Memorial Sloan-Kettering, dermpath

Started by PathOne
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PathOne

Derminatrix
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I?m an European pathologist considering advanced pathology training in the U.S., not necessarily board certification, as I haven?t decided to move to the U.S. permanently (but not ruled it out, either). Especially interested in anatomic pathology at Memorial Sloan-Kettering in New York, which has quite a stellar reputation in Europe (perhaps even more so than Harvard, at least in path.). Anybody has any experience from there, and/or tips on how to get my foot in the door? Also, as I'm currently doing some advanced dermatopathology training, I wonder if any programs can be recommended? Heard a lot about Bernard Ackermans program, but also heard he's about to retire?!
 
Yeah I've heard that Dr. Ackerman is considering retirement. I think your best bet is to contact one of the fellows there. I know of one resident from Germany who got dermatopath fellowship at Ackerman academy, so I'm sure it can be done

I've heard that you also have to pay for the fellowship there; is it true???
 
Yes, I also heard Ackerman was considering retirement. Don't know if it's true, though. But even so, heard that his no. 2 man, Dr. Gottlieb, is also quite brilliant. Will check it out, thx.
 
Very best of luck. If you get into either one, you're probably set for life with that on your resume. Drawback is, that along with Mass. Gen. Hosp. it's prob. the most selective path. programs in the world.

Have friends who went to both Ackerman and Sloan-Kettering. (and one that went to both 😱 ) The lowdown:

Ackerman: Not much research, but best of the best if you want dermpath experience. Most used second opinion dermath practise in the US. Fellows see ALL specimens at 27-head(!) microscope. Bernie Ackerman has just retired, but I've seen the new dir., Geoff Gottlieb, in action, and he's probably the BEST pathologist in the US, not only in dermpath. (BTW he's the guy who first linked Kaposi's Sarcoma to AIDS, way back in 1982)...

Sloan-Kettering: Their website says that a Sloan-Kettering pathologist sees more rare tumors in a week than most see in a year, and see more in a year than most see in a lifetime. Scary thing is, that it's probably true... In addition to their own specimens, they provide global second opinions, so if you plan to go abroad, you'd be pretty sure they'd roll out the red carpet.
However, seems that getting a residency is virtually impossible. They basically only take board certified fellows, as far as I understand. And generally they are selective beyond belief. Not really sure what they're looking for specifically, but I guess you just have to have a stellar app. package all-round.

But do go for it. After all, some do get in! :luck: