Program Overview and Objectives:

The Postdoctoral Fellowship in Advanced Hematopathology at RML Academy of Laboratory Medicine is a comprehensive one-year program crafted for medical professionals holding an MD or DNB in Pathology. This fellowship offers rigorous, specialized training in the diagnosis, evaluation, and management of hematological disorders—encompassing both malignant and non-malignant conditions.

Structured to cultivate advanced expertise, the program immerses fellows in state-of-the-art diagnostic methodologies, including flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry, molecular pathology, and cytogenetics. In addition to laboratory-based skills, fellows will gain meaningful exposure to clinical hematology, fostering an integrated approach that bridges laboratory diagnostics with direct patient care.

Training Period

The Postdoctoral Fellowship in Advanced Hematopathology is a one-year program that includes extensive hands-on training, seminars, and supervised clinical rotations. The duration is tailored to provide fellows with a comprehensive understanding and proficiency in both routine and advanced hematopathological diagnostic methods.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the Postdoctoral Fellowship in Advanced Hematopathology, candidates must meet the following criteria:

• MD or DNB in Pathology or equivalent qualification from a recognized medical institution.
• A solid foundation in general pathology, with an interest in hematopathology
• Prior exposure to hematopathology during postgraduate training is preferable but not mandatory.
• Valid medical license to practice in India or abroad.
• Candidates with a background in clinical hematology or laboratory hematology may be given preference.
• No age limit.

Course Outline

The syllabus for the Postdoctoral Fellowship in Advanced Hematopathology is designed to cover both theoretical and practical aspects of the field. The major components of the syllabus include:

Introduction to Hematopathology

• Basics of hematopoiesis and hematological systems
• Overview of hematological diseases
• Pathogenesis and classification of hematologic disorders

Malignant Hematology

• Acute and chronic leukemias (AML, CML, ALL, CLL)
• Lymphomas (Hodgkin's and non-Hodgkin's)
• Myeloproliferative neoplasms
• Plasma cell disorders (Multiple myeloma, MGUS)

Non-malignant Hematology

• Anemias (iron deficiency, megaloblastic, thalassemia)
• Hemoglobinopathies
• Hemostasis and bleeding disorders (Hemophilia, thrombophilia)
• Sickle cell disease and other red cell disorders

Advanced Diagnostic Techniques

• Flow cytometry for hematological malignancies
• Immunohistochemistry in hematopathology
• Cytogenetics and molecular techniques (PCR, FISH, sequencing)
• Bone marrow biopsy interpretation

Clinical Hematology Integration

• Correlation of lab findings with clinical presentations
• Role of pathologists in multidisciplinary hematology tumor boards
• Integration of new diagnostic technologies into clinical practice

Case Discussions and Seminars

• Weekly case discussions, including challenging and rare hematologic cases
• Journal clubs, literature review, and evidence-based practice
• Participation in tumor boards and expert panels

Subspecialty Postings

During the fellowship, candidates will rotate through specialized hematopathology sections, including:

• Bone Marrow Pathology: Focus on marrow disorders, including hematologic malignancies and hematopoietic failure.
• Flow Cytometry: training in the interpretation of flow cytometric data for hematologic malignancies.
• Lymphoma and Leukemia Pathology: Study of malignant hematologic diseases with exposure to cutting-edge molecular diagnostic techniques.
• Hemostasis and Thrombosis: Evaluation of bleeding disorders, clotting abnormalities, and coagulation factor analysis.

Selection Process

Candidates for the Postdoctoral Fellowship in Advanced Hematopathology will be selected based on the following criteria:

• Academic qualifications (MD/DNB in Pathology).
• Experience or prior training in hematopathology (preferred but not mandatory).
• Interview performance, including clinical knowledge and problem-solving abilities.
• Letters of recommendation from academic mentors or previous employers.

Successful Completion Requisites

To successfully complete the Postdoctoral Fellowship, fellows must:

• Attend a minimum of 75% of all lectures, seminars, and case discussions.
• Complete hands-on training and clinical rotations in all assigned specialty areas.
• Demonstrate proficiency in interpreting hematological cases, performing bone marrow biopsies, and reporting diagnostic findings.
• Submit a research project or clinical case study at the end of the fellowship.
• Pass both continuous assessments and a final examination (Theory and viva by external Faculty), which will assess theoretical knowledge and practical skills.