Knowledge base: Has a firm grasp of discipline-related core knowledge and skills, understands disease processes and pathological mechanisms

Ability to learn: Able to acquire new knowledge and skills with minimal need for repetition

Intellectual curiosity: Eager to learn, asks probing questions, intrigued by processes, challenges and the unknown

Intellectual ability: Capable of synthesizing information from various sources, distilling important facts from papers, objectively analyzing data

Self-­­motivation: Drives own education and projects (e.g. manuscripts, research study, lectures), reads widely and extensively (including primary literature), meets deadlines, independent learner

Multitasking ability: Can juggle clinical duties, teaching, a research project, and independent board study

Flexibility: Adaptable, can respond to varying needs

Work ethic: Hard worker, goes above and beyond expectations, reliable, punctual, trustworthy

Team spirit: Works well with others, volunteers for tasks, does not feel certain tasks are beneath them, willing to help others out on short notice

Personality traits: Optimistic disposition, handles stress well, inclusive, treats others with respect and consideration regardless of rank/title

Research potential: Has the ability to generate hypothesis-­­driven bench research or participate in clinical pathologic­­ related research

Oral: Can communicate complex medical or scientific concepts to clients/co-workers or trainees

Presentation skills: Comfortable presenting to small or large groups of people

Written communication (e.g. cytology reports, manuscripts, lecture or case notes): Can communicate complex medical/scientific concepts, organized

Teaching abilities: Effective and engaging in small group interactions, laboratories, and one-on-one interactions