Tutorials, diagnostic guides, examination preparation, digital pathology courses, AI training and continuing professional development resources for pathology professionals at every stage.
Step-by-step educational tutorials covering diagnostic approaches, staining techniques, and tissue interpretation across all subspecialties.
High-resolution annotated histology images covering normal tissue architecture and common pathological findings.
Systematic diagnostic approaches, classification systems, grading criteria and algorithmic decision guides.
Structured study materials, rotation guides and milestone tracking for pathology residents and trainees.
Practice questions, mock examinations, study plans and revision resources for FRCPath, national boards and specialty examinations.
Online and blended courses on whole slide imaging, digital workflow, telepathology and digital diagnostic competency.
Training pathways for pathologists and scientists to develop machine learning, deep learning and computational analysis skills.
Live and recorded webinars from leading pathologists, researchers and industry experts. Podcast series on emerging topics.
Self-assessment quizzes, image-based diagnostic challenges and knowledge checks across all pathology subspecialties.
PDF guides, checklists, quick-reference cards and study summaries for clinical practice and examination preparation.
CPD-accredited activities, reflective learning logs and evidence portfolios for revalidation and relicensing.
Case of the Week, diagnostic challenges, rare pathology cases, whole slide cases, quizzes, and IHC case studies with discussion.
Pathologists worldwide must maintain and demonstrate ongoing competence through structured continuing professional development. Requirements vary significantly between jurisdictions in terms of credit types, cycle lengths, audit processes and revalidation frameworks.
The Royal College of Pathologists requires a minimum of 250 CPD credits over each rolling 5-year cycle, with at least 50 credits per year. There is no maximum annual cap, but credits must be balanced across categories. At least 25 credits per year must come from external activities (conferences, courses, external audit) rather than internal departmental activities alone.
All doctors on the GMC register must undergo revalidation every 5 years. The Responsible Officer at the employing trust reviews a portfolio of supporting information including: CPD evidence, quality improvement activity, significant events, feedback from colleagues and patients, complaints and compliments, and a reflective statement. CPD credits from RCPath feed directly into the revalidation portfolio. Failure to engage with revalidation can result in removal from the medical register.
RCPath conducts annual random audits of CPD records. Approximately 5% of Fellows and Members are audited each year. Those selected must provide evidence of activities claimed, including certificates, reflective notes and documented outcomes. Non-compliance triggers a remediation process: a first shortfall leads to a warning letter and action plan; persistent non-compliance is reported to the GMC and can affect revalidation recommendations.
CPD activities are recorded via the RCPath CPD Online diary system. Fellows and Members log activities, upload evidence, and write reflective notes. The system tracks annual and quinquennial totals and generates reports for revalidation. A mobile application is available for recording activities on the go.
RCPath CPD scheme participation is included in the annual membership/fellowship subscription. Fellowship: £515/year. Membership: £355/year. Associate Member: £165/year. GMC registration and licence to practise: £433/year (separate fee paid directly to the GMC).
In the United States, continuing medical education requirements are set at the state level for medical licence renewal. Requirements vary by state but typically range from 20 to 50 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits per year (or per 2-year cycle). CME activities must be accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) or state medical society equivalents. Some states accept AOA Category 1 credits for DO-trained pathologists.
The American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) is one of the largest providers of pathology-specific CME/CE in the US. ASCP offers online courses, journal-based CME, webinars and annual meeting credits. ASCP credentials (such as CT, MT, MLS, CG, SCT) require continuing education for certification maintenance: typically 36 CE credits per 3-year cycle for laboratory professionals.
The American Board of Pathology requires Maintenance of Certification for all diplomates certified after 2006 (time-limited certificates). MOC operates on a 10-year cycle with four components:
The College of American Pathologists (CAP) provides extensive CME and MOC credit opportunities including: proficiency testing and inter-laboratory comparison programmes, case-based learning modules, CAP eLab Solutions online courses, CAP TODAY journal CME, and the annual CAP meeting. CAP laboratory accreditation inspection activities also generate MOC Part IV credit.
The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC) requires Fellows to earn 400 credits per 5-year cycle through the Maintenance of Certification (MOC) programme. Credits must be distributed across three sections, with minimum thresholds in each.
