Path 2 Path Certification
The mission for the Path 2 Path master’s certificate is to prepare physicians to enter an accredited pathology residency training program in the United States. Students will take courses through Graduate Medical Sciences at Boston University School of Medicine. Clinical observerships will be done working directly with board-certified pathologists in both anatomic pathology and laboratory medicine. The program offers an in-depth exposure to both the theoretical and practical aspects of pathology.
In addition to the formal coursework, students will enroll in the American Society of Clinical Pathology Informatics online program. Students will also take the Resident In-Service Exam for pathology during the spring, which will test their pathology knowledge.
The graduate certificate program will require one year to complete.
Application Requirements
Applications accepted September 1st-May 15th 2023, for start on July 1st (for domestic student) or Fall start (international students)
- Medical School degree that would allow for board certification in Massachusetts
- Passing scores on Step 1 and 2 of USMLE
- Personal Statement-Maximum 2 pages stating why you are choosing this program and why you should be chosen
- Minimum 3 letters of recommendation on official institutional letter head
- Transcripts of other institutions
- Non-native English speakers to have passing TOFEL scores, or demonstration of education in English
Joel Henderson MD, PhD
Path 2 Path Course Director
Associate Professor
Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine
Please contact: Chris.Andry@bmc.org
For details on how to apply, please visit the GMS website here.
Domestic students curriculum
| Semester | Course # | Credits | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summer II | GMS PA925 | 4 | Pathology Boot Camp is a 2 month curriculum held during July and August with thirty-nine, 50 minute lectures that are given 3-5 times per week. Lectures are provided by board-certified pathologists, senior Pathology faculty or staff and focus on basic topics necessary to the practice of surgical pathology, anatomic pathology and laboratory medicine. The overall course objectives are to reinforce and extend pathology knowledge of the residents and graduate students, and to introduce them to the workflow operations of a major urban hospital-based Pathology department. |
| GMS PA900 | 2 | Laboratory Rotations in Pathology | |
| GMS PA901 | 2 | Pathology Research with capstone project. The capstone project will be completed in the spring and the credits will be given in the spring semester. | |
| Fall | GMS PA932 | 4 | Histopathology |
| GMS MS750 | 2 | Biostatistics | |
| Spring | GMS PA700 | 4 | Basic and Experimental Pathology |
| GMS PA510 | 2 | Medical Immunology | |
| Total Credits | 20 |
International students curriculum-For Visa, must be registered full time, or 12 credits per semester
| Semester | Course # | Credits | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | GMS PA925 | 4 | Pathology Boot Camp is a 2 month curriculum held during July and August with thirty-nine, 50 minute lectures that are given 3-5 times per week. Lectures are provided by board-certified pathologists, senior Pathology faculty or staff and focus on basic topics necessary to the practice of surgical pathology, anatomic pathology and laboratory medicine. The overall course objectives are to reinforce and extend pathology knowledge of the residents and graduate students, and to introduce them to the workflow operations of a major urban hospital-based Pathology department. |
| GMS PA900 | 2 | Laboratory Rotations in Pathology | |
| GMS PA932 | 4 | Histopathology | |
| GMS MS750 | 2 | Biostatistics | |
| Spring | GMS PA700 | 4 | Basic and Experimental Pathology |
| GMS PA510 | 2 | Medical Immunology | |
| GMS PA901 | 6 | Pathology Research with capstone project. | |
| Total Credits | 24 |
Path2Path Student Experience
Oluwatoyosi (Peter) Ayenuyo, MD, 2022-2023
Incoming PGY-1 Pathology Resident
Boston Medical Center
What drew you to pursuing pathology as a career?
My interest in pathology stems from my experiences in rural northern Nigeria, where there was a need for more skilled pathologists. I am determined to become a pathologist to help solve that problem in underserved areas.
How did you come across the Path2Path Program at Boston University? Why did you ultimately decide to enroll?
After deciding on my specialty, I asked myself how to best prepare for a United States residency program. I searched for a pre-residency year in pathology and found the Pathway to Pathology graduate certificate program at Boston University.
I had researched many pathology departments across the United States, and this was the only department that offered comprehensive exposure to didactics and the daily practice of anatomic and clinical pathology in a United States residency program. Subsequently, I contacted the department chair, Dr. Christopher Andry, to express my interest, and I was accepted.
Can you talk about some of your experiences as part of the Path2Path program?
My experience over the past year has been phenomenal. I learned the intricacies of anatomic and clinical pathology practice, adequately preparing me for residency. I have observed residents and faculty grossing specimens, performing intraoperative consults for kidney biopsies, and doing frozen sections. As part of my cytopathology rotation, I frequently observed the fellow during rapid onsite evaluations (ROSE). I also had extensive exposure to case previewing and signing out with attendings. A didactic component involving credit classes and noon lectures helped me see what I could expect during residency.
Can you talk about some of your mentors and peers who have helped you in the program?
Dr. Joel Henderson, the Path2Path program director, mentored me and helped tailor the program and research to align with my goals and interests. I also enjoyed the welcoming and supportive department culture. The residents, cytopathology fellow, attendings, program director, and administrative staff have been welcoming, friendly, and supportive.
This program is a unique opportunity for medical students and graduates like me who are interested in pathology, and I recommend it. I enjoyed my experience in the program and am excited to continue training and learning here as a pathology resident.