I did a year of pathology in medical school at Ohio State - a post-sophmore fellowship, which is basically an intern year of pathology.
It's a large, academic institution, of course. Very scholarly. Lots and lots of research, both bench and clinical. The pathology department wielded a good amount of clout overall, and was well represented in the hospital and medical school administrative levels.
The atmosphere was very collegial. Not much infighting. The Chair was a pleasant guy. Like pathologists in general (in my experience) people were well rounded, had interesting lives and pursuits outside of their work, yet were very committed to their careers.
Seemed like a happy, productive place.