedars-Sinai as instructors and permanent faculty and at UCLA, Loma Linda University, University of Utah, and The National Cancer institute as well as numerous industry positions.  They also benefit from an exclusive network of former fellows across the country to facilitate professional insertion in academia, community practice, or industry.