Residency FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are you looking for in a residency candidate?

A: We are looking for candidates committed to improving the health and well-being of eastern North Carolina.  A demonstrated interest in health care issues affecting the citizens of our region or a commitment to providing pathology services to our region are two ways to indicate commitment.

Q: How many residency positions are in the program? 

A: Our ACGME accreditation is for 12 AP/CP residents. We anticipate matching 3 residents in the 2025 Match.

Q: Do the residents have their own desk and microscope?

A: Yes. All residents have an Olympus BX43 microscope, a computer with 2 screens, and a desk with shelves.

Q: Where do most residents live?

A: Most residents live in apartments or townhouses within a 5–15 minute drive to the hospital. A few residents live within walking distance. Residents report spending approximately 33% of their income for satisfactory housing. 

Q: How far away do I have to park?

A: The resident parking lot is near the main building next to faculty parking and the helicopter pad.

Q: Do residents commute to other hospitals?

A: No. All training occurs at the ECU Health Medical Center. All autopsy cases, hospital and forensic, are performed on-site. 

Q: How do I apply?

A: We only accept applications submitted through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS).

Q: What is the application deadline?

A: We encourage applicants to submit their completed applications before September 25, 2024.

Q: How will you conduct the interviews for the 2025 Match?

A: All interviews are virtual. You are welcome to visit Greenville on your own but ECU Health Medical Center tours or tours of the Pathology Department are not available.

Q: How many candidates will the program interview?

A: We anticipate interviewing about 45 candidates. We offer the same number of interview invitations as interview openings on the schedule.

 Q: Do you accept IMG in your program?

 A: Yes. We consider all well-qualified candidates and prioritize those committed to improving the health and well-being of eastern North Carolina.  ECU Health sponsors J1 visas only.

Q: Are USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 required for an interview?

A: For M.D. applicants, completion of USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 is required for an interview. For D.O. applicants, completion of COMLEX Level 1 and Level 2 is required for an interview. USMLE is not required for D.O. applicants.

Q: What else is required for an interview?

A: Applicants must have three letters of recommendation with at least one of the letters from a pathologist. Applicants must have some type of pathology experience or exposure beyond the basic pathology curriculum provided in their medical school. Applicants must satisfy the criteria for a North Carolina training license.

NCMEDBOARD-Resident Training Licensure (RTL)

Q: How will I know the status of my application?

A: We strive to have all interview decisions made prior to December 1, 2024.

Q: Where can I find information about the curriculum and rotations?

A: The answers for many questions are on this website. A sample rotation diagram is here: ECU Residency – Program Information

Descriptions of each rotation are here below.

Residency – Anatomic Pathology Rotations

Residency – Clinical Pathology Rotations