How to Apply

Physicians interested in pursuing advanced training in laboratory medicine and pathology will need to submit:
  • Updated CV
  • Fellowship Application Form
  • Letter of intent (include name of fellowship program, a brief overview of interests, related experience, and long-term career goals)
  • Test scores
  • Copy of MD certificate
  • Three letters of recommendation
Fellowship Chart 2024

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Minimal Requirements

The following outline lists the minimal requirements for application to the Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology Graduate Medical Education Programs, including the general residency, advanced specialty, and fellowship programs.

With over 200 applications received annually, applicants who meet the following criteria will be reviewed and considered. A subgroup of eligible applicants is selected for admission interviews by invitation from the Director of Residency and Clinical Fellowship Training Programs. The GME Coordinator will directly contact selected applicants to offer and arrange for an interview.

Applicants not meeting the below listed requirement will not be further reviewed, offered an interview, or receive a response.

  1. All applicants must meet at least one of the following criteria at matriculation:
    1. Graduate of a medical school in the United States or Canada accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME).
    2. Graduate of a college of osteopathic medicine in the United States accredited by the American Osteopathic Association (AOA).
    3. Graduate of a medical school outside of the United States and Canada who meets one of the following qualifications:
      1. Possession of a valid certificate from the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) at the time of application and matriculation.
      2. Possession of a full and unrestricted license to practice medicine in a U.S. licensing jurisdiction at the time of application and matriculation.
    4. Graduate of medical school outside of the United States who has successfully completed a fifth year pathway program at a LCME accredited medical school.
  2. Applicants must be able to pass a criminal background check upon matriculation pursuant to Minnesota Statutes 144.057 and 245A.04. Physicians-in-training who do not pass this background check are not permitted to enter or continue in the program.
  3. Applicants must meet state and federal employment regulations at matriculation and during training. The Department accepts applicants with valid J-1 visas only. The Department does not sponsor other types of visas.
  4. Applicants must be fluent in both spoken and written English, especially as it relates to the clinical practice of medicine.
  5. The University and its Departments do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, creed, color, sex, national origin, disability, age, marital status, public assistance status, veteran status, or sexual orientation.

General Residency, Advanced Year, and Fellowship Programs Criteria

Eligible applicants are reviewed, offered interviews, ranked, and accepted based on the Program Director's and Residency Advisory Committee's assessment of the following criteria:

  1. General preparedness for residency, advanced specialty, or fellowship training.
  2. Breadth and depth of medical knowledge, as it relates to the current practice of medicine.
  3. Understanding of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology as a specialty.
  4. Feedback and insight from in-person faculty interviews.
  5. Aptitude for successful post-graduate medical education.
  6. Ability to safely perform the spectrum of patient care duties required for completion of the training program.
  7. Effectiveness of professional and interpersonal communication skills.
  8. Demonstration of integrity, motivation, ethic, and dedication to scholarly pursuit of medical knowledge.
  9. Performance on the United States Medical Licensing Examination(s).
  10. Letters of recommendation and evaluations.
  11. Compatibility with the Program's goals, objectives, and structure.
  12. Compatibility with current Program trainees.

Applicant Selection

Eligible applicants are reviewed, offered interviews, ranked, and accepted based on the Program Director's and Residency Advisory Committee's assessment of the following criteria:

  • General preparedness for residency, advanced specialty, or fellowship training.
  • Breadth and depth of medical knowledge, as it relates to the current practice of medicine.
  • Understanding of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, as a specialty.
  • Feedback and insight from in-person faculty interviews.
  • Aptitude for successful post-graduate medical education.
  • Ability to safely perform the spectrum of patient care duties required for completion of the training program.
  • Effectiveness of professional and interpersonal communication skills.
  • Demonstration of integrity, motivation, ethic, and dedication to scholarly pursuit of medical knowledge.
  • Performance on the United States Medical Licensing Examination(s).
  • Letters of recommendation and evaluations.
  • Compatibility with the Program's goals, objectives, and structure.
  • Compatibility with current Program trainees.

NRMP Match Fellowships

  • The following fellowships participate in the NRMP Match:
    • Hematopathology Fellowship
    • Molecular Genetic Pathology Fellowship 
       
  • The timeline for the NRMP Fellowship Match is as follows for 2026-2027 positions:
    • January 1, 2025: programs start interviewing
    • Early April 2025: interviews conclude 
    • April 30, 2025: match day
    • July 2026: start of fellowship
  • We encourage applicants to apply before January 1st. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What materials do I need to send for my application?

  • Fellowship Application Form

  • Letter of intent

  • Updated CV

  • USMLE or COMLEX test scores (all steps)

  • Copy of your medical diploma

  • 3 letters of recommendation

Email complete applications to Gaby Heinle ([email protected])
 

Do you need hard copies of my letters of recommendation?

No, either you or your letter writer can email the letter(s).

Do you need an official transcript of my test scores?

No, an unofficial e-mailed copy of your test scores is acceptable.

What application materials should a PhD interested in the Clinical Chemistry or Laboratory Genetics & Genomics Fellowship send?

  • Clinical Chemistry applicants should send a cover letter detailing career goals and related experience, a CV, and 3 letters of recommendation.

  • Laboratory Genetics and Genomics applicants should send a cover letter detailing career goals and related experience, a CV, and 3 letters of recommendation. Transcripts are preferred, but not required.

Send these materials to Gaby Heinle ([email protected]).  Clinical Chemistry and LGG interview the summer prior to the fellowship start date. For example, for a 2026 opening, we will interview in the summer of 2025.
 

What is the deadline to apply for any of your fellowships?

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, but we recommend applying by October 1 of the year preceding the start date of the fellowship at the very latest. We typically fill fellowship positions 9-18 months in advance.

Do you sponsor visas?

We sponsor J-1 visas only.

Additional notes

Only complete applications are reviewed for possible interviews. Complete applications consist of the Department's fellowship application form, Curriculum Vitae, United States Medical Licensing Examination results (parts 1, 2, and 3), and three letters of recommendation. These letters should be from three physicians who know the applicant well. International medical graduates must also submit a copy of their valid ECFMG certificate and be eligible for a J-1 visa, if necessary.

Visa Sponsorship:

The J-1 alien physician visa sponsored by ECFMG is the preferred visa status for foreign national trainees in all UMN graduate medical education programs; therefore, the Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology sponsors only J-1 visas. We do not sponsor H-1B visas. More information on the J-1 visa can be found on the UMN-GME webpage.  

Contact

Email completed applications to:

Gaby Heinle
Residency and Fellowship Coordinator
[email protected]