Curriculum

Resident training is composed of core training and advanced training. Core training is designed to provide each first year resident with an introduction to both anatomic and clinical pathology, particularly in preparation for handling resident call responsibilities. Residents must successfully complete core training before progressing to advanced training. Residents are not assigned call responsibilities until they have successfully completed the core curriculum.

Anatomic Pathology


Autopsy Pathology The first block is autopsy only and is focused on how to carry out and document autopsies on people of all ages. Subsequent rotations are combined with neuropathology. During the combined neuropathology/autopsy rotation you will participate in: neuropathology slide review/case sign-out, brain cutting, and frozen sections. Additionally, you may be paired with a first-year resident for teaching purposes. Hours: 08:00 - 17:00 Call: Cover the autopsy services Saturday from 08:00 - 14:00. We attempt not to place residents on after-hours call while on autopsy.	Block Breakdown: 1 block (core - autopsy only) 3 blocks (combined with neuropathology
Surgical Pathology The first surgical pathology rotation consists of 4 weeks of bootcamp. The initial two weeks are spent learning how to perform gross examinations, followed by two weeks divided into a four-day cycle. The remaining surgical pathology rotations follow a four-day cycle. One day is dedicated to grossing, and the remaining three days are allocated as follows: one morning for biopsy, one afternoon for frozen section analysis, and time for previewing/signing out the grossed cases. As an upper-level resident, you will participate in a surgical pathology teaching rotation, where you will proctor and assist first and second-year residents. The senior surgical pathology rotation is individually tailored based on the resident's future needs and interests. Hours: 07:30 - 17:00 Call: Not call eligible	Block Breakdown: 2 blocks (bootcamp/core) 13 blocks (2 core, 11 two-day cycle or teaching)
Surgical Pathology (VA Medical Center OKC) Grossing large specimens, and daily slide review with your attendings. Call: Not call eligible	Block Breakdown: 4 blocks
Cytopathology Learn to evaluate: fine needed aspirate specimens, urine specimens, and pap smears. Participate in fine needle aspirations and adequacies. Hours: 08:00 - 17:00 Call: Eligible	Block Breakdown: 3 blocks
Forensic Pathology Off site at the Oklahoma City Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. Learn the medico-legal aspects of death investigation and have the opportunity to go to court and scene investigations. Hours: 08:00 - 17:00 Call: Eligible	Block Breakdown: 1 block
Pediatric Pathology Slide review for a variety of pediatric biopsies and large cases. Learn to evaluate placental pathology. Hours: 08:00 - 17:00 Call: Not call eligible	Block Breakdown: 1 block
Dermatopathology The time will be divided between rotating in the dermatology clinic and signing out skin biopsies and resections with both dermatology and pathology-trained dermatopathologists. Digital slide unknowns and study set slides are also provided for additional training. Hours: 08:00 - 17:00 Call: Eligible	Block Breakdown: 1 block

Clinical Pathology

Hematopathology (OUHSC)

Learn how to interpret: blood smears, bone marrow, and synovial fluid in conjunction with flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry, and FISH results. The senior level rotation is focused on understanding the molecular basis of hematopoietic disease and malignancy.

Hours: 08:00-17:00

Call: Eligible

Block Breakdown:

3 blocks
(2 core, 1 advanced)

Blood Banking

Primarily call-based. You are responsible for: managing transfusion reactions, requests for special blood products, managing platelet refractoriness, attending one-on-one didactics with your attending, and attending blood bank management meetings. Senior rotations provide the opportunity to spend time at the Oklahoma Blood Institute (OBI) to learn about: apheresis, identification of rare antibodies, and regional blood banking management.

Hours: 08:00 - 17:00

Call: Eligible

Block Breakdown:
4 blocks

Clinical Chemistry

Learn the mechanics/limitations of laboratory testing and management, as well as management of send out testing.

Hours: 09:00 - 17:00

Call: Eligible

Block Breakdown:
4 blocks

Molecular

Learn the mechanisms and goals of molecular testing. Spend time with technologists. Review results of testing in conjunction with patient medical history. Learn cytogenetics, including: FISH, next generation sequencing (NGS), and karyotyping.

Hours: 08:00 - 17:00

Call: Eligible

Block Breakdown:
2 blocks

Microbiology

Learning: bacteriology, virology, parasitology, and mycology. Understanding testing and antimicrobial susceptibility for all of these infectious diseases.

Hours: 08:00 - 17:00

Call: Eligible

Block Breakdown:
3 Blocks

Informatics

Learn about medical systems and laboratory information systems.

Hours: 08:00 - 17:00

Call: Eligible

Block Breakdown:

1 Block

Integrated Clinical Pathology

A rotation for residents in their final year. Learning laboratory management.

Hours: 08:00 - 17:00

Call: Eligible

Block Breakdown:

2 Blocks

Electives (6 blocks)

Residents complete six four-week blocks of elective training, which may be dedicated to chosen subspecialties or scholarly research. Off-site electives are permitted subject to approval from program administration.

Additionally, during their senior year, residents receive two four-week blocks of advanced elective training customized to support their specific post-residency career goals and job planning.