This Molecular Genetic Pathology fellowship program is a one-year position accredited by the ACGME. It is a joint undertaking between the Departments of Pathology at the University of Chicago and NorthShore-Endeavor Health in Evanston, IL. The trainees will divide their time between the two sites, spending six months at both. Fellows will be trained to succeed in a position employing molecular genetic techniques in both research and clinical settings.
The combined experience at both sites will allow fellows to rotate through multiple laboratories and disciplines, providing a unique opportunity to enrich their exposure in all aspects of molecular pathology and prepare them for the American Board of Pathology’s Molecular Genetic Pathology subspecialty exam. At the University of Chicago, trainees will rotate through a very busy next-generation sequencing laboratory (with a focus on Illumina instrumentation) to gain mastery in all aspects of workflow, from specimen adequacy assessment to interpretation and sign-out. They will also rotate through the Molecular Genetics Laboratory, gaining expertise in the diagnosis and management of genetic diseases, including the use of NGS testing, Sanger sequencing, MLPA, constitutional cytogenetics, array-CGH assays, and FISH analysis. At Evanston Hospital, the trainees will continue to work on NGS assays, but with a focus on IonTorrent technology. Here, they will also gain expertise in molecular microbiology, pharmacogenomics, bioinformatics, and cell-free DNA testing. At both institutions, there is close collaboration with oncologists, laboratory staff, and bioinformaticians.
The fellows will also participate in regular teaching sessions conducted by faculty and will be expected to present at departmental conferences, journal clubs, and QA/QC conferences. They will also be expected to contribute to resident teaching and participate in interdepartmental molecular tumor board sessions. There is a strong emphasis on research and fellows are encouraged to present findings at local and national meetings.
Requirements
Applicants must be board-certified or eligible in anatomic and/or clinical pathology. Applicants must be eligible for an Illinois State Medical License.
Stipend
Stipend is commensurate with the candidate’s level of postgraduate training.
Fellowship Director
Mir Alikhan, MD
Clinical Assistant Professor of Pathology, University of Chicago
NorthShore-Endeavor Health
Department of Pathology
2650 Ridge Rd.
Evanston, IL 60201
Email: MAlikhan2@northshore.org
Applications
Accepting applications for 2026-2027
Complete and/or provide:
- Fellowship application (CAP standard application also accepted)
- Photo
- Current curriculum vitae
- A personal statement that delineates your career plans and includes a brief biography
- Medical school diploma
- USMLE or COMLEX transcript
- ECFMG certificate, if applicable
- Three letters of recommendation (addressed to Dr. Mir B. Alikhan, Fellowship Director)
Please submit all documents electronically to the program manager Kate Seyfarth at pathologyresidency@northshore.org
2023-2024 Fellow
2024-2025 Fellows
- Xiaoyan Yang, MD, PhD
- Pari Jafari, MD
2025-2026 Fellows
- Alex Guzzetta, MD, PhD
- Cody Simon, MD