Department Information

Histopathology Training in Yorkshire & Humberside – Northern Rotation

The Histopathology Training Scheme has up to 48 registrars (includes up to 30 SpR/StRs, 8 ST1s, 1 neuropathology SpR, 1 oral pathology, 8 academic SpR or ACF posts, and also 1 academic FY2 post - 3 trainees per year). 

Trainees rotate to Bradford (3), Calderdale (1), Mid Yorkshire/Dewsbury (2), Harrogate (1), Hull (2 + 2 academic SpRs) and York (3); the trainees in standard SpR/StR posts will spend about 40% time training outside Leeds in 6 month attachments.  The remaining training is in Leeds, where there are up to 30 trainees. 

Overall, the training scheme must deliver training that meets the requirements of the PMETB approved RCPath curriculum, including a range of experience in histopathology, and specified experience in cytopathology, autopsy, paediatrics, neuropathology.  We aim to achieve this in a way that makes the best use of training resources, and supports trainees through the FRCPath exam and into Consultant posts that are a good match to their individual career aspirations.

Histopathology Specialty Training Committee

Constitution determined by the Deanery; administrative support from the Deanery

Meets 3 times per year (January, May, September) at the Deanery

Overview, discuss and agree developments of the scheme. 

Aim: to ensure the training scheme delivers a training programme that meets the PMETB and RCPath requirements, with the best use of training experience available around the region. Monitor progress and experience of trainees.   

Minutes circulated electronically to members and to Leeds educational supervisors, and any other consultants who request them.

Leeds Histopathology Training Committee

Members of the full STC working in Leeds meet before the main STC meeting to discuss matters that are specific to Leeds; a summary of the meeting is circulated with the STC agenda for information.

Leeds Educational Supervisors’ Meetings

Consultants who have chosen to be educational supervisors in Leeds, and have attended the training programme at the Deanery.  Trainees keep the same Leeds educational supervisor throughout the training, with local supervision during attachments outside Leeds.

This group includes consultants from each sub-specialty, and meets after the STC.  It ensures communication of issues from the STC, and aims to discuss and co-ordinate training and educational supervision in the Leeds department.

Trainee Committee

Comprises all current trainees and meets on the last Wednesday of each term.  Chair and Secretary change yearly.  Includes trainee representatives from RCPath and ACP.  Member(s) of the Leeds Training Committee attend at the end of the meeting to discuss points that have arisen.  A summary of the meeting is presented by the Trainee Representative at the STC meeting.

Chair Paul Bennett
Secretary Helen Simpson
Specialist Training Committe Reps Helen Simpson and Matthew Toy
Book Fund Mike Parsons
Histopathology Service Improvement Bipin Mathew and Anshu Awasthi
Training Programme Improvement Initiative Darshana Pathak and Suchita Karthik
Post Graduate Teaching Programme Jo Howarth/Arun Monoharan/Menakshi Batri
Royal College Rep Jo Howarth
ACP/BIDAP Rep Silke Weischede
EQA Rep Mathew Jacob
Path Soc Rep Eldo Verghese and Gordon Hutchins

Wednesday afternoon FRCPath programme

Three ten-week terms per year, overall programme supervised by Olorunda Rotimi.

Overall programme aims to cover RCPath curriculum every 2-3 years.

Each term is arranged by one/two trainees, who are responsible for the programme/speakers. The programme includes presentations by Trainees.

Deanery Website

Supported by Sean Smith (Deanery).  Contains information relevant to the scheme as a whole including induction information, rotation and FRCPath programme. 

Assessment of Trainees

The RITA/ARCP process is coordinated by the Deanery, and receives documentation of progress including assessment of generic competencies and review of training portfolio by the educational supervisor.  Currently all trainees are interviewed annually by two members of the STC, there are additional interviews for trainees with RITA D/E (or ARCP equivalent) and following the final FRCPath exam.  This process will need to evolve to meet ARCP requirements.  

Trainee rotation

This is arranged in January for the following August and February placements (i.e. 6-18 months ahead) based on trainees’ training needs, preferences and training slots. The rota is made by 2 members of the STC and one trainee, who have previously collected placement requests from the trainees.  Once made, the rota may be changed only for specific training requirements subsequently identified through the RITA/ARCP process, or exceptionally because of other circumstances, arranged through the STC Chair.

Assessment of Scheme

Formal detailed questionnaire assessments have been made on 3 occasions (1996, 2002, 2005). 

A trainee feedback form after each attachment was developed in 2007 and is currently in use pending the Deanery taking over this role.

External relations of STC

RCPath: Will Merchant is a member of the CATT, meets 3 times per year, summarises meetings for STC, discussed as agenda item on STC. 

Nick Griffin is RCPath lead examiner for year 1 assessments.

The RCPath has re-organised its committee structure to form a Joint Committee of Professional Training (JCPT) to include Deanery (Head of School), Regional, CATT and trainee representation.

Deanery:  Associate PGD is a member of the STC.  Annual Day and the Deanery for Chair/Regional Representative. Deanery supports RITA/ARCP process. 

Appointments to histopathology training posts are made nationally, led by the London Deanery.

Histopathology Departments:  the STC members across the scheme oversee the training in their department, and liaise with their local management structure.