The Written Examination

Abstract

The preceding chapter dealt with much of the general preparation for achieving a satisfactory standard in histopathology. The written examination is intended to ascertain whether a candidate has achieved a certain degree of broad theoretical knowledge, and in recent years there has been an increasing tendency to set questions which are related to mechanisms of disease and their clinical relevance, or to the practical application of scientific observations. The papers now tend to strike a balance between diagnostic and ‘academic’ pathology (see e.g. April 1988, Oct 1985). The first paper is devoted to principles of pathology to ensure that the candidate has a clear understanding of the pathogenesis of disease. Questions may be included on principles of techniques used in histopathology but details of technical methods are not expected. The second paper is devoted to clinical aspects of histopathology. Questions should cover a wide range of the conditions seen in consultant histopathological practice including autopsies and cytopathology. A question on the organisation or management of a histopathology laboratory is appropriate for this part of the examination. We recommend that all candidates review some of the papers early on in training, in order to cover many of the areas in question, and obtain some idea of the standards required. As the examination approaches, it is important to establish that this knowledge can be converted into a reasonable written answer, which like all skills is a result of both planning and practice.