Pathology Training Program

There are several options depending on the candidate with plenty of flexibility. The trainee will receive full support to sit for phase 1 of the ACVP board exam, during the second year of the training, once a candidate is eligible. We have had cases of trainees opting to move into a pathology residency program, and then passing the ACVP board exam later. Others have opted to go for the alternative route and passed the pathology board exam beforehand. Some have even moved into a PhD while studying for boards.

The completion of a master’s degree is required. Our program is designed for someone with very little exposure to pathology but with a strong motivation to learn. If your accomplishments already include a Master’s degree, you are most likely above the level for which this program was designed. 

This will vary depending on the project: teaching and service duties including training will be prioritized followed by research duties and other activities such as organizing weekly rounds (WSC or own cases), assisting with the submission of 2 cases each year to WSC etc.

There is flexibility in choosing the topic of your research by facilitating meetings with various Principal Investigators (PI’s) and incorporating previously mastered techniques would be a plus. We strongly encourage some pathology component to be included in the MSc project.

Our Histology and Research lab has the infrastructure and offers support for performing IHC. This is performed mainly as part of research projects and is not routinely used for diagnostic cases.

Most of the submissions are fresh cases. While we encourage clinicians to work with us in submitting cases as soon as possible, we do sometimes we get frozen cases during school breaks or when cases come from other islands.

Unfortunately, our training program is not available through the match program.

Anatomic pathology has about 200 autopsy cases per year and about 100-150 biopsies per year. Clinical pathology averages are estimated at:

• Hematology: about 2000 cases per year
• Chemistry: about 2000 cases per year
• Cytology: about 200 cases per year

Below are examples from previous years for autopsies and histology service.

The program offers funding for one continuous education event each year (course, conference etc.) The trainee is strongly encouraged to attend the annual ACVP or ECVP meeting at least once and prepare and present a poste or oral presentation of own research or a case report.

The trainee will receive Coach airfare to relocate to St. Kitts and to repatriate once the program is complete.  In addition, a lump sum payment of US $1,000 for reasonable and customary costs associated with relocation is provided.  

Currently, RUSVM’s policy allows Interns to take 10 days paid vacation per year, the date and timing of which must be scheduled in advance with the approval of the Department Head, Biomedical Sciences.  

Also at current, all health benefits for trainees are currently covered by the University at 100% of cost, with the option to cover spouse and/or dependents with 100% of the health care benefit costs covered by the trainee in the form of payroll deduction.  This benefit is subject to change or cancellation. 

To standardize and simplify our process and to allow us to more easily compare and contrast recommendations, if chosen for an interview you will receive an email with a link to our reference system.  Within the system you will be prompted to enter the contact information for up to 5 references.  You need only submit 3 at a minimum.  Your referees will then receive an email with a similar link.  It should take them no more than 20-30 minutes to complete the reference questions.