Molecular Genetic Pathology Fellowship

Program Description

The University of North Carolina Hospitals offers a one-year fellowship in molecular genetic pathology. The fellow gains a working knowledge of molecular procedures including: DNA sequencing (massively parallel, pyro- and Sanger sequencing), RNAseq, DNA/cDNA amplification, digital droplet PCR (ddPCR), methylation analysis, in situ hybridization/FISH, and array technologies including microarray CNV analysis. These procedures are applied in a wide spectrum of clinical settings including oncology, inherited disease, infectious disease, HLA-typing, identification, and pharmacogenetics. The fellow learns to analyze and interpret molecular data from clinical cases and to compose concise, informative reports that incorporate correlative clinical, histologic, immunophenotypic, and cytogenetic findings. The fellow learns to design and carry out clinical validation of new molecular assays aimed at translating new discoveries understanding the molecular basis of disease into improved laboratory tests. Ethical issues, quality assurance, and lab administration are discussed as they relate to clinical practice. UNC Hospitals has the longest track record of board certifications among all ACGME-accredited molecular genetic pathology training programs nationwide.

Program Requirements

Applicants must possess an MD or DO degree. AP/CP board eligibility/certification is preferred.

Length of Program

12 months.

Types and Number of Appointments

One position for the Molecular Genetic Pathology fellow is available annually.

Facilities

University of North Carolina Hospitals.

Stipends

Fellowship stipends are one level above the trainee’s core residency program training years and the current UNC Hospita’s Housestaff salary scale.

Faculty and instructors

Alby, Booker, Galeotti, Merker, Miller, Rafferty, Ramkissoon, Schmitz, Sneddon, Thorne, Trembath, Weck, Weimer, fellows, technologists, and others.

Program Director

Karen E. Weck, MD
Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine
University of North Carolina School of Medicine
Campus Box 7525
Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7525

Applications

Beginning with the July 1, 2026 start date, our training porgram will be participating in the National Residency Match Program (NRMP).  The following is the timeline we will be adhering to.

Applying to the UNC Molecular Genetic Pathology Program

Applicants must meet the following minimum requirements:

Graduates of medical/schools in the United States and Canada accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME), or Graduates of colleges of osteopathic medicine in the United States accredited by the American Osteopathic Association (AOA), or Graduates of medical schools outside the United States who have completed a Fifth Pathway program provided by an LCME-accredited medical school and who have either (a) a currently valid certificate from the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates and hold a J1 visa (H1-B visa is not sponsored), or (b) have a full and unrestricted license to practice medicine in the U.S.

In order to be considered, please submit the following:

1. The Standardized Application for Pathology Fellowships, your CV, and a personal statement, preferably in electronic form.
2. Three letters of reference (one from your Residency Program Director verifying the level of training completed and competency, and two letters from members of the professional staff of the hospital where the applicant has most recently served).
3. An official Medical School transcript from the Registrar of the applicant’s School of Medicine (a photocopy is not acceptable).

For additional information, please contact…

Janice Badstein
Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine
UNC School of Medicine
Campus Box 7525
Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7525
Phone:  919-966-4678