Why Pathology?

Pathology is the study of disease, the foundation of all medicine. Pathologists diagnose cancer, interpret lab tests, guide treatments, and advance discovery. If you enjoy solving puzzles and applying science directly to patient care, pathology may be a great fit for you.

What’s the Difference Between AP and CP?

• Anatomic Pathology (AP): Diagnosing disease through biopsies, surgical specimens, and autopsies.
• Clinical Pathology (CP): Managing the clinical labs, including hematology, microbiology, chemistry, transfusion medicine, and molecular testing.

Most residencies train in both (AP/CP combined), though AP-only or CP-only tracks exist.

Opportunities to Get Involved

Shadowing

Spend time in the surgical pathology lab, autopsy service, or subspecialty sign-out to see what pathologists do day to day. Students must request permission through UWSOM and use the appropriate form.

Pathology Shadowing Request Form | WWAMI/UWSOM Student Permission Guidelines

Electives

UWSOM offers a wide range of pathology electives across WWAMI, including …. . These are excellent ways to gain hands-on exposure.

Pathology Electives Catalog

Pathology Student Interest Group (SIG)

The SIG connects you with peers and faculty interested in pathology. Events include case discussions, pathology lab tours, and career panels.

Pathology Student Interest Group Information

Residency and Career Advising

Meet with UWSOM specialty career advisors for guidance on residency applications, sub-internships, and career planning.

UW Residency Information Page | Pathology Specialty Career Advisors

Post-Sophomore Pathology Fellowship

This unique year-long fellowship allows medical students (usually after second year) to act as junior residents in pathology, gaining invaluable clinical and diagnostic experience before finishing medical school.

Post-Sophomore Pathology Fellowship Information

Awards and Recognition

The College of American Pathologists (CAP) honors outstanding students with the Distinguished Medical Student Award.

CAP Distinguished Medical Student Award