Each Canadian province has its own regulatory college (e.g., CPSO in Ontario, CPSBC in British Columbia) that sets additional requirements for licence renewal. Most provinces accept RCPSC MOC as the primary CPD framework. Some provinces require specific topics: Ontario requires periodic assessments; Quebec mandates 250 hours of education per 5-year period through the Collège des médecins du Québec.
All RCPSC MOC activities are recorded in the MAINPORT ePortfolio, a secure online system. Fellows log activities, upload supporting evidence, and track progress toward cycle requirements. MAINPORT generates compliance reports for provincial licensing bodies and integrates with the National Physician Survey data.
Failure to meet the 400-credit minimum or the section minimums by cycle end results in a notice from the RCPSC. A 12-month grace period is provided to achieve compliance. Continued non-compliance leads to suspension of FRCPC designation and reporting to the relevant provincial licensing body, which may affect the provincial licence to practise.
The Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia (RCPA) requires Fellows to complete a minimum of 100 CPD credits per year within a triennium (3-year cycle), totalling at least 300 credits per cycle. Activities must span all three domains: clinical practice, education and scholarship, and professionalism and leadership. A minimum of 20 credits must be earned in each domain per year.
The Medical Board of Australia (MBA), operating under the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA), requires all medical practitioners to participate in a CPD programme approved by their specialist college. RCPA CPD compliance is reported to MBA and is mandatory for maintenance of specialist registration. Non-compliance can lead to conditions on registration.
RCPA provides the MyCPD online platform for logging activities, tracking credits and generating compliance reports. Fellows can upload certificates, record reflections, and link to their practice improvement plan. MyCPD provides dashboards showing progress against annual and triennial targets.
Following MBA strengthened CPD registration standards introduced in January 2023, pathologists must now also: complete a practice review (such as peer review or multi-source feedback) at least once per triennium; develop and maintain a professional development plan (PDP); and undertake at least one measured outcome activity per year. These changes align with the Medical Board’s move toward outcome-focused CPD rather than purely hour-based recording.
The Saudi Commission for Health Specialties (SCFHS) mandates CME hours for licence renewal on a cycle tied to the professional classification card validity (typically 2–5 years). Consultants require 20–40 CME hours per year depending on classification. Activities must be SCFHS-accredited. The SCFHS operates an online CME tracking system (Mumaris+) where practitioners log accredited activities. SCFHS also offers the Saudi Board examination and structured training programmes in all pathology subspecialties.
The Dubai Health Authority requires all licensed healthcare professionals to earn CME credits for licence renewal. Specialists (including pathologists) need 150 CME hours per 3-year licence cycle (50 per year). At least 50% must be Category 1 (accredited conferences, courses). The Department of Health in Abu Dhabi (formerly HAAD) requires similar credit levels. Both authorities accept credits from ACCME, RCPath, RCPSC, and other internationally recognised accreditation bodies, in addition to locally accredited activities.
Qatar Council for Healthcare Practitioners requires 40 CME hours per 2-year licensing period for specialist physicians. Accreditation follows ACCME standards. Hamad Medical Corporation provides substantial in-house CPD programmes for pathologists, including regular departmental conferences, case-based learning and access to international visiting faculty programmes.
Kuwait requires 30 CME hours per 2-year cycle for specialist licence renewal. The Kuwait Institute for Medical Specialization (KIMS) accredits local activities. International conference attendance and online courses from recognised providers are typically accepted with documentation.
The National Health Regulatory Authority of Bahrain requires 40 CME hours per 2-year cycle. The NHRA accepts credits from internationally recognised accreditation bodies. Bahrain has been developing local accreditation capacity through partnerships with ACCME International.
The Oman Medical Specialty Board requires 50 CME hours per 3-year cycle for specialist re-registration. The Oman Medical Journal provides local CME opportunities, and OMSB accredits both local and international activities.
Germany requires all practising physicians to complete 250 CME points (Fortbildungspunkte) per 5-year cycle. This is mandated by the Sozialgesetzbuch (Social Code Book V, §95d) for physicians working within the statutory health insurance (Kassenärztliche Vereinigung) system. Hospital-employed physicians are also required to maintain Fortbildung under employment law and professional regulations.
