Resources for Medical Students

Hear from board-certified pathologists and CAP members on why they chose pathology, check out the latest pathology news and events, and explore why pathology is an exciting and vital specialty.

Subspecialty Spotlight Series

Join the CAP Residents Forum for the Subspecialty Spotlight Series. This unique event offers medical students and junior members the opportunity to connect with experts from a diverse range of subspecialties through live Q&A sessions.

Gain insight as you hear from experts representing a range of subspecialties during three sessions. Register for one spotlight session or immerse yourself in all three.

Register now

The following are some commonly cited reasons for entering the field of pathology:

• It's challenging and rewarding. Every day, pathologists draw on their extensive medical knowledge to identify and diagnose disease processes that help determine the management and care for patients.
• Great work-life balance. No other specialty offers such a flexible schedule with possibilities for a well-blended lifestyle.
• Use cutting-edge tools and AI. Pathology is leading the evolution of modern medicine through genomics, digital pathology, and AI/machine learning.
• Work with a multidisciplinary team. As part of the diagnostic team, you'll work with other pathologists, physicians, and, in many cases, directly with patients.
• Contribute to advancements in science and medicine. You'll find a diverse field of opportunities in academic research, private practice, biotech industries, teaching, and more.

This dynamic and growing specialty has much to offer, as evidenced by the following statistics.

• The average annual pathologist salary is $316,000 (2021 Medscape Physician Compensation Report).
• Pathology encompasses 11 subspecialties to choose from.
• The average pathologist's workweek is 49.2 hours (2021 Medscape Physician Compensation Report).

Downloadable PDFs:

• Pathology 101: learn more about training to practice in the field.
• Infographic: facts and stats on the specialty of pathology and its practitioners.

Congratulations to the 2022 CAP Distinguished Medical Student Award Winners

The CAP Distinguished Medical Student Award recognizes distinguished medical students in their quests for pathology knowledge and engagement, with a goal of elevating the stature of the field of pathology and demonstrating the commitment to attracting top medical students into the field.

This year, the second year of the award, 23 medical students from across the US have been nominated by physicians at their institutions to be recognized by the CAP. Learn more.

We encourage medical students to consider an exciting and rewarding career in pathology. Our career center distinguishes itself from other job boards in a number of ways:

• Ability to post resumes and applications anonymously, enabling candidates to stay connected to the career center while maintaining full control over their confidential information.
• Advanced job alert system that notifies a candidate of new opportunities matching criteria pre-selected according to the candidate's desired postings.
• Access to industry-specific jobs—and top-quality candidates—infrequently seen on the mass job boards.

Several universities have pathology interest groups that raise awareness about pathology among medical students as to the crucial role pathologists play in medical practice.

If you are interested in starting a pathology interest group at your medical school, or would like to have yours listed, please send us an email.

• Loma Linda University School of Medicine
• Michigan State University Pathology Interest Group
• UCONN Pathology Interest Group
• University of Mississippi Medical Center
• University of Pittsburgh Medical Center