MRCpath
WHAT DOES A HISTOPATHOLOGIST DO?
A career in Histopathology is not something that we are all familiar with when we leave medical school. So what does a Histopathologist do . The bulk of your time is spent in reporting biopsies and surgical specimens sent to the lab. All the specimen processing and cutting of sections is done by trained laboratory staff. In addition to this you also report cytology specimens which are cervical smears and FNA, fluids etc. About 5-10% of your time is spent on doing autopsies the vast majority of which are from the Coroner(for which you get paid extra).
So what is attractive about Histopathology. It gives you an opportunity to be involved with all major disciplines within medicine and then develop an area of expertise. These days most Histpathologists will have an area of expertise i.e. Breast. Gastrointestinal etc. in which they will specialise. The Histopathologist makes an important contribution to patient care by providing accurate diagnosis and important prognostic information which affects patient management. There is also the opportunity to be involved with research.
SENIOR HOUSE OFFICER IN HISTOPATHOLOGY
This is the entry level and the requirements are that you should have completed a year of house jobs in clinical disciplines and be committed to a career in Histopathology. Towards the end of your year as an SHO the college arranges an assessment to see that you have made satisfactory progress and are committed to and suitable for Histopathology.
SPECIALIST REGISTRAR
You need at least a year in Histopathology at SHO level in order to apply for registrar jobs. This is usually a five year rotation during which you can take your examinations. The part 1 can be taken after
2 ½ years in training of which only 1 year can be at an SHO level. The part 2 can be taken after 4 ½ years and for award of CCST at least five years are needed.
For details of examinations, core training and past papers see the Royal College of Pathologists site at www.rcpath.org.
CURRENT JOB MARKET
As of May 2000 there is a severe shortage of consultant Histopathologists in the UK. There are currently hundreds of vacant posts which are lying unfilled. In order to address this a expansion at SHO and Registrar level is taking place.
For further guidance please contact: guidance@kemc.org.uk