The Ländesärztekammern (state medical chambers) administer the system. CME activities are categorised (A through H) with different credit weightings. Category A (structured interactive learning) and Category B (self-directed study with knowledge control) are the most common.
CME points are recorded electronically via an EIV (Elektronischer Informationsverteiler) barcode system. Physicians scan attendance at accredited events. The state medical chamber issues a Fortbildungszertifikat (CME certificate) upon achieving 250 points. Non-compliance for statutory health insurance physicians results in fee reductions (10–25% of reimbursement) over subsequent quarters.
The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Pathologie (DGP) and the Bundesverband Deutscher Pathologen (BDP) organise pathology-specific CME activities including the annual DGP congress (typically 30–40 CME points), regional pathology meetings, and online learning modules. The DGP journal Der Pathologe (now Die Pathologie) offers CME articles with knowledge assessments.
Germany recognises CME credits from other EU countries through the UEMS (Union Européenne des Médecins Spécialistes) EACCME system. EACCME-accredited activities are automatically accepted. Credits from non-EU providers (ACCME, RCPath) can be individually approved by the state medical chamber.
India’s approach to CME has evolved significantly under the National Medical Commission (NMC), which replaced the Medical Council of India (MCI) in 2020. The NMC mandates that all registered medical practitioners complete 30 CME credit hours per 5-year cycle for licence renewal. This is a relatively recent requirement and enforcement varies by state. State Medical Councils administer registration renewal.
The Indian Association of Pathologists and Microbiologists (IAPM) is the primary professional body organising CME for pathologists. IAPM conducts the annual IAPCON conference (typically 15–20 CME credits), state chapter conferences, workshops, and online webinar series. Major medical colleges (AIIMS, PGIMER, JIPMER, CMC Vellore, SGPGIMS) conduct regular CME programmes in pathology subspecialties.
CME activities in India are accredited by the State Medical Councils (for local events) and the NMC (for national events). The Indian College of Pathologists also provides accreditation for pathology-specific activities. There is growing acceptance of online and international CME, though formal credit transfer mechanisms are still developing.
State Medical Council registration: INR 2,000–10,000 per renewal cycle (varies by state). IAPM membership: INR 6,000 (life membership). Most CME activities at government institutions are provided at nominal cost. Private sector CME programmes range from INR 1,000–25,000 depending on duration and format.
| Country | Governing Body | Credits Required | Cycle Length | Audit | Online Accepted |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | RCPath / GMC | 250 credits | 5 years | Annual random (5%) | Yes (with limits) |
| United States | State Boards / ABP | 20–50/year + MOC | 1–2 years (state) / 10 years (MOC) | Licence renewal | Yes |
| Canada | RCPSC | 400 credits | 5 years | Cycle-end review | Yes |
| Australia | RCPA / AHPRA | 100/year (300/triennium) | 3 years | Annual + triennium | Yes |
| Saudi Arabia | SCFHS | 20–40/year | 2–5 years | Licence renewal | Yes |
| UAE (Dubai) | DHA | 150 hours | 3 years | Licence renewal | Yes (50% max) |
| Germany | Bundesärztekammer | 250 points | 5 years | Electronic tracking | Yes (Category D) |
| India | NMC / State Councils | 30 hours | 5 years | Renewal check | Developing |
The digital transformation of pathology education has produced a rich ecosystem of online learning platforms, from whole-slide imaging atlases to comprehensive CME libraries. These platforms serve trainees preparing for board examinations, practising pathologists maintaining CPD credits, and laboratory professionals advancing their technical skills.
PathPresenter is a cloud-based digital pathology education platform that enables pathologists and educators to share whole slide images (WSIs) with annotations, create interactive case studies, and build teaching collections. The platform supports multiple scanner formats and provides tools for creating structured educational content with image-based assessments.
Best for: Educators building digital teaching collections; trainees studying histopathology through virtual microscopy; departments transitioning to digital teaching methods.
PathologyOutlines.com is one of the most comprehensive free online pathology reference resources, widely used by pathology residents and practising pathologists worldwide. Founded by Dr Nat Pernick, the site provides detailed outlines for virtually every diagnosis in surgical pathology, cytopathology, haematopathology, clinical pathology and molecular pathology, with thousands of microscopic images.
