This one-year ACGME-accredited fellowship prepares future leaders in molecular pathology by offering comprehensive, hands-on training at both the University of Chicago and Endeavor Health. With an emphasis on cutting-edge genomic technology, diverse testing platforms and cross-disciplinary collaboration, this program cultivates excellence in both research and clinical molecular diagnostics.
Our program is sponsored by the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine.
The Molecular Genetic Pathology (MGP) Fellowship is a one-year program designed to prepare trainees for successful careers in both academic and clinical molecular pathology. Fellows rotate for six months each at two premier institutions — University of Chicago and Endeavor Health — both known for innovation in genomics and laboratory diagnostics.
The fellowship offers deep exposure to:
- Advanced next-generation sequencing technologies (Illumina and IonTorrent platforms)
- Comprehensive test methodologies, including Sanger sequencing, MLPA, array-CGH, FISH and bioinformatics pipelines
- Interdisciplinary collaboration with oncologists, infectious disease specialists and bioinformaticians
- Research opportunities with encouragement to present at national conferences
Graduates are prepared for the American Board of Pathology’s Molecular Genetic Pathology subspecialty examination and for leadership in this rapidly evolving field.
Program structure & curriculum
6 months at the University of Chicago
- High-volume Illumina-based NGS lab
- Molecular genetics lab for inherited disorders
- Rotations in cytogenetics, constitutional genetics and FISH
6 months at Endeavor–Evanston Hospital
- IonTorrent-based NGS
- Rotations in molecular microbiology, pharmacogenomics and cell-free DNA testing
- Emphasis on bioinformatics and interdisciplinary diagnostics
Didactic and scholarly components
- Weekly molecular tumor boards
- Bioinformatics conferences
- Journal clubs and QA/QC presentations
- Minimum of one validation project and one research project required
- Fellows encouraged to present at national meetings
We will be accepting applications for the 2027–2028 academic year through the MGP Fellowship Match beginning in the Fall of 2025.
Eligibility
- Board certified or eligible in anatomic and/or clinical pathology
- Eligible for an Illinois State Medical License
Application materials
- Fellowship application (CAP standard application accepted)
- Photo
- Current CV
- Personal statement outlining career goals and brief bio
- Medical school diploma
- USMLE or COMLEX transcript
- ECFMG certificate (if applicable)
- Three letters of recommendation (addressed to Dr. Mir B. Alikhan, Fellowship Director)
Submit all materials electronically to:
Kate Seyfarth, Program Coordinator
pathologyresidency [at] northshore.org (pathologyresidency[at]northshore[dot]org)
Match registration
Register with the NRMP for the Pathology Fellowship Match. Interviews will begin January 2026.
Fellows train at:
- University of Chicago laboratories (molecular genetics, cytogenetics, FISH)
- Endeavor Health–Evanston Hospital (NGS, microbiology, pharmacogenomics)
The two-site structure provides exposure to both academic and community-based practice models, and offers deep interdisciplinary collaboration with experts across specialties, including oncology and medical genetics.
- Mir Alikhan, MD – Program Director, Endeavor Health
- Peng Wang, MD – Associate Program Director, University of Chicago
- Amandeep Kaur, MD
- Megan Parilla, MD
- Melissa Tjota, MD, PhD
- Kathy Mangold, PhD
- Nicole Tarlton, PhD
- Karen Kaul, MD, PhD
- Jeremy Segal, MD, PhD
- 2023–2024: Darren Brow, MD
- 2024–2025: Xiaoyan Yang, MD, PhD; Pari Jafari, MD
- 2025–2026: Alex Guzzetta, MD, PhD
- 2026-2027: Hayley Zullow, MD, PhD
Life as a fellow
From robust training environments to built-in wellness resources and faculty committed to mentorship, our program is structured to help fellows thrive professionally and personally.
Stipends are commensurate with the fellow’s level of postgraduate training. Fellows receive comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance. Optional benefits include critical illness and accident coverage, legal and identity protection and pet insurance.
Fellows train in state-of-the-art molecular laboratories at both the University of Chicago and Evanston Hospital. Clinical workspaces are supported by integrated EMRs and high-throughput sequencing platforms, with close collaboration from faculty, bioinformaticians and lab staff across both sites.
The fellowship includes protected academic time for molecular tumor boards, bioinformatics conferences, journal clubs, case discussions and QA/QC sessions. Fellows complete at least one validation and one research project, with support to present their work at local or national meetings.
Fellows receive paid vacation and have access to wellness offerings through the University of Chicago, including employee assistance programs, counseling resources and commuter and fitness benefits. The program structure supports flexibility for both academic and personal well-being.
Free parking is available at Evanston Hospital and for a reduced rate at University of Chicago. Evanston is conveniently accessible via CTA, Metra and regional bus lines, making commuting from Chicago’s North Side and northern suburbs manageable.
Kate Seyfarth
Fellowship Coordinator
pathologyresidency [at] northshore.org (pathologyresidency[at]northshore[dot]org)
Department of Pathology, 2650 Ridge Ave., Evanston, IL 60201
(847) 570-2019
Dr. Mir Alikhan
Program Director
malikhan [at] northshore.org (malikhan[at]northshore[dot]org)
Department of Pathology, 2650 Ridge Ave., Evanston, IL 60201
