Welcome Letter from the Chief Residents

Thank you for your interest in our Pathology Residency Program at the Medical University of South Carolina! We are excited for you to learn more about us, and we are both extremely proud of what we have to offer here at MUSC.

As a mid-sized program with an ideal volume of specimens, we feel that our learning experience is maximized on every AP and CP rotation. MUSC offers a multitude of diverse specimens, which, combined with daily didactics and frequent unknown conferences, prepares our residents to sign out difficult cases in their future careers. Additionally, our board pass rates are consistently above the national average, and every graduate of our program has found his or her desired fellowship and subsequent job opportunity.

Our exemplary attendings are involved in ongoing research and clinical activities such as multidisciplinary tumor boards, while still placing patient care and resident education first. All of our attendings have an open-door policy where consults, general advice, and research project inquiries are welcome! They are more than willing to assist in the frozen section and gross rooms, too.

In terms of resident life, we have a diverse mixture of single and married residents, and our department is very family friendly. We have several annual get-togethers including a Christmas party (most recently at the South Carolina Aquarium), a resident welcome party (often hosted by attendings), and an end-of-year party (recently at the James Island County Park).

Charleston has been ranked as the number 1 city in the world by Travel + Leisure magazine, and we certainly agree with that designation! Charleston offers a plethora of excellent restaurants for those who enjoy fine dining, many local breweries, historic tours and architecture, and multiple beaches, each with its own unique experiences and views to offer. Because residents are free on most weekends throughout the year, you can find us trying restaurants together, throwing football at the beach, or hosting regular game nights. We also organize resident happy hours, play live-team trivia, and attend concerts, movies, and sporting events. The Lowcountry is an amazing place to live and work!

To summarize, MUSC offers a well-rounded curriculum that will prepare you for a successful career in pathology. Our residents are happy and fully supported by our department in every endeavor. We hope you will give MUSC strong consideration in your application process. If you have questions about our program or life in Charleston, please do not hesitate to contact us at any time.

Best wishes,

Tom Harrington, M.D. and Dorbin Abendano, M.D.