The Department of Pathology at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine educates medical students, graduate students, clinical residents, and fellows in pathology and is committed to improving our specialties through impassioned teaching and instruction, innovative research and excellence in patient services though our affiliated care facilities.
Message from the Chair
We are very fortunate at Northwestern Medicine to be located in the world class city of Chicago, with all it has to offer, and to occupy some of its best real estate, nestled between Lake Michigan to the East and Michigan Avenue to the West. We have state-of-the-art facilities and technologies that are the envy of nearly all other US academic medical centers. However, these elements are not what make us stand out the most within Northwestern Pathology and Labs.
As is clearly evident in this issue of the Scope, it is our people that make us outstanding. Not only are our members generous, talented and diverse; they are highly accomplished and recognized locally and nationally for their individual achievements, while also gelling together as work family of pathologists, trainees and staff.
Just in the past 6 months, we have recognized some of the highest achievements of our faculty by promoting 3 to Professor and another 4 to Associate Professor; we have recognized 2 with endowed chairs due to their tremendous contributions to scholarship; and another renowned faculty member received the most prestigious award that our hospital provides. We had the opportunity to graduate many of our residents and fellows in June, and also to recognize the many diagnostic, educational and research accomplishments with awards as we send them off to their next stage, some returning to Northwestern, which we love to see.
We celebrated the one-year anniversary of our 5 newest research faculty, who have thrived individually and brought our Department to record heights of scholarship and grant funding. And we brought in 8 new and amazing PGY-1 residents and 13 clinical fellows to both advance their own careers and to raise the bar of practice and academics of the Department.
Our platform of excellence is operating at a very high level in Northwestern Pathology and is directly rooted in our greatest asset, our people.
IRAP 2025
Faculty Highlights
Faculty Promotions
Congratulations to Drs. Lee Cooper and Peng Ji!
Happy 1 Year Anniversary to our New Research Faculty
Congratulations to Dr. Rudy Castellani!
Departmental Highlights
Trainee Graduation
This past June, we celebrated an incredible group of residents and fellows at our graduation ceremony! We are so proud of their accomplishments and grateful for the impact they’ve had on our department. Wishing them all the best in their next chapter!
Trainee Welcome Breakfast
In July, we welcomed all of our new residents and fellows to our department with our annual New Trainee Welcome Breakfast!
Chicago River Cruise
In August, Our department cruised down the Chicago River for some well-deserved socializing, good food, and music! A bit of rain did not get in the way of a fun time for all. Everyone had a great time!
Departmental News
Nayar Recieved the 2025 Mecklenburg Award from NMH
What an honor! Congrats to Dr. Ritu Nayar on receiving the 2025 Mecklenburg Award from NMH. Of all 2200 medical staff, she was selected by her peers based on her amazing humanism and professionalism. So well deserved!
Aqil Featured in PathologyOutlines Septmber Newsletter
Congratulations to Dr. Barina Aqil, featured in the PathologyOutlines September Newsletter: “What’s New in Hematopathology 2025: Myeloid Neoplasms in the WHO 5th Edition and ICC" Read more here.
Nayar Joins AMA Podcast with "How to Prevent Cervical Cancer"
Dr. Ritu Nayar joins the AMA Update podcast to discuss rising cervical cancer rates and how at-home HPV tests could make screening easier and more accessible. Listen here.
Brat Featured in The Pathologist
Check out Dr. Daniel Brat’s feature in The Pathologist where he reflects on his career as a neuropathologist and gives advice to those considering the specialty. Learn more here.
Ahrendsen Named New Residency Program Director
Excited to announce Dr. Jared Ahrendsen is our new Residency Program Director! We are lucky to have his leadership, passion for education, and commitment to our residents.
Upcoming Events
Holiday Party
The Northwestern Pathology Holiday Party will take place December 10, 2025 at D4 Irish Pub & Cafe at 4:30pm.
Research Retreat
The Northwestern Pathology Research Retreat will take place on February 16, 2026 in the Simpson-Querrey Auditorium.
USCAP Annual Meeting
USCAP's 115th Annual Meeting will take place in San Antonio, TX from March 21-26, 2026. The reception for departmental faculty, trainees, and alumni will take place at 5:30PM on March 23.
Monday Noon Conferences
Monday Noon Conferences are designed to provide Northwestern faculty and trainees with further education in special topics within pathology. The Pathology Departments hosts two types of Monday Noon Conferences: outside speakers invited by faculty and Calandra speakers, which are student research presentations.
Grand Rounds
The Northwestern Pathology Grand Rounds Lecture Series attracts some of the highest caliber experts in the field of pathology. This year, we have hosted renowned thought leaders in policy, business, and research such as Dr. Rudy Castellani, Dr. Donna Hansel, and Dr. Liron Pantanowitz. In the spring, we are hosting Dr. Kojo Elenitoba-Johnson and Dr. Ie-Ming Shih.