Best for: Residents preparing for board examinations; sign-out reference during daily practice; quick access to diagnostic criteria, IHC panels and molecular markers.
WebPath, maintained by the University of Utah, is a long-established educational resource providing a comprehensive collection of pathology images, tutorials and self-assessment tools. The site covers general pathology, organ-system pathology, and clinical pathology with a focus on medical student and early trainee education.
Best for: Medical students studying pathology; early-stage trainees building foundational knowledge; educators seeking a supplementary image resource.
The American Society for Clinical Pathology eLearning platform provides a broad catalogue of online courses, virtual case studies, webinars and self-assessment modules for pathologists and laboratory professionals. Content is accredited for AMA PRA Category 1 Credit, ASCP continuing education credit, and many courses qualify for ABP MOC Self-Assessment Module (SAM) credit.
Best for: US-based pathologists fulfilling CME and MOC requirements; laboratory professionals maintaining ASCP certification; residents preparing for board examinations.
The Royal College of Pathologists provides an online CPD diary and recording system for Fellows and Members, alongside a growing library of educational resources including recorded lectures, study day materials, and webinar archives. The platform integrates CPD tracking with access to educational content.
Best for: UK-based pathologists maintaining RCPath CPD compliance; FRCPath trainees; international pathologists with RCPath membership.
The College of American Pathologists eLab Solutions platform combines proficiency testing, quality assurance and continuing education in an integrated online environment. CAP offers a substantial library of educational materials connected to its laboratory accreditation and proficiency testing programmes.
Best for: Laboratory directors managing CAP accreditation; pathologists seeking MOC Part IV credit through quality improvement; laboratory professionals engaged in proficiency testing review.
Online courses, webinars and resources focused on digital pathology implementation, whole slide imaging validation, and computational pathology. Includes guidelines for laboratories transitioning to digital workflows.
Open-access whole slide image repositories from The Cancer Genome Atlas and other research projects. Excellent for self-study, research and developing computational pathology skills. Thousands of slides with linked genomic and clinical data.
The American Society of Hematology Image Bank provides a curated collection of haematology images including peripheral blood smears, bone marrow biopsies and flow cytometry data. Searchable by diagnosis, stain and morphological feature.
Open-access cytopathology journal and educational resource with case reports, reviews and image atlases. Covers FNA, exfoliative cytology, liquid-based cytology and cytogenetics with annotated images.
Vanderbilt University resource for precision cancer medicine. Provides genotype-specific information for clinical decision-making, including biomarker profiles, targeted therapies and clinical trial matching. Essential for molecular tumour board preparation.
Comprehensive dermatopathology resources with clinical-pathological correlation images, diagnostic algorithms and teaching cases. DermNet NZ provides free clinical images; DermpathMD focuses on microscopic diagnosis.
Subspecialty fellowship training provides focused expertise in a specific area of pathology. Fellowships typically last 1–2 years and are essential for academic careers and subspecialty practice. Competition varies widely by subspecialty, institution and country.
Most US pathology fellowships do not participate in a centralised match system (unlike residency, which uses NRMP). Applications are made directly to individual programmes, though timing conventions exist. Many surgical pathology and dermatopathology fellowships recruit 1–2 years in advance. Key steps include:
In the UK, post-CCT (Certificate of Completion of Training) fellowships and post-FRCPath subspecialty training positions are available at major centres. These are typically advertised through NHS Jobs and institutional websites. Some are funded through Nationally Funded Training Posts (NTN(F)), while others are funded locally or through research grants. Applications are competitive and require GMC registration, FRCPath (or near completion), and specialist registrar experience.
Post-fellowship training positions in subspecialty areas are available at major teaching hospitals and pathology laboratories. Positions are advertised through RCPA networks and institutional websites. Some positions involve combined clinical and research components. Fellowship of the RCPA is typically required.
General surgical pathology fellowships provide broad diagnostic expertise and are highly sought after for community practice and academic positions. Typically 1 year. Competitive with early recruitment timelines (often 18–24 months in advance in the US).
Dermatopathology fellowship (1–2 years) qualifies for ABP subspecialty certification. Graduates can practise both in dermatology and pathology departments. Very competitive with strong job market. Dual-boarded candidates (dermatology + pathology) are especially sought after.
