Hematopathology Fellowship

Division Of Basic Sciences - Nci

Investigators

Linked publications & trials

Abstract

All the Clinical Fellows become involved in research projects while their fellowship. As expected, the Visiting Post-Doctoral Fellow (VF) in the Section devoted most of her time to translational research projects, but as a pathologist, also had the opportunity to enhance her clinical diagnostic skills. Fellows hone their presentation skills through their participation in Journal clubs and Data clubs held on a monthly basis. Both conferences have participation from Drs. Raffeld and Xi from the Molecular Diagnostics Unit of the Laboratory of Pathology. At these meetings fellows discuss recent papers from the published literature, and present results of their ongoing projects. These conferences help them transition to their future career path, with most of them remaining in the academic sector. In addition to our daily interactions while fellows are on service, we have more formal meetings at least twice each year, to discuss career goals and job opportunities. More frequent meetings are held to discuss their current research projects, at least monthly. Since 2015 trainees in the Hematopathology Section have authored more than 50 articles in the peer-reviewed literature. Fellows present at one of the scientific meetings related to our specialty, most often the United States and Canadian Academy of Pathology (USCAP). 2021 presented major challenges due to the Covid-19 pandemic. However, Dr. Obiorah presented two abstracts at USCAP, one of which was selected for one of only two Stowell-Orbison Awards bestowed this year. She also received a merit award for her presentation at the American Society of Hematology. In 2020 three fellows presented six abstracts at the USCAP meeting, one as an oral presentation and 5 as poster presentations. A selection of the topics include: HAVCR2 germline mutations in subcutaneous panniculitis-like T-cell lymphoma; Neutrophil Extracellular Traps (NETs), Protease-Activated receptor-2 (PAR-2) and Fibrosis in Hodgkins Lymphoma; EBV-negative marginal zone lymphomas as a form of PTLD; and Myelodysplastic /Myeloproliferative Neoplasms (MDS/MPN) in patients with germline GATA2 Mutations. Their meeting presentations are an indication of their academic productivity, but importantly nearly all abstracts mature as peer-reviewed publications.