Cytology Rotation - 2 months

While on cytology rotations, residents are involved in daily sign-outs of cytological material, are introduced to screening techniques for cervical smears, evaluate all non-gynecologic cytology materials, perform and interpret all fine-needle aspirations, and review study sets and slides.

In the first month, the resident learns techniques of PAP screening and evaluation of non-gynecologic cytology preparations. The resident obtains history and previews the majority of the non-gynecologic cases. He or she then reviews the cases with the cytopathologist on service. Residents watch performances of fine-needle aspirates and eventually perform the aspirates themselves with faculty guidance.

The second and third months of cytology entail progressively increasing responsibility on the resident’s part in performing and interpreting FNAs. Cytologic materials are evaluated, reviewed with the cytopathologist, and dictated or entered into the LIS by the resident.