How to prepare for FRCPath Part 1 with Dr Maria

  • January 31, 2022
 

Are you an overseas histopathologist looking to sit the FRCPath exams? 

Today we’re bringing you a guide on how to prepare for the FRCPath Histopathology Part 1 exam from Dr Maria, clinical fellow in cellular pathology in London. Maria passed the FRCPath Part 1 exam in March 2021 and is sharing her top tips for FRCPath aspirants, including study planning, revision materials and what you should know about the Part 1 exam. 

1. Create a plan and schedule for your study (this is most important!) 

I started studying around 3 months before the exam, spending 2-3 hours per day on weekdays and around 5-7 hours on study at the weekend. 

REMINDER: This all depends on how much you know already. You cannot focus constantly for hours, so you should schedule your studying time around the way that you know you work best. 

Leading up to the exam 

Try to keep at least 2 weeks free prior to the exam to re-revise problematic topics and genetics. 

The day before exam 

Be kind to yourself. Have a good meal, try to relax if you can and avoid stressing too much. Go to bed early and have a good, long sleep. 

2. Revision materials 

I had been revising using my old notes, where I studied from these books (the best for trainees in my opinion): 

Foundation in Diagnostic Pathology series

  • Dermatopathology 
  • Pulmonary Pathology 
  • Hematopathology 
  • Head and Neck Pathology 
  • Gynecologic Pathology 
  • Bone and Soft Tissue Pathology 
  • Cell and Tissue Based Molecular Pathology 
  • Pulmonary Pathology 
  • Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology 
  • Genitourinary Pathology 
  • Breast Pathology 
  • Neuropathology 
  • Gastrointestinal and Liver Pathology 

Diagnostic Pathology series

  • Diagnostic Pathology: Head and Neck 
  • Diagnostic Pathology: Genitourinary 
  • Diagnostic Pathology: Spleen 
  • Diagnostic Pathology: Thoracic 
  • Diagnostic Pathology: Neuropathology 
  • Diagnostic Pathology: Hepatobiliary and Pancreas 
  • Diagnostic Pathology: Nonneoplastic Dermatopathology 
  • Diagnostic Pathology: Neoplastic Dermatopathology 
  • Diagnostic Pathology: Bone 
  • Diagnostic Pathology: Breast 
  • Diagnostic Pathology: Familial Cancer Syndromes 
  • Diagnostic Pathology: Molecular Oncology 
  • Diagnostic Pathology: Infectious Diseases 
  • Diagnostic Pathology: Gastrointestinal 
  • Diagnostic Pathology: Kidney Diseases 
  • Diagnostic Pathology: Placenta 
  • Diagnostic Pathology: Gynaecological 
  • Diagnostic Pathology: Transplant Pathology 
  • Diagnostic Pathology: Cardiovascular 
  • Diagnostic Pathology: Intraoperative Consultation 
  • Diagnostic Pathology: Cytopathology 
  • Diagnostic Pathology: Paediatric Neoplasms 
  • Diagnostic Pathology: Endocrine 
  • Diagnostic Pathology: Normal Histology 
  • Diagnostic Pathology: Lymph Nodes and Extra-nodal Lymphomas 
  • Diagnostic Pathology: Blood and Bone Marrow 
  • Diagnostic Pathology: Vascular 
  • Diagnostic Pathology: Hospital Autopsy 

There are so many books, and it would be too expensive to purchase them all, so stick to what you've got in your department or can borrow from friends or colleagues. 

The Pathology Outlines website is also excellent for quick review and genetics! There are also MCQs. 

Some trainees study from the Robbins Pathology books, however, in my opinion, this book alone is not enough for the Part 1 exam. 

For the MCQs, I used the following resources: 

  • Practical Applications in Histopathology, Cytopathology and Autopsy: an MCQ/ EMQ Resource – Limci Gupta, Jayson Wang, Val Thomas 
  • Anatomic Pathology Board Review – Jay H. Lefkowitch 
  • Robbins Review of Pathology - Edward Klatt, Vinay Kumar 
  • Sternberg's Diagnostic Surgical Pathology Review – Pier Luigi Di Patre, Darryl Carter 
  • Various past papers I found within my network 

If you have access to old presentations from FRCPath Part 1 courses, I’d suggest having a look at them. It’s a good idea to use them to review and revise a topic, followed by some MCQs on that topic. 