Hematopathology fellowship (1–2 years) covers lymph node pathology, bone marrow interpretation, flow cytometry, cytogenetics and molecular diagnostics for haematological malignancies. ABP-certifiable. Strong job market driven by increasing complexity of lymphoma/leukaemia classification.
Molecular genetic pathology fellowship (1–2 years) trains pathologists in molecular diagnostics, next-generation sequencing, companion diagnostics, pharmacogenomics and laboratory-developed test validation. ABP-certifiable. Rapidly growing field with strong academic and industry demand.
Cytopathology fellowship (1 year) covers fine needle aspiration (FNA) technique and interpretation, gynaecological and non-gynaecological cytology, rapid on-site evaluation (ROSE), and molecular testing on cytology specimens. ABP-certifiable. Consistent demand in both academic and community settings.
Neuropathology fellowship (2 years) covers brain tumour classification (WHO CNS 5th edition), neurodegenerative diseases, muscle and nerve biopsy interpretation, and forensic neuropathology. ABP-certifiable. Fewer positions available but also fewer applicants. Strong academic job market.
Forensic pathology fellowship (1 year) prepares pathologists for medicolegal death investigation, autopsy, scene investigation, courtroom testimony and mass disaster response. ABP-certifiable. Persistent workforce shortage in many US states and internationally. Government-funded positions often include loan repayment incentives.
Clinical informatics fellowship (2 years, ACGME-accredited) or dedicated digital pathology fellowships (1 year, non-ACGME) train pathologists in laboratory information systems, digital image analysis, AI algorithm development, bioinformatics, and computational pathology. Board certification in clinical informatics is available jointly through ABP and ABPM.
A curated guide to the most important textbooks, journals and reference resources in pathology. Whether you are a medical student, trainee or consultant, these resources form the foundation of pathology education and daily practice.
The definitive textbook of general and systemic pathology, now in its 10th edition (Kumar, Abbas, Aster). Universally used in medical school pathology courses worldwide and remains the primary reference for understanding disease mechanisms. Covers pathophysiology, morphology and clinical correlations. Companion texts include Robbins Basic Pathology (the condensed version for shorter courses) and the Robbins and Cotran Review of Pathology (question bank).
Alternative to Robbins offering a strong mechanistic approach. Now in its 8th edition (Strayer, Rubin, Saffitz). Emphasises pathogenesis over morphology. Particularly strong in molecular pathology and cell biology foundations. Used in many US and international medical schools as the primary text.
Leading UK pathology textbook, now in its 7th edition (Cross, Underwood). Aligned with UK medical school curricula and GMC outcomes. Integrates pathology with clinical medicine and epidemiology. Widely used in the UK, Middle East, South Asia and Australasia.
The standard histology atlas and textbook, now in its 7th edition (Young, O’Dowd, Woodford). Essential for understanding normal tissue architecture before studying pathological changes. High-quality images with detailed annotations. Used across all medical schools.
By Goljan. The essential board review companion for USMLE Step 1 pathology. Concise, high-yield format with integration of clinical pathology. The associated audio lectures are widely used by medical students preparing for board examinations.
| Journal | Publisher | Focus | Impact Factor (2025) | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Modern Pathology | Elsevier / USCAP | Surgical pathology, translational research | 7.1 | Monthly |
| American Journal of Surgical Pathology | Wolters Kluwer | Surgical pathology, diagnostic criteria | 5.6 | Monthly |
| Histopathology | Wiley / BDIAP | Diagnostic histopathology | 4.4 | Monthly |
| Journal of Clinical Pathology | BMJ | All pathology disciplines | 3.5 | Monthly |
| Archives of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine | CAP | Laboratory medicine, quality | 4.2 | Monthly |
| Virchows Archiv | Springer / ESP | European pathology research | 3.8 | Monthly |
| Human Pathology | Elsevier | Diagnostic and experimental pathology | 3.3 | Monthly |
| Journal of Pathology | Wiley / Pathological Society | Investigative pathology | 5.9 | Monthly |
| Diagnostic Pathology | BioMed Central | Diagnostic pathology (open access) | 2.9 | Continuous |
| Laboratory Investigation | Elsevier / USCAP | Experimental pathology, mechanisms | 5.0 | Monthly |
In-person and virtual conferences, workshops and hands-on training opportunities are essential components of pathology education and professional development. Beyond earning CPD credits, these events provide networking, exposure to the latest research and diagnostic techniques, and access to expert faculty.
