Overview
The Cytopathology fellowship program at GW offers comprehensive training in all aspects of Cytopathology, with special emphasis on fine needle aspiration. Approximately half of all fine needle aspiration procedures done at the George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences are performed by the pathologists in our Department of Pathology-based FNA Clinic. The use of ThinPrep processing technology, availability of extensive on-site ancillary techniques, and the integration of surgical pathology with Cytopathology are other highlights of the program. Our program is accredited by the ACGME and five Cytopathology board-certified faculty members cover the service.
Schedule
One month of the fellowship year is devoted to elective experience, during which time specialized interests may be pursued either at GW or other institutions. In addition, one month is dedicated to research. We also offer one month of the fellowship year at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). One week a month the fellow spends on the Cytopathology Service at the Veteran's Affairs Medical Center. The fellow also participates in many intra and inter-departmental conferences and is involved in quality assurance, teaching, intra-operative consultation, and research activities.
Foreign Students & Visa Sponsorship
For Graduate Medical Education at George Washington University
- J-1 (Exchange Visitor Visa) sponsored by the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG). Application is processed by the GME Office. The resident/fellow must meet the criteria of the ECFMG for sponsorship. Note: The J-1 must be a clinical J-1 and not a research J-1.
- Permanent Resident
Visas NOT accepted/sponsored for Graduate Medical Education at George Washington University:
- H-1 B – The University does not sponsor foreign national physicians for Graduate Medical Education programs for the H-1B visa
- O-1
ECFMG requires a valid ECFMG certificate obtained by successful completion of their qualifying examinations coupled with the appropriate English language examination to be eligible for a visa. Allow 120 working days for ECFMG to process an initial visa.
For further information, please contact:
Education Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates
3624 Market Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104-2685
T: (215) 386-5900
District of Columbia Medical License
Fellowship trainees are required to obtain a full DC medical license before starting a fellowship at GW SMHS.
Current Openings
Academic year 2025–2026 - Closed
Academic year 2026-2027 - Filled
Academic year 2027-2028 - Open
Application Process
Application Timeline
- July 5, 2025: We will begin reviewing application files
- August 14, 2025: Start of interviews for 2027–2028 positions (All interviews will be virtual)
- October 2, 2025: First day offers will be made for 2027–2028 positions
To Apply, please send the following materials to the fellowship coordinator.
- Completed CAP Standardized Application Form application form
- Personal Statement
- Curriculum Vitae
- USMLE Steps 1, 2, and 3
- 3 letters of recommendation, one from your current Program Director
- ECFMG Certificate (If applicable)
- Current photo
(Please note you will have 72 hours to either accept or decline an offer)
Elham Arbzadeh, M.D.
Program Director, Cytopathology Fellowship
Washington Veteran's Administration Medical Center
2300 M Street NW, 7th Floor
Washington, DC 20037
Please email your application materials to:
Gerel Grandison
Residency Program Coordinator
2300 M St. NW, 7th Floor
Washington, DC 20037
ggrandison [at] mfa [dot] gwu [dot] edu (ggrandison[at]mfa[dot]gwu[dot]edu)rspencer [at] mfa [dot] gwu [dot] edu
(202) 677-6615