Overview

The cytopathology section is one of the largest and historically oldest sections of the Division of Anatomic Pathology at UAB.  We provide service to UAB Medical Center Hospital systems, satellite outpatient clinics, the O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center, outreach pathology services (CPPP) and area private clinics.  

Our annual case volume includes 7,500 non-gyn and 14,000 Pap tests, with a case mix that constitutes specimens from all over the body, including significant image-guided specimens obtained through bronchoscopic or endoscopic FNA. Specimens are processed in a state-of-the-art cytopathology lab equipped with modern instruments, including ThinPrep machines, automatic stainers, slide imagers, modern microscopes and a reliable information system. Four dedicated laboratory technicians, five cytotechnologists and six seasoned cytopathologists prepare, process and report on collected cytologic specimens with a focus on ensuring accurate and timely results to ensure we assist clinician clients with their patients.

The Cytopathology section serves UAB's academic mission by providing teaching and training for medical students, residents, fellows and visiting scholars. Our faculty and trainees participate actively in research and scholarly activities with a significant presence at national and international meetings, and a record of publications in various pathology journals. The cytopathology section remains a center for excellence in service, training and research.

Our Faculty

Isam Eltoum, MD, MBA, Professor, Anatomic Pathology, Vice Chair, Quality and Patient Safety - Section Head

Frida Rosenblum, MD, Associate Professor, Anatomic Pathology, Director, Cytopathology Fellowship

Huma Fatima, MD, Associate Professor, Anatomic Pathology

Xiao Huang, MD, Assistant Professor, Anatomic Pathology

Diana Lin, MD, Assistant Professor, Anatomic Pathology

Cytopathology Residency/Fellowship Training

Pathology Resident Education at University of Alabama at Birmingham Medical Center

As part of their training, residents rotate through the Cytopathology service for a total of three months, usually for one month at a time. There is also an opportunity for an additional month as an elective. Residents preview all cases along with the fellows and shadow them  during rapid on-site evaluation, pathologist-performed FNAs, and thyroid clinic. Teaching happens continuously at the scope during sign-out, as well as once a week during Cytology didactic lectures, and the residents prepare and lead the unknown sessions.

UAB Cytopathology Fellowship Program

The Division of Anatomic Pathology at the University of Alabama Medical Center, Birmingham, offers a one-year ACGME-approved fellowship experience in Cytopathology, with rotations entirely at the University of Alabama Hospital. The UAB Cytopathology laboratory receives approximately 14,500 gynecologic cases per year (conventional and liquid based) and 7,800 non-gynecologic cases per year, including fluids, FNAs, EUS-FNAs, and pulmonary cases.  Fellows actively participate in previewing and signing out all types of Cytopathology cases and perform rapid on-site evaluation. In addition, fellows will have hands-on experience with ultrasound-guided thyroid FNA and Head and Neck FNAs. Opportunities for elective rotation in subspecialty areas of Surgical Pathology are available, making the program flexible and individually tailored.  Participation in ongoing clinical studies and translational research is also encouraged, leading to publications and presentations at national meetings. The program is optimized with structured didactic lectures and slide sessions relevant to daily practice and Board examination, as well as continuing education through the American Society of Cytopathology monthly webinars. Faculty evaluation of fellows focuses on achievement of competency in patient care, medical knowledge, practice-based learning and improvement, interpersonal and communication skills, professionalism, and lastly system-based practice. Additionally, progress is evaluated through the Progressive Evaluation of Competency exam provided by the American Society of Cytopathology, and through the quarterly meeting of the Clinical Competency Committee.

• Dedicated Education Time
• FNAs including thyroid FNAs in Clinic
• Electives
• Research

Cytopathology Fellowship information:

Program Coordinator
Telephone: (205) 975-3450, Fax: (205) 975-PATH
E-mail: path-fellowships@uabmc.edu
Website: https://www.uab.edu/medicine/pathology/education/fellowship-program

Our Cytopathology Staff

Cytopathology Supervisor: Antoinette Davis Floyd.  MSHA, LSSGB, CT(ASCP)

Cytotechnologists
QueShaundra Fowler. BS, CT(ASCP)
Nola Wagner. BS, CT(ASCP)
Sanjukta Sahu. MS, CT(ASCP)
David Roberts. BS, SCT(ASCP)MB. PRN
Jarkeshia McGahee. MS, CT(ASCP). PRN

Cytology Lab Techs

Kimberly Beck
Nathaniel Bryan
Jessica Doyle
RaShunda Williams. PRN   

Medical Student Elective

As part of their training, medical students from the University of Alabama at Birmingham can rotate through the Cytopathology service and participate in sign-out, as well as shadow the residents and fellows during rapid on-site evaluation, pathologist performed FNA’s, and thyroid clinic.

Cytopathology Consultation

The Cytopathology team provides a comprehensive expert consultative service for all Cytology specimen types, including Gynecologic and Non-Gynecologic specimens. Ancillary testing, including a comprehensive immunohistochemical panel and molecular analysis are validated for Cytology specimens and available.

Cytopathology Consultation Submission Instructions

Please complete theconsultation request form, print, and send with the slides or blocks.

Send slides or blocks to:

Department of Pathology
North Pavilion 3rd Floor, Room 3518
1802 6th Avenue South
Birmingham, AL 35233
Phone: 205-934-4977
Fax: 205-934-7834