Hands-on microscopy courses provide access to curated slide sets with expert-led teaching. Participants review cases at multi-headed microscopes (or via digital slides) with guided discussion. These courses are among the most valuable CPD activities for practising pathologists and trainees alike.
Workshops focused on digital pathology implementation cover whole slide image scanning, validation studies, quality assurance in digital reporting, and regulatory requirements. Increasingly incorporating AI algorithm development, deployment and governance training.
Intensive workshops covering NGS panel design, bioinformatics pipelines, variant interpretation (ACMG/AMP guidelines), companion diagnostics, and liquid biopsy. Essential for pathologists involved in molecular tumour boards and precision oncology programmes.
Training courses in laboratory accreditation standards (ISO 15189, CAP, UKAS), quality management systems, laboratory safety, specimen handling, and laboratory informatics. Essential for laboratory directors and quality managers.
Hands-on IHC workshops covering antibody selection, optimisation, troubleshooting, quality control and interpretation. Manufacturers and academic centres offer both basic and advanced courses. Essential for laboratory scientists and pathologists evaluating new antibodies and protocols.
Specialised workshops in evisceration technique, perinatal and paediatric autopsy, forensic post-mortem examination, scene investigation, and coronial reporting. Available at regional forensic pathology centres and through professional societies.
| Conference | Organisation | Location | Typical Timing | CPD Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USCAP Annual Meeting | United States & Canadian Academy of Pathology | US (varies) | March | 40–60 AMA PRA Cat. 1 |
| ECP | European Society of Pathology | Europe (varies) | September | 25–35 EACCME |
| CAP Annual Meeting | College of American Pathologists | US (varies) | September–October | 30–50 AMA PRA Cat. 1 |
| ASCP Annual Meeting | American Society for Clinical Pathology | US (varies) | September–October | 30–40 CE Credits |
| RCPath Annual Conference | Royal College of Pathologists | London, UK | November | 12–15 CPD Credits |
| Pathological Society Winter Meeting | Pathological Society of GB & Ireland | UK (varies) | January–February | 8–12 CPD Credits |
| IAP World Congress | International Academy of Pathology | International (varies) | Biennial | 30–40 Credits |
| DGP Jahrestagung | Deutsche Gesellschaft für Pathologie | Germany (varies) | May–June | 30–40 CME Points |
Preparing for pathology board examinations requires structured study, extensive image review, and systematic self-assessment. This section covers resources and strategies for the major pathology examinations worldwide.
FRCPath Part 1 tests core knowledge through SBA and EMQ formats. Preparation typically involves 6–12 months of structured study alongside clinical training. Key strategies include:
FRCPath Part 2 is a practical and oral examination requiring demonstration of diagnostic competence. For histopathology, this includes microscopy stations, clinical viva and critical appraisal. Preparation strategies:
Part 1 is typically attempted during ST3 (year 3 of specialty training). Part 2 is attempted during ST5–ST6. Pass rates vary by discipline but are generally: Part 1: 55–75%; Part 2: 60–80%. Candidates who fail may reattempt at the next sitting (examinations held twice yearly for most disciplines).
The American Board of Pathology examination is typically taken in the final year of residency or within 2 years of completing training. The AP exam spans 2 days with approximately 300 questions including digital microscopy images. The CP exam is 1 day with approximately 200 questions. AP/CP combined spans 3 days.
For medical students and IMGs, pathology is a major component of USMLE Step 1 (now pass/fail) and significant in Step 2 CK. Key preparation resources include:
Subspecialty certification exams (cytopathology, dermatopathology, hematopathology, etc.) require focused study on the specific subspecialty. The ASCP and relevant subspecialty societies offer targeted review courses. Fellowship case logs, subspecialty-specific question banks, and review of the relevant WHO classification volumes are essential preparation components.
Over 4,300 board-style questions covering all pathology subspecialties. Free access. Questions aligned with ABP board format. Regularly updated with explanations and image-based questions. The most comprehensive free resource for ABP exam preparation.
