Residency Program

Why Choose OSU Pathology

Welcome to the Department of Pathology at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, the largest quaternary care center in central Ohio offering care in all sub-specialties. The program is fully accredited in anatomic and clinical pathology. During 2025, the department processed:

  • 6156 - Frozen Specimens
  • 2483 - Frozen Cases
  • 174 - Autopsy Cases
  • 9297 - Consult Cases
  • 19237 - Cytology Cases - GYN
  • 11991 - Cytology Cases - Non-GYN
  • 20603 - Derm Cases
  • 1507 - Neuro Cases
  • 2569 - Renal Cases
  • 69680 - Surgical Biopsy Cases
  • 24672 - Surgical Regs Cases

Our program boasts over 85 faculty members in multiple sub-specialties involved in various aspects of resident education, plus 15 well-trained and experienced pathology assistants to assist residents with grossing, autopsy, frozen section, and tissue procurement. The department has implemented robust, state of the art digital and molecular pathology platforms.

Resident education is supplemented with morning lectures on a two-year cycle, as well as glass slide study sets and digital imaging cases in surgical pathology and cytology. There are teaching and presentation opportunities available through tumor boards, interesting case conferences, medical professional education, and others. Research opportunities are available and encouraged within and outside of the department, including through an optional PSTP pathway. We prioritize resident wellness activities throughout the academic year and use a holistic evaluation process to give our trainees feedback on their performance and progress. These multiple educational opportunities have led the residents to have a 100% first-time board pass rate for the past 5 years.

Additionally, the department offers fellowships in the following areas:

  • Blood Bank and Transfusion Medicine
  • Cytology
  • Dermatopathology
  • Gastrointestinal and Liver
  • Hematopathology
  • Precision Pathology
  • Renal Pathology
  • Clinical Informatics (in partnership with the department of internal medicine)

It is the goal of this website to provide complete information to applicants. Please feel free to contact the resident coordinator with any additional questions you may have.

There are 5 residency positions (PGY-1) available each year. The program is accredited for 20 residency positions (PGY-1 thru PGY-4) and there are also 8 fellowships available in various subspecialties. The "core" AP/CP curriculum is a 4-year program that combines Anatomic and Clinical Pathology training (AP/CP). Residencies in either straight anatomic or clinical pathology are also offered to selected candidates. All programs lead to eligibility for the appropriate certification examination by the American Board of Pathology.

Applications are accepted only through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) with Thalamus integration and must be received by November 1 for appointments beginning July 1 of the following year.

Residency candidates must be graduates of approved medical schools in the U.S. or Canada. Candidates who have graduated from foreign medical schools and who are non-U.S. citizens (International Medical Graduates) must meet one of the following: Permanent resident status with a work authorization prior to being appointed or meets eligibility requirements for a J-1 Visa through the ECFMG Exchange Visitor Sponsorship Program.

The following minimum requirements are used when considering candidates who apply to our program:

  1. Passed USMLE Step I and II.
  2. For IMGs, ECFMG requires passing the Occupational English Test (OET).
  3. Score above 200 on each USMLE exam.
  4. Prefer graduation from medical school within the past 5 years.
  5. For IMG's, US clinical experience is not a requirement, but it certainly is to your benefit to have this type of experience and in particular to have letters of recommendation from US physicians with whom you have worked.

Based on application materials, selected applicants will be invited for a virtual interview day that includes interviews with the Program Director, Associate Program Director and selected faculty members, breakout rooms with pathology residents, and information about Columbus, OH. Final selections will be announced through the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP).


To apply electronically on the web, please visit ERAS by clicking on the link below.

Electronic Residency Application Service

Limited Staff Agreement

The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center offers residents a comprehensive salary and benefits package designed to support their professional development, health and well-being throughout training. Residents selected for the program receive an annual stipend based on their postgraduate year (PGY) level, along with a variety of benefits and resources available through The Ohio State University.

Stipends for 2026-2027:

  • PGY-1: $71,171
  • PGY-2: $73,314
  • PGY-3: $75,659
  • PGY-4: $78,251
  • PGY-5: $80,775
  • PGY-6: $83,295
  • PGY-7: $83,993
  • PGY-8: $88,909
  • PGY-9: $89,640
  • PGY-10: $90,538

Vacation Days:

  • PGY-1 & 2: 10 days/year + one week over the holidays
  • PGY-3 & 4: 15 days/year + one week over the holidays

Insurance and Health Benefits:

Residents receive a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

  • Professional Liability Insurance: Coverage is provided for activities performed within the scope of the residency training program.
  • Disability Insurance: Coverage is provided during residency training.
  • Life Insurance: Coverage is provided during residency training.
  • Health Benefits: Medical, dental and vision coverage is available through an employee health benefits plan with shared premium costs.

Faculty Appointment and University Privileges

Residents are appointed to The Ohio State University faculty at the Clinical Instructor level. This appointment provides access to a variety of university resources and privileges, including eligible Ohio State facilities, library resources, recreational and athletic facilities, and discounts for select university cultural events and activities.

Lifestyle Spending Account

Residents receive $125 per quarter through a Lifestyle Spending Account for eligible expenses related to health, fitness, family, and emotional and social well-being. This benefit provides residents with additional flexibility to select wellness resources and services that best meet their individual needs.

Academic Materials & Meeting Allowance

All residents and fellows are allotted up to $2,500 annually from the Department of Pathology to support educational and professional development expenses throughout their training. Eligibility for these funds is contingent upon meeting required lecture attendance expectations.

Eligible expenses may include:

  • Books and other educational materials
  • Travel for professional meetings and conferences
  • Board examinations
  • Ohio medical licensure
  • Professional dues
  • Professional memberships
  • Other approved educational items
  • Abstract and manuscript submission fees

Residents may carry over unused educational funds during their PGY-1, PGY-2, and PGY-3 years, allowing them additional flexibility in planning for future educational and professional development expenses.

Child Care Program

Ohio State offers childcare services for eligible university students, faculty and staff who have legal custody of and/or serve as the primary caregivers for their children. Eligible children may receive services regardless of race, color, national origin, sex or disability. Please note: Childcare availability is limited, and waitlist times may be up to one year depending on the age of the child. Families are encouraged to explore enrollment options as early as possible.

Learn more about eligibility, enrollment and available services through the Ohio State Child Care Program.

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