Amy C. Clayton

Amy C. Clayton, M.D. is a distinguished faculty member in the Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology at Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science in Rochester, Minnesota. She serves within the Division of Anatomic Pathology with a specialized focus on cytopathology and molecular diagnostics. Dr. Clayton holds board certification in Anatomic & Clinical Pathology from the American Board of Pathology and has developed significant expertise in diagnostic algorithms incorporating fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and molecular techniques.

Dr. Clayton's educational background includes a BS in Biology from Iowa Wesleyan College (1983, Summa cum laude), an MA in Biochemistry from the University of Kansas (1985), and an MD from the University of Kansas Medical School (1989). She completed her residency in Anatomic and Clinical Pathology (1993) and fellowship in Surgical Pathology (1994) at Mayo Clinic, establishing her long-standing affiliation with the institution.

Her research interests center on cytopathology with particular expertise in gynecologic pathology, endometrial cancer diagnostics, and pancreatobiliary tract pathology. Dr. Clayton has pioneered work in applying fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) to improve diagnostic accuracy in cytology specimens, particularly for pancreatobiliary cancers, urinary tract malignancies, and cervical lesions. She has also contributed significantly to molecular diagnostics research, including the development of biomarker panels for endometrial cancer detection and the application of liquid-based cytology techniques.

Analysis of Dr. Clayton's publication record reveals a consistent focus on improving diagnostic accuracy through advanced cytologic methods. Her work spans multiple organ systems but shows particular strength in gynecologic pathology and pancreatobiliary diagnostics. A notable trend is her development and validation of molecular techniques to complement traditional cytology, with many publications focusing on FISH applications across different specimen types. Her research demonstrates a translational approach, moving molecular discoveries from the laboratory to clinical implementation.

• 2015 Mayo Clinic Excellence in Teamwork Award - DLMP Molecular Workflow Improvement Team, Chair
• 2009 Teacher of the Year in Laboratory Medicine and Pathology
• 2009 Teacher of the Year Hall of Fame Award
• 2002 Excellence in Teaching Recognition Award
• 2000 Teacher of the Year in Laboratory Medicine and Pathology
• 1999 Teacher of the Year in Laboratory Medicine and Pathology

Dr. Clayton has demonstrated exceptional commitment to medical education, evidenced by multiple teaching awards from the Mayo Fellows Association. Her leadership extends to numerous committees including the American Society of Cytopathology Executive Board, where she has served in various capacities including Chair of the Social Media Committee. She has held significant administrative roles within the Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, including Vice Chair of Clinical Practice and Quality, and Chair of multiple implementation committees focused on improving molecular testing workflows and diagnostic laboratory utilization.

Within Mayo Clinic's research infrastructure, Dr. Clayton has been instrumental in developing and implementing molecular cytology testing, serving as Medical Director of the Molecular Cytology Laboratory and Cytology Laboratory. Her work has contributed to Mayo's reputation as a leader in advanced diagnostic pathology, particularly in the application of FISH technology to challenging diagnostic scenarios across multiple organ systems.