Pathology
Contacts
Specialty Overview
A pathologist deals with the causes and nature of disease and contributes to diagnosis, prognosis and treatment through knowledge gained by the laboratory application of the biologic, chemical and physical sciences. This specialist uses information gathered from the microscopic examination of tissue specimens, cells and body fluids, and from clinical laboratory tests on body fluids and secretions for the diagnosis, exclusion and monitoring of disease.
Pathology | Careers in Medicine (AAMC CiM log in required)
How long is this specialty's residency?
Pathology training programs are most commonly four years, resulting in dual board certification in anatomic and clinical pathology. Focused programs in anatomic pathology, clinical pathology and neuropathology are available, among others.
Websites for Reference
ASCP - American Society for Clinical Pathology
USCAP - Pathology Association - Pathology CME Online & Live
Homepage | College of American Pathologists
Away Electives
Away Electives
Not Common
Programs where ISMMS students have completed away electives.
CA
Stanford University
2
CO
University of Colorado School of Medicine
2
MI
University of Michigan
1
MN
Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine
2
MN
University of Minnesota Medical School
1
Match Statistics
Information provided by the National Residency Matching Program (NRMP) Charting Outcomes in the Match, last updated August 2024
Mean Number of Contiguous Ranks
12.4
Mean USMLE Step 2 CK Score
247
Mean Number of Research Experiences
3.1
Mean Number of Abstracts, Presentations and Publications
8.4
Competitiveness
Source: 2025 Match Advanced Data Tables
In the 2025 Match there were 622 positions in 175 programs, 42.3% of positions were filled by U.S. MD Seniors.
Application Information
Application System
ERAS
Match System
NRMP
Signaling
Source: ERAS Signaling and 2025 ERAS Data
How Many?
5
Signal Home Program?
No
Signal Away Program?
Check with individual programs
Average Number of Applications Submitted
34.25
Letters of Recommendation
Standardized Letter of Evaluation (SLOE)?
No
Departmental/Chair Letter?
No
Who should other letters come from?
2 from Pathology faculty
1-2 any faculty who know you well clinically or in research setting
Interviewing and Post Interview Communication
Applications are downloaded by programs...
On the first date they are available- students should submit everything prior to that date
This specialty’s MSH program interviews all ISMMS students who apply.
Yes
Interviews are sent out...
no earlier than 10/15/25 and then are rolling
Thank You Emails
You can if you’d like, it's a nice thing to do but will not make or break your chances. Thank you note policy varies from program to program - if they explicitly ask that Thank You notes not be sent, do not send a thank you note. Otherwise, a thank you note is helpful.
Letters of Intent
Yes, letters of intent are helpful to programs and applicants but make sure you're only sending to one program if you are telling them they are #1 on your rank list. Consult with an advisor before sending.
ISMMS Match Data 2020-2025
Brigham & Womens Hosp-MA
0
0
1
0
0
0
1
Icahn SOM at Mount Sinai-NY
2
0
0
0
0
0
2
Mayo Clinic School of Grad Med Educ-MN
0
0
0
0
1
0
1
NYP Hosp-Columbia Univ Med Ctr-NY
1
0
0
0
0
0
1
Stanford Health Care-CA
0
0
1
0
0
1
2
U Michigan Hosps-Ann Arbor
0
0
0
0
1
0
1
UCLA Med Ctr-CA
0
0
0
0
0
1
1
UPMC Medical Education-PA
0
1
0
0
0
0
1
Last updated