Faculty member examining a slide
Keck School of Medicine of USC

Department of Pathology

Are you a patient?

Unearthing the Molecular Mechanisms that
Define and Defeat Disease

The Department of Pathology conducts basic and translational research spanning cancer biology, molecular disease mechanisms, immunotherapy, and the development of new molecular diagnostic and prognostic parameters.

Clinical services span the full scope of anatomic and clinical pathology. Our faculty deliver diagnostic pathology and laboratory medicine services for Keck Hospital of USC, USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Los Angeles General Medical Center, USC Verdugo Hills Hospital and USC Arcadia Hospital.

Our four-year residency training program supports 27 postgraduate positions at Los Angeles General Medical Center, Keck Hospital of USC, Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, and the LA County Medical Examiner. We offer 14 fellowship positions spanning cytopathology, GI and liver pathology, hematopathology, neuropathology, and surgical pathology. Graduate education also extends to students through our MS in Molecular Pathology and Experimental Medicine.

Research

We lead advanced investigations into the mechanisms of disease spanning discovery to translation to clinical application. Cancer is one major focus, with studies to develop and improve targeted treatments, immunotherapies, diagnostic methods and ways to lower risk.

Learn about our Pathology Research
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Training & Education

Learn about our Training Programs

Residency

Prepare for the career in pathology that is meaningful to you. Side-by-side with faculty mentors, you will gain experience covering the breadth of the field and a variety of clinical environments.

Clinical Fellowship

Subspecialty training exposes you to an uncommon, and uncommonly comprehensive, spectrum of cases. You will also grow as an educator and researcher, positioning you to become a sought-after pathologist.

Medical Students

Pathology coursework is foundational to Keck School medical education — and highly rated by students. Our clerkship takes in all aspects of our field, uniquely equipping you to pursue residency training.

MD/PhD

Your path to biomedical leadership starts here. Supplement your Keck School medical education with basic science training and receive a dual degree.

MS in Molecular Pathology & Experimental Medicine

Our interdisciplinary program trains students to be scientists probing the mechanisms of human disease. Graduates pursue a variety of options, including research in industry or academia, teaching, or seeking MD or PhD degrees.

Patient Care

No matter what the medical condition, we have a seasoned pathologist ready to provide consultations of uncompromising quality, driven by our dedication to patients. Our subspecialty experts support Keck School physicians in every department and reach beyond our health system with solicited second opinion consultations.

Learn about our Patient Care
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From the Chair

As we continue to drive innovative research, provide exceptional education, and collaborate across disciplines, our department is committed to shaping the future of pathology. Together, we strive to deliver cutting-edge diagnostics, transformative treatments, and training that equips the next generation of leaders in the field.

Professor Jane Emerson, MD, PhD
Meet the Faculty
Dr. emerson for chair

Support Us

Philanthropy has the power to bridge lab breakthroughs to new health solutions that transform lives. That’s the type of difference that you can make by supporting research in the Department of Pathology. We welcome your partnership in science with the potential to benefit patients everywhere.

Learn about our giving opportunities