Welcome from the Co-Chief Residents
Dear Residency Candidate,
Welcome! We’re the current Co-Chief Residents for The University of Toledo Pathology Residency Program, and we invite you to explore our website to learn more about what makes our program special.
A Hidden Gem
We are a small program in the Midwest, and while we could easily be overlooked, I believe that would be a mistake. One of our greatest strengths is our size. With a high faculty-to-resident ratio, you’ll always have one-on-one time with attendings who provide personalized teaching and guidance. In our program, nobody slips through the cracks.
Unique Training Opportunities
The University of Toledo has an affiliation with ProMedica Toledo Hospital, the largest hospital system in the city. This partnership gives us:
- Dual exposure to academic and community practice settings
- 60,000+ surgical specimens annually and 30,000+ cytology specimens
- Access to advanced clinical labs, including hematopathology, flow cytometry, blood banking, and microbiology
This breadth of cases, combined with board-focused academics and practical training, offers invaluable preparation for both fellowship and practice.
Another unique feature of our program is the dedicated personal workspace every resident receives. Each of us has our own study desk and cubicle, allowing for uninterrupted study, case review, and research. Having a quiet space to work, that’s truly your own, makes a huge difference during residency.
When rotating at the ProMedica Pathology Department in the Neuroscience Building, we’re based on the third floor, not in the basement like many programs. With walls of windows, we enjoy plenty of natural light and a view of the outside world. It’s a refreshing environment that makes long days much more pleasant.
Comprehensive Education
We receive thorough training in both AP and CP. Unlike programs where CP months are mostly self-study, we learn actively in the lab, which makes the material stick. Our didactic series is extensive, with protected morning conference time. Virtual streaming continues to ensure access for residents off-site.
We also have strong relationships with:
- Lucas County Coroner’s Office, robust autopsy and forensic experience
- Pinkus Laboratories, renowned dermatopathology practice
- Akron Children’s Hospital, pediatric pathology training
- Local experts in renal pathology, electron microscopy, neuropathology, microbiology, and blood bank
Teaching & Research
Our faculty are dedicated teachers who invest significant time in our growth. Residents also gain extensive teaching experience with medical students, leading small groups and guiding rotating clerks.
Research is another focus. With strong faculty mentorship, we meet twice monthly for journal review and critical article discussions. Unique resources, such as access to electron microscopy, enrich our opportunities.
Life in Toledo
Residency is not just about training. It’s also about where you’ll spend four years of your life. Toledo is affordable, easy to navigate, and full of hidden gems:
- Cultural opportunities: theater, symphony, ballet, museum, and festivals
- Outdoor activities: an expansive Metroparks system, bike trails, and even a small beach on Lake Erie
- Sports and entertainment: Mud Hens baseball, Walleye hockey, and nearby Cedar Point
- Diverse food scene with unique local restaurants, markets, and farmer’s markets
Toledo is also well-located for weekend trips: Chicago, Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Pittsburgh, Ann Arbor, and Detroit are all within driving distance.
Final Thoughts
At first glance, we may appear to be a small program, but our extensive network of affiliations, rich case volume, and dedicated faculty create a training experience with both breadth and depth. Our program continues to evolve to prepare residents for successful careers in pathology, and I truly believe it is a place worth serious consideration.
Please feel free to reach out with any questions.
Warm regards,
Pathology Co-Chief Residents
Anan Bseiso anan.bseiso@utoledo.edu
Stephenia Nwogu stepehnia.nwogu@utoledo.edu