Cytopathology

The Cytopathology specialty within the Department of Pathology is directed by Ritu Nayar, MD. The faculty includes five board-certified cytopathologists who are actively involved in clinical service, education, translational research and well-recognized in Cytopathology at the local, national and international levels. The faculty members practice predominantly in this area; however, many also participate in subspecialty sign out in surgical pathology. At Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Cytopathology plays a very significant role in the diagnosis and management of patients, in collaboration with interventional radiologists, pulmonologists, gastroenterologists, oncologists, surgeons, internists, gynecologists, endocrinologists and otolaryngologists.

Education

Cytopathology offers two, one-year, highly competitive ACGME-accredited fellowship slots. Pathology residents have four months of training in Cytopathology. The residency rotations and cytopathology fellowship program offer the opportunity to learn the diagnostic and prognostic applications of cytopathology in a variety of specimen types including gynecologic and non-gynecologic samples, as well as fine-needle aspirates and core biopsies of deep-seated organs and superficial masses. An organized daily teaching curriculum is in place and an extensive glass slide teaching collection is available for residents and fellows. The volume, breadth and scope of interesting cases, exposure to a variety of specimen types and preparations, experience in performing ultrasound guided FNAs, a multidisciplinary approach to diagnosis, the teaching expertise and vast experience of the faculty are strengths of this training program.

Cytopathologists are also closely involved with teaching M1 and M2 medical students, including lectures in the integrated curriculum as well as supervising them on elective pathology rotations.