Current Residents

Nila Jones, MD

Welcome from the Pathology Chief Resident

Hi! If you are visiting this site prior to applying, thank you for considering the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC). If you are visiting this site after matching, CONGRATULATIONS! Regardless, warmest of welcomes to UNMC’s Pathology Residency!

Here at UNMC, we have many opportunities to help you define what a successful pathologist is and to subsequently reach that goal. As a resident, you will rotate through anatomic and clinical pathology (AP/CP) each year (meaning we are an AP/CP combined program). A subspecialty sign-out system allows you to focus in on individual organ systems; however, you will be welcome to build up your general sign-out skills by requesting physical cases from our slide room, using our digital slides, attending unknown anatomic pathology conferences, and interesting case conferences. Regarding our clinical pathology rotations, you will be met with welcoming staff and attendings who will involve you in the daily workflow including any problems that arise. Though you will be pushed to think critically, the attendings will help you find and use the tools you will need to navigate clinical questions and manage a lab in the future.

Our program is full of valuable and unique experiences. For example, we have great exposure to neuropathology and transfusion medicine/blood banking. Although the neuropathology rotation is usually taken as a senior resident, monthly conferences allow a grasp of the basics prior to the official rotation. The neuropathology rotation itself also allows for practice with muscle and nerve biopsy interpretation. Our transfusion medicine/blood banking rotations are stellar. Not only are the attendings knowledgeable and supportive, but the clinical exposure to complex cases paired with educational sessions prepare residents early on for the transfusion medicine/blood banking-related portion of the CP boards. Our apheresis service is robust and serves pediatric and adult populations with a variety of diseases. Another wonderful opportunity is the Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology’s Research Award. Twice per academic year, the department accepts applications for a $10,000 research award. If you are the recipient, the funds can assist with publication and travel costs. The pathology department also shows leadership in research with high participation in UNMC’s annual graduate medical education research symposium, with many of the presenters also presenting (or having their work presented) at national and international conferences.

These are just a few of the advantages of training at the University of Nebraska Medical Center’s Pathology Residency Program. Please remember, the overarching goal is to help you define success and reach the goals that get you there. Best wishes on your journey through the amazing field of pathology, and please do not hesitate to reach out with questions.