Molecular Genetic Pathology Fellowship

Henry Ford Hospital, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine

Division Head: Dhananjay A Chitale, MD MBA
Program Director: Juan C Gomez-Gelvez, MD
Associate Program Director: Laura A Favazza, DO
Program Coordinator: Erika Morrison

Message from the Program Director

Thank you for your interest in the Molecular Genetic Pathology Fellowship at Henry Ford Hospital. Our program is dedicated to training the next generation of molecular pathologists in an environment that emphasizes innovation, collaboration, and patient-centered care.

As a fellow, you will work closely with expert faculty in a friendly atmosphere, engage with clinicians across multiple specialties, and contribute meaningfully to both patient care and academic scholarship. We are committed not only to building your technical and interpretive expertise, but also to fostering your growth as a leader in molecular diagnostics.

Detroit is a dynamic city with a rich cultural history and a strong spirit of renewal, and Henry Ford Health is proud to serve this diverse community. I invite you to explore what makes our fellowship unique and consider joining us in shaping the future of precision medicine.

Juan C Gomez-Gelvez, MD
Program Director, Molecular Genetic Pathology Fellowship

Program at a Glance

The Molecular Genetic Pathology (MGP) Fellowship Program at Henry Ford Hospital is a one-year, ACGME-accredited program that provides broad and deep training in molecular diagnostics and prepares fellows for certification by the American Board of Pathology. The program is based within the Henry Ford Pathology Department, the largest ISO 15189-accredited laboratory system in the Americas, and its ISO accredited Center for Precision Diagnostics, which integrates molecular pathology and cytogenomics services across a high-volume academic health system.

With over 15,000 molecular and cytogenomic assays performed annually, fellows gain hands-on experience in a wide range of methodologies performed onsite, including PCR, capillary electrophoresis, Sanger sequencing, next-generation sequencing, methylation arrays, karyotyping, FISH, chromosomal microarrays, and optical genome mapping. Training includes dedicated rotations in molecular oncologic, molecular hematopathology, molecular genetics (covering cancer predisposition, constitutional/inherited disorders, and pharmacogenomics), molecular microbiology, molecular HLA, cytogenomics and clinical genetics.

As integral members of the department, fellows participate in all phases of testing—from bench work through data analysis and clinical interpretation—under direct faculty mentorship. They are also actively engaged in the development, validation, and clinical integration of new assays. Training in Lean management and laboratory operations provides additional experience in efficient laboratory process, quality improvement and laboratory leadership.

Fellows collaborate closely with expert faculty and play a consultative role for clinicians across multiple subspecialties. They are actively involved in tumor boards and multidisciplinary conferences and contribute to the education of pathology residents and other trainees within the institution.

Research is an integral component of the fellowship, offering opportunities both within the Department of Pathology and through collaborations with other departments across Henry Ford Health. Fellows are supported and encouraged to present their findings at national meetings and to publish in peer-reviewed journals, experiences that strengthen their academic portfolio and prepare them for leadership roles in molecular diagnostics.

Fellowship Snapshot

• Program Name: Molecular Genetic Pathology Fellowship
• Institution: Henry Ford Hospital, Department of Pathology
• Accreditation: ACGME-accredited
• Program Length: 1 year
• Positions per Year: 2
• Availability: Academic years 2026-2027 and 2027-2028
• Location: Detroit, Michigan