IBMS Congress

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The Specimen Dissection Exam - Pitfalls, Portfolios and Passes

Diplomas of Expert Practice

Cellular Pathology

Vanda McTaggart, Department of Cellular Pathology, Crosshouse Hospital, Kilmarnock

A key feature in Modernising Pathology is to develop extended roles of practice at all levels, with this comes the difficulty of proving the proficiency of the person performing the task.

While in-house documentation is acceptable at face value the IBMS/RCPath Diploma of Expert Practice in Specimen Dissection gives unequivocal proof of a level of knowledge, understanding and practical experience which is recognised not only by the Institute, the Royal College but also by CPA thereby giving the successful candidate a nationally recognised and transferrable qualification.

The purpose of my talk is to outline my experience of the pitfalls as well as the advantages of undertaking the diploma, to share the agonies and ecstasy of the journey from completion of the logbook, submission of a portfolio to studying for and sitting the examination. Through sharing my experience of a successful conclusion, I would hope to encourage anyone contemplating the Diploma of Expert Practice in Specimen Dissection to take up the challenge.