ASCP Supports Common Fellowship Application Timeline

Over the past several years, many pathology subspecialties have been moving toward a common fellowship application timeline. For the 2026-2027 academic year, Hematopathology, Molecular Genetic Pathology, Forensic Pathology, and Bone and Soft Tissue Pathology have joined Clinical Informatics in the formal match processes; all but Clinical Informatics is hosted by the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP). Recent survey data suggests that several additional subspecialties are very close to aligning with the NRMP participation thresholds as well.  

ASCP strongly supports the development of a common timeline for pathology subspecialty fellowship programs. In support of these efforts, ASCP has joined together with other pathology organizations in signing a statement developed by the Association for Academic Pathology (AAPath), whose Fellowship Directors Committee (FDC) has been a forum for coordination between subspecialty fellowship leadership. The statement outlines ASCP’s support for timeline alignment and provides key rationales for pursuing participation in a 2027 match (for the 2028-2029 academic year).  

ASCP looks forward to the broader pathology community’s support for subspecialty society efforts to standardize the fellowship recruitment process, a move favored by a substantial majority of pathology residents. ASCP encourages program directors to join in this effort. However, for those fellowship programs that do not participate, we ask that they not require a commitment from applicants before the common offer date chosen by the subspecialty. This would give applicants the opportunity to evaluate their options free of undue pressure.