Specialty: Histopathology

GMC: NOS/459

Deanery sponsoring programme: / North of Scotland
Postgraduate Dean: / Professor Gillian Needham
Responsible Associate Dean/GP Director: / Dr Peter Johnston
Programme Type -
§  Deanery-based or National: / Deanery
§  Specialty or Sub-specialty: / Specialty
Date of GMC recent approval: / August 2010
Associated Royal College / Faculty
Web address
Curriculum and Associated Assessment System / Royal College of Pathologists
http://www.rcpath.org/
http://www.rcpath.org/index.asp?PageID=116
Link
Date programme information last updated / August 2011
Recognised Programme Locations and Environments
This programme involves placements in some or all of these Health Boards and hospitals:
North of Scotland – placements in Aberdeen hospitals and Inverness:
Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, Aberdeen
Raigmore Hospital, Inverness
Royal Aberdeen Children’s Hospital
University of Aberdeen
Programme Director / Dr Louise Smart
Contact / Dr L Smart
Department of Pathology
Medical School Building
Foresterhill
Aberdeen AB25 2ZD / Tel: 01224 552836
E mail:
Programme Description
Why choose this programme
The Programme provides a broad base to training in Histopathology with exposure to all aspects of surgical pathology, cytopathology and post mortem pathology practice. The Programme follows a well established rota system that allows trainees to rotate regularly through these components. In addition to the general training in surgical pathology, trainees will be exposed to sub-specialty work and will develop skills in handling a wide range of simple and complex specimens. Consultants with special interests and expertise supervise trainees’ work one to one in an encouraging and supportive, yet challenging environment. Cytopathology training includes attendance at symptomatic clinics, taking and rapidly reporting fine needle aspirates as well as reporting the range of diagnostic cytopathology specimens. There is a large cervical screening programme which offers the opportunity for trainees to learn gynaecological cytology.
The laboratories are CPA approved and use automated state of the art equipment in modern environments both physically and intellectually. IT is extensive and widely available. Up to date investigative methods for immunocytochemical and molecular studies of routine cases are available for a wide range of specimens.
Post mortem practice follows recent guidance. There is excellent exposure to hands on post mortem work in the hospital and community setting. There are well established links with the Forensic Pathology services across the Deanery which enhances trainees’ experience in morbid anatomy and its investigation.
Trainees have extensive opportunities to teach undergraduates, Foundation Doctors, fellow trainees and biomedical scientists, conceive and carry out audit projects, ensuring meaningful outcomes, and be involved in fundamental, applied and educational research. Collaboration with the local Universities is encouraged and there are active postgraduate sectors. Organisational and managerial skills are fostered through involvement in a range of activities in the departments (e.g. the handling of Critical Incidents) and Deanery (e.g. Specialty Training and Education Committee). Trainees undertake a programme of workplace based assessments and there are in house assessments twice yearly followed by feedback and appraisal sessions with help to develop personal learning plans. Trainees are encouraged to attend relevant courses and meetings both locally and nationally.
The programme is located in the teaching hospital, Aberdeen Royal Infirmary. This hospital provides a range of services to the population of Grampian and the Northern Isles of Orkney and Shetland. The histopathology case load is a mix of primary, secondary and tertiary care. Aberdeen Royal Infirmary functions as a general hospital for local and regional services as well as providing a wide range of specialist and sub-specialist referral services including some tertiary referral cases for Highland and Tayside. The histopathology practice reflects this mix with training opportunities in all areas defined in the Royal College of Pathologists’ Histopathology Specialty Training Curriculum (2010).
Trainees will be expected to rotate to Raigmore Hospital, Inverness. This is a large district general hospital which, because of its geographical situation, offers a range of specialist and sub-specialist services. The case mix in Inverness is broadly similar to Aberdeen, lacking only some sub-specialty material. It does provide an opportunity to sample the district general hospital environment and thus provides trainees with a contrast to Aberdeen.
Aberdeen, on the north east coast of Scotland has a rich history and a current “hi-tech” feel with its central position in oilfield technology. The climate is sunny and dry benefiting from the nearby hills which shelter the city. The hills and valleys are a close and extensive recreational facility in easy reach of the city. There is an extensive range of shops and a selection of cultural facilities. The city itself is moderately large but small enough to allow quick escape to the countryside, many people living in adjacent towns. There are good schools and excellent employment opportunities in the oil and service industries. The airport provides frequent links with most major UK cities and there are regular train services to the south and north.
Inverness, the “capital of the Highlands”, sits on the River Ness, just downstream from the famous Loch of the same name. The city is a bustling centre with good cultural, retail and leisure facilities. The high hills of Scotland are nearby and provide challenges to the most experienced climber as well as relaxing walks for the less ambitious. The airport has regular connections to other UK airports and to the western and northern isles. Rail links extend toward all points of the compass. The city has a pleasant ambience and has good educational opportunities for youngsters. The hospital at Raigmore is renowned among medical students and trainees for its friendly and personal atmosphere.
How to apply
http://www.scotmt.scot.nhs.uk/
Deanery Administrative Contacts
Name
Address
Tel
Email / Dianne Morrison
NHS Education, Forest Grove House, Aberdeen
01224 558914

Specialty Training Committee
Chair
Members / Dr Louise Smart
Prof G I Murray; Prof Michael Greaves; Dr Peter Johnston; Dr Henry Watson; Prof Hamish McKenzie; Dr David McClelland; Dr Bernie Croal; Dr William G Simpson; Dr Louise Smart; Dr Richard Herriot; Dr Rosslyn Rankin; Dr Becky Edwards; Ms Mary Rassmussen
Quality of Training
GMC Trainee Survey Information (2011) / Link