ROOM TO EXPLORE
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around 16 for many years. That changed in 2020, when the She noted several facets of training that made URMC department’s request to expand that number to 20 over four years attractive – including robust clinical service and ample research was approved. opportunities – but was impressed with the emphasis on the More people in the program means more access to expert individual resident’s needs instead of the other way around. As a training alongside faculty who are leaders in their area of interest. result, our graduates come out of the program feeling energized Residency is a time of exploration, and the program is structured about their work, and do remarkably well wherever they land. to maximize their exposure to different specialties. Making that “I think our education program really puts the emphasis on experience customizable is crucial in steering trainees toward a what the trainees need and ensuring these needs are met,” said fulfilling career, Schiffhauer explains. Agostini-Vulaj. “They allow a particular trainee’s curriculum to “Our mission is not to create academic pathologists out of be tailored to their specific interests and career goals, with a very everybody,” she said. “Our whole philosophy is that we want a successful mentoring program.” personalized experience to usher them along in any path they choose.” TAKING WELLNESS TO HEART One recent addition to the training experience is a boot camp Earlier this year, the program was pleased to open the doors to rotation for all incoming PGY-1’s that includes eight weeks of a new resident room in the 2-2100 suite at Strong Hospital. The immersive experiences in both AP and CP before they begin their newly renovated space has a mixture of individual and group space regular rotations. This kind of early exposure is one way residents where trainees can work or simply socialize during their downtime. can learn what captures their interest before choosing something The new room was designed after obtaining survey input – specific to pursue later on. not only from our own residents, but more than 30 residency Bahadir Yildiz is a second-year resident who says he came into programs across the U.S. Their findings pointed to the need for a the program with an open mind. After finishing his first year, he’s space that mixed individual and group space. Then chief resident, set on doing forensics after residency with the goal of working Anna-Karoline Israel, was successful in publishing an abstract in a medical examiner’s office on this topic, co-authored “I think our education program someday. He was drawn with several faculty, that was really puts the emphasis on what the trainees to URMC because of the accepted to USCAP 2020. specimen volume, abundance need and ensuring these needs are met.” This data-driven decision of PA’s and supportive to create a workspace comes - Diana Agostini-Vulaj, D.O., faculty member and program graduate environment. as we prepare to move certain “The thing that made it shine for me was seeing the close AP services offsite to the central laboratory on Bailey Road in the relationship between the residents, attendings and other staff,” said next few years, and it made sense to create a space at URMC while Yildiz. “They really looked like family and I felt like I could easily plans continue to take shape. The space not only helps residents get along with the people here.” get work done, but gives them an informal setting to enjoy each Others who have come through the program echo these other’s company along the way. sentiments years later. Diana Agostini-Vulaj was chief resident “It’s about wellness,” said Schiffhauer. “For them to just relax (2015-16) and joined our GI faculty after staying to complete her from the pressures of work and build bonds that will last after they fellowship at URMC. For her, staying in Rochester was an exciting leave the program not only helps them, but ultimately impacts next step as she joined the ranks alongside her longtime teachers their care of patients,” she said. “We are deeply invested in both of and mentors. those things.”
CONGRATULATIONS, GRADUATES! OUTGOING RESIDENTS
OUTGOING FELLOWS
Bennett Wilson Buffalo VA, faculty Anna-Karoline Israel Cleveland Clinic, H&N fellowship Chelsea Milito ME – Philadelphia, Forensic fellow Numbereye Numbere URMC, Surgical Pathology fellow Michael Karasick NYC Blood Bank Center, TM fellow
Hani Katerji: URMC, Breast faculty Roula Katerji URMC, GI faculty Alexandra Danakas URMC Breast fellow, then URMC faculty Cynthia Reyes Barron Dermatopathology faculty, El Paso, TX Andrew Cameron URMC, Microbiology faculty Nivedita Suresh General pathologist at Cancer Institution Hospital, India
2 URMC DEPARTMENT OF PATHOLOGY AND LABORATORY MEDICINE
