Pathology contributes many scientific advances to medical research through the application of basic science to clinical problems.  Research gives residents problem-solving skills in science and technology that are useful to the future hospital-based diagnostic pathologist as well as the future academic pathologist.  Residents specifically interested in an academic career in pathology focused on basic research will find many opportunities for career development at the University of Utah.

All residents are encouraged to pursue research projects as part of their training.  Many research opportunities are available covering a wide range of areas including basic research to clinical diagnostics.  The opportunity for clinical pathologic studies or development projects exists in all anatomic, clinical and experimental areas of the department.  Several lunch meetings are held each year with the residency research director to discuss specific research opportunities available in the department.  Trainees with an interest in research will find enthusiastic support from the faculty, including help in identifying research mentors within the medical center and in structuring a research career path.  Residents may choose to do research for their elective rotations or as an adjunct to their clinical rotations, allowing them to have an extensive research experience during their residency training.  Residents also have the opportunity to collaborate with clinicians from other services on research projects and case reports

Residents are urged to submit their research for presentation at national meetings.  Residents are given travel support to present abstracts at national meetings.  Residents will prepare their project for publication and submit it to a peer reviewed medical journal.  Residents are supported in the laboratories by their research mentor and may also apply for additional research funds for more extensive projects through the department chair and the ARUP Institute for Clinical and Experimental Pathology® .