Molecular Genetic Pathology Fellowship
Email: mgbpathologyfellowships@mgb.org
Overview
The Mass General Brigham Molecular Genetic Pathology (MGP) fellowship program represents a collaboration of three major Harvard teaching hospitals (Brigham and Women's Hospital, Children's Hospital, Massachusetts General Hospital) as well as Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, the Broad Institute and Laboratory for Molecular Medicine. The overall goals of this one-year accredited training program are:
- Provide extensive training in molecular diagnostics and molecular genetics, including malignant disease, inherited genetic disorders, infectious disease, neoplasia and identity testing.
- Provide training in the performance and interpretation of wide spectrum of molecular, cytogenetic and biochemical laboratory tests (ranging from single mutation assays to small panels to large genomic assays).
- Gain real world experience with innovative and cutting-edge technologies in molecular pathology.
- Provide training as a medical consultant in Molecular Genetic Pathology to assist clinicians in the diagnosis and care of patients.
- Provide training and direct exposure to laboratory management, quality assurance, troubleshooting of molecular tests, assay development and evaluation, and instrument evaluation.
- Provide training and direct exposure to clinical genetic practice through active participation in genetics clinics with the aim of better understanding the clinical implications of genetic testing.
Fellows achieve the following:
- A sound knowledge base of the basic science of molecular biology and molecular genetics.
- Learn to integrate molecular and clinical data and calculate genetic risk.
- Develop research skills and participate in a research project.
- Demonstrate good communications skills with laboratory and clinical physicians, patients, technologists and ancillary staff.
- Demonstrate sensitivity to ethical issues in genetics, particularly those raised by molecular diagnostic testing.
- Learn principles of clinical laboratory management, assay development and strategic planning.
Requirements
- Applicants must be board-eligible or board-certified in Pathology or Medical Genetics
- Applicants must have at least 2 years of accredited residency training
- Applicants must be eligible for a Massachusetts medical license
Curriculum
The fellowship is integrated with the Harvard Medical School (HMS) Genetics Training Program and shares a year-long didactic program. Weekly case review conferences, didactic lecture series, case based walkrounds and journal clubs are conducted at each of the following sites:
- Brigham and Women's Hospital (BWH) - Lab management/Molecular microbiology
- Boston Children's Hospital (BCH) - Pediatric molecular pathology
- Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) - Data science
- Laboratory for Molecular Medicine (LMM) - Cytogenetics
Rotation sites
- BWH - 3 months
- BCH - 3 months
- MGH - 2 months
- LMM - 2 months
- Elective - 1 month
How to Apply
Fellowship application form, additional application materials, and inquires should be submitted by email to: MGBPathologyfellowships@mgb.org
The program participates in the NRMP Match, with applications being accepted in November, two years prior to the available July start date.
Timeline for NRMP Match 2027-2028
- November 1, 2025: We will begin accepting applications. All applications are due by December 31, 2025.
- February 2026: Programs can begin interviewing applicants.
- February 4, 2026 12:00 PM EST: The Match opens.
- March 11, 2026 12:00 PM EST: Ranking opens.
- April 29, 2026 at noon, EST: Match day!
Application Materials
- CAP Standardized Pathology Fellowship Application
- Curriculum Vitae (must be in month/year format 00/0000)
- Personal Statement describing career goals and surgical pathology interests
- USMLE Steps 1, 2, & 3 Score Report- (Canadian physicians and Doctors of Osteopathy who are eligible for licensure may substitute documentation of successful completion of LMCC/MCCQE and COMLEX examinations, respectively, in lieu of USMLE examinations)
- Passport-style photo
- Three Letters of Recommendation (one letter must be from your current program director or department chair)
- Letters of Recommendation should be emailed by the letter writer to: MGBPathologyfellowships@mgb.org
- Copy of MD Degree (International medical graduates only)
- Copy of ECFMG Certificate (International medical graduate only)