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.  This may be reflected in a number of ways, including demonstrated interest in health care issues affecting the citizens of our region or commitment to providing pathology services to our region.

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 2023 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: December 1, 2023 is our deadline for applications however; we strongly encourage applicants to submit their completed applications early for review on September 27, 2023.

Q: How will you conduct the interviews for the 2024 Match?

A: All interviews are virtual. There is no on-site component for any candidate, including local or regional applicants. You are welcome to visit Greenville on your own but ECU Health Medical Center tours are not available and we will not accept visitors in the Pathology Department.

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 do! We consider all well-qualified candidates and prioritize those committed to improving the health and well-being of eastern North Carolina.   Please Note, ECU Health sponsors J1 visas only.

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

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

Q: What else is required for an interview?

A: Applicants must have 3 letters of recommendation and at least 1 letter must be 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 will make every effort to inform you of the status of your application by email prior to December 1, 2023. Please be patient. We receive many applications and decisions take time.

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