Histopathology

Histopathology is the study and diagnosis of disease. This involves examining surgical specimens, biopsies and cytology samples, not only to provide a diagnosis, but also to correctly classify and stage the disease process. The job combines the use of knowledge and experience with advanced laboratory techniques to solve clinical problems, which allow patients to receive the most effective treatment. Many pathologists also perform post-mortems to determine causes of death.

Pathologists can be generalists or specialists. They may perform purely diagnostic work, be involved in scientific research or a combination of both. The nature of the work demands that you have to be thorough and precise. You must have breadth and depth of knowledge, an inquisitive mind and a willingness to keep up to date with the ever-advancing scientific frontiers of all medical disciplines.

Getting into histopathology

To work in histopathology you have to enter run-through training after your F2 year. Completion of the two-year Foundation Programme is the only requirement: you do not need to have previous experience in pathology as the training programme is designed to accommodate beginners. Once in training a structured five-year programme provides the necessary skills to pass the MRCPath examination and subsequently work as a histopathologist.

To find out more contact the pathology department in your own hospital and pay it a visit. Pathologists are friendly, approachable people who will be happy to show you around and answer the questions you may have about the practicalities and realities of a career in pathology. If your department has trainees, then you will be able to gather even more points of view.

Try to spend part of your Foundation Programme in a pathology department. While this is not necessary for the application process, it will help you decide if the job really is for you. Also, try reading a good pathology textbook. This may sound crazy but reading for interest (rather than just for an exam) will demonstrate to you how interested you really are in the subject. Most doctors would find themselves suited to a career in pathology as the basics of cutting tissue and microscopy do not take long to pick up. If the prospect of reading many heavy textbooks and committing the facts to memory is daunting, you might find the training period painful. If you could not cope without seeing patients, think carefully before applying.

Mike Biggs is a specialist registrar in histopathology at University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust.