During their second year of AP or CP training residents arrange their unique 1-2 month elective experience with faculty, subject to approval by the residency program. The following are brief descriptions of electives that residents have taken in the past, which suggest the variety of training possibilities.

Blood Center/Transfusion Medicine: An elective of 3 months is available at the Puget Sound Blood Center, which is the central laboratory for blood banking for Seattle.

Cytogenetics: Training under the co-direction of Drs. Disteche and Norwood provides experience in diagnostic cytogenetics with emphasis on prenatal diagnosis employing amniotic fluid cells and postnatal diagnosis employing white blood cells, bone marrow cells and skin fibroblasts.

Cytology: Additional training, providing an expanded experience in non-gyn cytology and in the use of FNA techniques, is available, by arrangement, at Madigan Army Hospital and Harborview.

Dermatopathology: Focused training at UWMC or at Eastside Medical Lab (a university residency-affiliated site that accessions a large number of dermatopath specimens) is available.

DNA Probe Lab: This lab provides molecular analysis of infectious and neoplastic diseases.

Electron Microscopy: Training in the use and interpretation of diagnostic electron microscopy is available in rotations of one to two months at either the VA Puget Sound Health Care System (Dr. Thorning) or at UWMC.

Flow Cytometry: Under the direction of Dr. Rabinovitch, the flow lab routinely analyzes DNA ploidy patterns of tumors from most organs using multi-parameter flow cytometry.

Forensic Pathology: The King County Medical Examiner’s Office, located in HMC, performs 1,000 autopsies per year under Dr. Reay’s direction. Training and experience in forensic pathology include scene investigation and court testimony.

Gastrointestinal Pathology: At UWMC, residents diagnose material from the GI mucosal biopsy laboratory directed by Dr. Haggitt, and in cases from a large gastrointestinal pathology referral service. GI Pathology attendings include Drs. Bronner, Haggitt, Rubin and Taylor.

Immunocytochemistry: 1-2 month rotations are available with Dr. Schmidt, who attends daily in the application of diagnostic immunocytochemistry.

Neuropathology: Directed by Dr. Alvord, the Division of Neuropathology staff reviews weekly the surgical and autopsy neuropathology material from all of the affiliated hospitals.

Renal Pathology: The Renal Pathology Service, directed by Dr. Alpers, provides consultation to nephrologists of the Pacific Northwest. Most of the 500+ biopsies done annually are studied by light, fluorescence, and transmission electron microscopy.

Laboratory Medicine: Electives in all areas (clinical chemistry, microbiology, parasitology, hematology/hematopathology, immunology, computer/informatics, virology) are available.

Research: Elective time is available at virtually any research lab at UWMC, HMC, CHRMC, the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, or another affiliated site, subject to approval by the Residency Program Director. This is a valuable opportunity for residents interested in a multi-year research fellowship to familiarize themselves with the lab, its director and personnel, and its projects.

Special Electives: Residents arrange specific electives, based on program guidelines and subject to approval, that meet individual career goals. We encourage the residents to discuss these options early in the training program.