How to train to become a Histopathologist

 

Step1:The Foundation Programme (F1 & F2)

The Foundation Programme is a two-year generic training programme which forms the bridge between medical school and specialist/general practice training. Trainees will need to have completed their FY1 and FY2 (or eqivalent) years prior to starting Specialty training.

•  Foundation Year 1 (F1)

The first year of the Foundation Programme builds upon the knowledge, skills and competences acquired in undergraduate training. The learning objectives for this year are set by the General Medical Council. In order to attain full registration with the GMC, doctors must achieve specific competences by the end of this year. (See the GMC website for more details: www.gmc-uk.org)

• Foundation Year 2 (F2)

The second year of the Foundation Programme builds on the first year of training. The F2 year main focus is on training in the assessment and management of the acutely ill patient. Training also encompasses the generic professional skills applicable to all areas of medicine - team work, time management, communication and IT skills.

 

Step 2: Specialty Training (Years: 1-5)

During your F2 year, you will make an application to the National Recruitment process, which is delivered by London Deanery and supported by a working group of pathologists from around the country. Histopathology recruitment is innovative and forward-looking; we participated in the national pilot machine-marked test in 2010 (carried out by AoMRC), have been part of the University of Birmingham research project in selection methodology and are currently validating our intensive selection centre in partnership with the Open University.

Summary of 2010 Histopathology ST1 Recruitment

Histopathology is a run-through specialty, which offers a five year training programme. Training is centered in the 12 Histopathology Training Schools in England and Wales and these were established in 2001. Entry is fairly competitive.  For further information on the various stages and hurdles during the training, have a look at the Illustrative Example on page 88 of the Histopathology Training curriculum.  Trainees must successful complete their Stage A of training before progressing to year 2.

OPTIONAL TRAINING :In addition to the histopathology curriculum there are optional training packages available to Stage C or D histopathology trainees in higher autopsy training, cervical cytology and research methodology. Whilst not a constituent part of the histopathology CCT, these form part of the overall histopathology training programme for those trainees wishing to undertake training in these areas. Each package equates to an indicative period of 3 months' training; it is anticipated that within a 5½ year training programme a trainee could undertake two of these three modules assuming successful completion of all other assessments in a timely fashion as described above. If a trainee decides not to undertake any of these modules and still achieves successful completion of the other assessments, the training programme may be shortened to 5 years.

Step 3: Certificate of Completion of Training

After satisfactory completion of the Histopathology Year1 Assessment, FRCPath by examination, and the acquisition of RITA G, trainees will be eligible for the awarded of the Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT).  On achieving the CCT, prospects for consultant candidates are extremely good, offering a wide range of geographical and life-style choices. 

Further information can be obtained via the MMC website and reading:  "A Guide to Postgraduate Specialty Training in the UK (Gold Guide).