Commercial question bank with over 2,000 questions covering AP and CP topics. Includes detailed explanations, performance analytics, and adaptive learning features. Subscription-based with individual and institutional pricing options. CME/MOC credit available.
Official ASCP practice examinations for board certification in various laboratory disciplines. Available for pathology residents and laboratory professionals preparing for ASCP certification. Closely mirror the actual exam format and difficulty.
The Royal College of Pathologists publishes past examination questions, examiner reports, and specimen descriptions for FRCPath Parts 1 and 2. Available through the RCPath website for members. Examiner reports are particularly valuable for understanding common errors.
Spaced repetition flashcard decks for pathology board preparation. Popular community-created decks include the AnKing deck (with pathology-tagged cards from Pathoma and First Aid) and subspecialty-specific decks for dermatopathology, haematopathology and cytopathology. Free and open-source.
USCAP provides interactive whole slide image cases used in annual meeting short courses and companion society meetings. Cases with expert annotations and discussion are available to meeting attendees and, selectively, to USCAP members through the online portal.
Research is integral to advancing pathology practice and career development. Whether writing your first case report, conducting a systematic review, or applying for grant funding, strong research skills are increasingly expected of pathologists at all career stages.
Pathology offers diverse research opportunities spanning morphological studies, molecular and translational research, clinical outcome studies, laboratory quality improvement, digital pathology and AI development. Entry points include:
Academic pathology careers typically combine clinical reporting with research and teaching. In the UK, the Integrated Academic Training (IAT) pathway provides structured opportunities: Academic Foundation Programme (AFP) with pathology rotations, Academic Clinical Fellowship (ACF) with protected research time, and Clinical Lectureship (CL) combining clinical training with a doctoral research programme. In the US, physician-scientist training tracks (MD/PhD programmes), research fellowships, and faculty development awards provide structured academic pathways.
Most pathology training programmes expect or require research activity. In the UK, histopathology training programmes allocate specific time for audit and research projects. In the US, many residency programmes have dedicated research rotations (typically 1–3 months). Australian RCPA training requires a research project for completion. Aim to have at least 2–3 peer-reviewed publications by the time you complete training.
Start with a clinical observation, unusual case, or gap in the literature. Discuss with senior colleagues to refine the research question and confirm originality.
Search PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar systematically. Use MeSH terms. Identify what has already been published and where the gap lies.
Determine if ethical approval is needed (tissue-based research, patient data). Submit to your institution’s ethics committee. Register the study if appropriate.
Choose the appropriate study design. Define inclusion criteria, sample size, outcome measures and statistical methods. Create a protocol.
Collect data systematically using pre-defined proformas. Maintain a clean database. Document methodology for reproducibility.
Analyse data using appropriate statistical tests. Write the manuscript following the target journal’s guidelines. Use the IMRAD structure for original research.
Have co-authors and mentors review the manuscript. Revise thoroughly. Select a target journal based on scope, impact and audience.
Submit via the journal’s online system. Respond constructively to reviewer comments. Revise and resubmit promptly if invited.
Case reports remain a cornerstone of pathology literature. A well-written case report documents a rare or instructive case, provides diagnostic insight and contributes to the collective knowledge base. Structure typically includes:
Tip: Include high-quality microscopic images (at least 2–4) with clear legends. Use annotated images showing key diagnostic features. Most journals require patient consent for case reports.
Systematic reviews are increasingly valued in pathology for synthesising diagnostic accuracy data, evaluating biomarker performance, and comparing classification systems. Key frameworks include:
Registration: Register your systematic review protocol on PROSPERO before beginning the search. This demonstrates rigour and reduces duplication.
Many funding bodies offer specific early-career awards for trainees and newly qualified pathologists. These smaller grants (typically USD/GBP 5,000–50,000) fund pilot studies, travel to collaborating centres, equipment purchase, or protected research time. They build a track record essential for larger grant applications later.
Plan your publication strategy early. Most funded projects should aim to produce at least 2–3 peer-reviewed publications. Consider publishing your protocol (journal-specific protocol papers), interim results (conference abstracts), and final findings in the most appropriate journals. Open access publication may be required by your funder.