Neuropathology Fellowship

Program Faculty

Eileen Bigio, MD, (Neuropathology Medical Director)
Numa Gottardi-Littell, MD
Warren Tourtellotte, MD, PhD

Description

The Neuropathology Division at Northwestern University McGaw Medical Center has a program dedicated to providing excellence in clinical service, research, and teaching. Our faculty includes nationally and internationally recognized experts, particularly in the fields of neurodegenerative neuropathology and gene regulation of nervous system development and function. The goal of the neuropathology training program is to prepare our fellows for all aspects of a highly successful career in academic neuropathology. One new fellow is accepted into the program every other year.

The program requires a two-year commitment. During the first year, concentration is directed to the diagnostic aspects of neuropathology. In this period, the fellow gains familiarity with both common and rare neuropathologic diseases, morphologic diagnosis, and ancillary techniques, such as immunohistochemistry, electron microscopy, and molecular diagnostics. Approximately 1500 specimens come through the combined clinical services each year, including autopsy, surgical, and consultation material.

The second year is primarily for research. A wide spectrum of both clinical and neuroscience research opportunities exist within the division and the medical school environment. The second year offers the individual a chance to begin or expand upon a specific area of investigation with the aim of developing a viable, ongoing research program. Extension of the lab training time may be possible, depending on the candidate’s long-term career goals, availability of an appropriate mentor, and funding.

The neuropathology fellow coordinates and participates in case presentations at the monthly Neurology Clinical Case Conference and at the bi-weekly Neuro-oncology Case Conference.

Northwestern Memorial Hospital has a general AP/CP pathology residency program, and these residents rotate on Neuropathology with the neuropathology fellow. The neuropathology fellow functions as mentor / teacher to the residents. The neuropathology fellow also acts as consultant to pathology residents and staff on the autopsy service, surgical pathology, cytopathology, and other sections of clinical pathology.

Requirements

The candidate must be Board eligible or certified in either Anatomic Pathology or Anatomic and Clinical Pathology, or in some other medical specialty such as Neurology and have had one year Anatomic Pathology training. Candidates for combined training in Anatomic Pathology and Neuropathology will be considered.

Stipends

The stipend is determined by previous pathology training and experience.

Applications

Please send CV, cover letter which includes a paragraph describing career goals, and 2 letters of recommendation to program coordinator, Irene Galace:
Irene Galace
Northwestern University, Department of Pathology
Ward 6-204 W127 Pathology
303 East Chicago Avenue
Chicago, IL 60611

Phone: (312) 503-8223
Fax: (312) 503-8240
E-mail: i-galace@northwestern.edu