Logo for University of Iowa Health Care This logo represents the University of Iowa Health Care

Externships for Medical Students in Pathology

Externships (Post Sophomore Fellowships)

Each year the Department of Pathology offers six one-year fellowships to medical students for training and experience in the department. This program is well suited for students who plan to enter fields other than pathology, as well as students with a specialty interest in pathology. Students must have successfully completed the MOHD I-IV courses and be in good standing in the Carver College of Medicine to be eligible for the program.

This fellowship provides an excellent opportunity for students to consolidate their understanding of basic mechanisms of disease, normal and pathologic anatomy, and effective use of the clinical laboratory. During the fellowship, students work closely with pathology faculty and residents while gaining first-hand experience in autopsy pathology, surgical pathology, clinical pathology, and teaching. Students develop case presentation and conference skills, and may collaborate on clinical research projects and publications. Students also facilitate a small group of allied health students in the Introduction to Human Pathology course.

The typical schedule is divided into 13 rotations, each lasting 4 weeks. These include three to four autopsy rotations, five to seven surgical pathology rotations, and three to four elective rotations. Elective rotations are typically spent in other areas within the pathology department and/or pursuing a research project. However, other options for elective time may be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Elective rotations must be approved by the externship director. Please see the “Description of the Rotations” for further details.

The start date will be near the end of June or beginning of July. On rare occasions, a start date in early January is considered. There are 15 working days of vacation, no call, and an annual stipend of $27,000. Post-sophomore fellows are considered medical students within the Carver College of Medicine and thus their health insurance/benefits remain the same, with continued deferral of loans if needed.

Externship applications are solicited in the fall and may be obtained from Donna Palmer (donna-palmer@uiowa.edu) or the externship director (stephanie-chen@uiowa.edu). An informational luncheon is scheduled for the fall semester with applications due in early to mid-November. However, applications will be accepted and reviewed throughout the year if an externship position is unfilled. For more information, contact the externship director, Dr. Stephanie Chen.