# Selective breast/gynecologic pathology fellowship training in the United States: Experience of program directors

## TL;DR

This study surveys breast and gynecologic pathology fellowship programs in the US, providing insights into their structure, accreditation, and training requirements.

## Contribution

The study offers the most comprehensive and up-to-date census of combined breast/gyn pathology fellowships in the US.

## Key findings

- There are 25 academic programs offering one-year combined breast/gyn fellowship training in the US.
- An average of 3000 breast and 3000 gyn cases per year is typical for these programs.
- Only 36% of program directors are graduates of a combined breast/gyn fellowship program.

## Abstract

Published data on combined breast and gynecologic [breast/gyn] surgical pathology fellowship training programs are limited. Our study aimed to survey the landscape of such fellowships in the United States (US), including specific information about their characteristics and the educational activities therein. Using web searches, we identified programs offering combined breast/gyn surgical pathology fellowship training. We developed a 26-item questionnaire asking program directors to report on the characteristics of their fellowship training structure. The search revealed 25 academic based programs offering one-year combined breast/gyn fellowship training, predominantly located (40 %) in the Northeast area. The following data was obtained: 44 % of the programs were accredited by the ACGME, 82 % required >19 weeks of breast and gyn service, and 69.6 % accepted the common application, 54.5 % of programs require completion of a research project for graduation. An annual average of 3000 breast and 3000 gyn cases appears to be the usual volume of cases. Interestingly, only 36 % of the program directors are graduates of a combined breast/gyn fellowship program. In conclusion, we present the most comprehensive and up-to-date census of combined breast/gyn pathology fellowships in the US. Our study provides valuable information on the current state of combined breast/gyn pathology fellowship training. The information will be helpful to current and prospective trainees, as well as program leaders.