Histopathology Training in Scotland - Glasgow

The West of Scotland training programme in pathology is an excellent training programme which conforms to all of the formal training guidelines laid out by the Royal College of Pathologists. This programme is unique in Scotland as the various West of Scotland training departments are able to offer a superb mix of specialist and generalist training across the full range of specialties within pathology. This includes Paediatric Pathology, Neuropathology and Forensic Medicine, giving trainees the opportunity to subspecialise if desired.

Many of the central hospitals are tertiary referral centres for highly specialised surgery therefore producing a variety of complex resections and interesting pathologies that are not seen elsewhere.

Trainees are closely supervised and their training needs are carefully monitored throughout this 5 year programme. The West of Scotland has many training resources locally and the deanery supports training and educational opportunities outwith the deanery when required especially in run up to exams.

The West also offers great opportunities for trainees to participate in teaching and research which are available through the university academic department. The West has had anexcellent pass rate for both part 1 and 2 exams over recent years. Trainees located in Glasgow can easily commute to rotations beyond the city itself.

Histopathology training in the West of Scotland offers the opportunity to experience pathology both within large university teaching departments with subspecialisation and smaller district general hospitals.  A full range of subspecialty experience is available in neuropathology at the Institute for Neurological Sciences, paediatric and perinatal pathology at The Royal Hospital for Sick Children and forensic pathology at Glasgow University's department of forensic medicine.   Research opportunities also exist at the new Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre.

Pathology is the "science" of medicine. The pathologist is an essential member of the multidisciplinary team when it comes to patient management. Histopathology is a wide ranging specialty covering Surgical Pathology, Cytopathology and autopsies. The 5 year training programme is relatively short in comparison to other specialties, and has recognised subspecialty training in Paediatric Pathology, Neuropathology and Forensic Medicine if desired.

Providing all the college training guidelines are met, career progression is relatively quick with opportunities to take time out for research if required.

For further programme information please go to the  Programme Information Profile on the NHS Education for Scotland Website.