Contact us

For more information, please contact Josie Rivera, our program administrator.

Email Josie Rivera

How to apply

  • ACGME#: 3001100001
  • NRMP#: 2232300CO

How to Apply

Welcome from our Program Director

Welcome to the Pathology Residency Program at HCA Florida Westside Hospital/Northwest Hospital. We are proud to be part of the HCA Healthcare Graduate Medical Education network—an organization that stands as the nation's leading provider of quality, patient-centered care and a trailblazer in medical education.

Welcome Letter

Program overview

Welcome to our Pathology Residency Program, a four-year, ACGME-accredited training program designed to prepare you for a successful career in Anatomic Pathology (AP) and Clinical Pathology (CP).  Our program provides a comprehensive and hands-on experience, drawing from a vast network of hospitals and a centralized core laboratory. Our program is committed to producing well-rounded, competent pathologists who are ready for anything, whether that's community practice, or a specialized fellowship for a career in academia. We believe in learning by doing, with close guidance from our supportive and experienced faculty.

What make us unique

Our program offers a distinct training environment that prioritizes resident education and professional development. Here's what makes our approach unique:

  • Dual-Training in Digital Pathology: We provide hands-on experience with both traditional glass slides and fully digitized cases for all surgical pathology. This innovative dual-training model ensures you are proficient in current diagnostic methods while being fully prepared for the future of pathology.
  • Focused Hematopathology Expertise: While we emphasize broad training, our program provides dedicated subspecialty sign-out in hematopathology. With three core faculty members who are board-certified in the field, you'll receive focused, expert-level instruction in this critical area.
  • Extensive Non-GYN Cytology: Residents are heavily involved in a robust Rapid On-Site Evaluation (ROSE) service. You'll gain significant expertise with complex non-GYN specimens, especially those from lung (EBUS biopsy), thyroid, liver, and pancreas (EUS), a highly sought-after skill.
  • High-Yield Grossing: Our experienced Pathology Assistants handle the majority of routine grossing, providing valuable teaching and oversight. This allows you to focus your limited grossing responsibilities on complex cases, maximizing your educational return.
  • No Surgical Pathology Call: We've structured our program to eliminate overnight or weekend surgical pathology call. This allows you to maintain a better work-life balance and focus on your studies and personal well-being.

 Educational and research opportunities

Our program is committed to a rich academic environment that fosters scholarly activity and professional growth.

  • Didactic Time: Residents have protected didactic time each week, in addition to Noon Conferences, Journal Club, and Grand Rounds.
  • Tumor Boards: You'll actively participate in weekly hybrid in person/virtual general and specialty-specific Tumor Boards, collaborating with other clinicians and solidifying your role in patient care.
  • Scholarly Activities: Scholarly activity is a cornerstone of our program. We fully fund residents' presentations at state and national conferences and encourage publications and participation outside the minimal graduation requirements.
  • Unique Rotations: Beyond our core HCA Healthcare system, residents rotate at diverse institutions, including the Broward County Medical Examiner's Office, Nicklaus Children's Hospital, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, and regional reference labs. These rotations expose you to esoteric and cutting-edge diagnostics, broadening your expertise.
  • Electives: With four months of elective time, including two months of external rotations, you have the flexibility to tailor your training to your specific interests and career goals.

Faculty and support

 You will learn from a dedicated team of board-certified faculty with subspecialty expertise across a broad range of fields, including:

Cytopathology

Hematopathology

Bone and soft tissue pathology

Oncologic surgical pathology

Genitourinary pathology

Neuropathology

Pediatric pathology

Gastrointestinal/liver pathology

 Our culture

Our program is defined by a benevolent and nurturing culture. We believe in close mentorship and collaborative learning, with a faculty that is deeply committed to academic excellence and your professional development.

Curriculum and rotation schedule

Our expertly crafted programs are designed to provide resident physicians with all the experiences and training necessary for professional success.

See Program Schedule

Our Program Director

Our team is comprised of skilled experts with deep experience and knowledge from which residents and fellows can benefit.

Susana Ferra, MD, FCAP, FASCP

Program Director


View All Our Faculty

Program details

Salary

YearSalaryMealsTotal
PGY-1 $61,360 $950 $62,310
PGY-2 $63,502 $950 $64,452
PGY-3 $65,728 $950 $66,678
PGY-4 $69,014 $950 $69,964

Mission statement

The HCA Florida Westside Hospital/Northwest Hospital Pathology Residency Program's mission is to develop the next generation of physicians and physician leaders.

As a part of HCA Healthcare, we are driven by a single mission: Above all else, we are committed to the care and improvement of human life.

This program is designed to offer residents a rewarding, educational environment where residents are provided individualized learning opportunities by faculty and staff who support and sustain one another throughout quality care delivery. Our faculty are committed to ensuring the residents' clinical experience and educational needs are fulfilled while expanding residents’ perspectives to be inclusive of cultures, values and ideals.

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