TOPIC 

START DATE 

DURATION 

Breast 

27 October 2020 

6 days 

GIT 

2 November 

8 days 

Liver, GB, Pancreas 

10 November 

8 days 

Skin 

18 November 

6 days 

Endocrine System 

24 November 

7 days 

CNS 

1 December 

7 days 

Renal & Urinary 

8 December 

9 days 

Bone 

17 December 

5 days 

Soft Tissue 

22 December 

9 days 

CVS 

31 December  

5 days 

Thoracic Pathology (Lung & Mediastinum) 

5 January 2021 

7 days 

Lymph Node 

12 January 

7 days 

MGT 

19 January 

7 days 

FGT & Placenta 

26 January 

8 days 

Oral & Nasal 

3 February 

7 days 

Autopsy & Forensic 

10 February 

7 days 

General 

17 February 

7 days 

Cytopathology 

24 February 

5 days 

Clinical Governance 

1 March 

5 days 

Syndromes & Paediatric 

6 March 

5 days 

General Revision 

11 March onwards 

This is a guide to the revision schedule I used for my FRCPath preparation. I actually started studying in December, so I had less time to fit this all in, but I was able to revise faster to cover everything. 

3. FRCPath Part 1 Exam 

The questions in the FRCPath Part 1 exam are usually quite straightforward, so you either know the answer or you don't, nothing misleading or tricky. 

Some key topics you’ll need to know for the exam: 

  • Genetics and the mutation of tumours (and yes...you'll need to learn each tumour that has any typical mutation and its name) 
  • Immunohistochemistry of lesions 
  • Microscopic pictures (all the micro images I had in the test depicted typical morphology) 
  • Genetic syndromes, the mutations behind them and what lesions are most common 
  • Datasets - they are quite wordy, so focus only on pTN, and the stage of each organ system 
  • Audit 
  • Parts of a microscope 

There were some questions from general pathology (necrosis, inflammation, etc.), but I’d say most of the questions were from GI, breast, gynae, skin, soft tissue and kidney. 

However, you'll have at least a few questions from each of the other organ systems, so it's better to study everything rather than focus on the most common ones only. 

#IMG Tips 

  1. Prepare early – try to start your preparation early to give yourself enough time to cover all the relevant sections on the Royal College curriculum. 
  2. Find the right materials to support your study – it's good to use a combination of resources for your study to reinforce existing knowledge and benchmark your progress. Try to find the right materials for you as early as possible to hit the ground running with your revision. 
  3. Familiarise yourself with the Royal College curriculum – we cannot stress this enough! All countries have different training programmes, so being well versed in what the RCPath will be looking for is key. 
  4. Join the IMG Histopathologists community – as well as support on Royal College exams, our online community of international pathologists and dedicated pathology recruiters offers guidance on other aspects of working in the UK, including finding NHS posts and CESR. 

Getting started 

Attaining FRCPath Histopathology is a great first step for histopathologists wanting to find senior roles in the NHS. It can be difficult for overseas trainees to prepare for the first exam in the Royal College examination suite, but this quick guide from a successful FRCPath pathologist is a great start for pathologists pursuing the postgraduate route to GMC registration and finding work in the UK.

For more information on the FRCPath exams, take a look at our IMG Resources library.


If you have any further questions about FRCPath, your route to the UK as an overseas histopathologist, or any other aspect of GMC Registration, please get in touch with us here.  

Follow us on social media through the links below for regular news and updates on the Royal Colleges, relocating to the UK and working in the NHS:

            

 

Relevant Jobs

105,504 - £139,882
A Northern English NHS Trust is looking for a specialist register consultant histopathologist to join their pathology department, open to European specialists or those who have successfully gone through CESR. The role is available for additional earnings due to the need for postmortem reporting, something this role will majorly focus on. 

WHAT IS THE NHS TRUST LIKE?

This is one of the country’s top performing NHS foundation trusts, looking after the wellbeing of around half a million people. Hospital services are provided from 4 hospitals, with care also provided in people’s homes and other community facilities. They are also planning to rebuild a nearby existing community hospital, replacing the old hospital with an integrated health and social care facility. They have also opened a state-of-the-art NHS centre to bring together outpatient and diagnostic services, as well as primary care, under one roof. The Trust has received significant recognition including:
  • Being named among the 40 best performing NHS organisations in CHKS Top Hospitals programme 2015 for the eighth consecutive year
  • Rated 6th in the country for cancer patient experience (Macmillan)
  • Named ‘overall best trust’ at Patient Experience Network National Awards 2014
  • 11th in country in national A&E patient survey (CQC)
  • Named ‘Provider Trust of the Year’ at the HSJ awards 2013
  • Special recognition award at the national Patient Safety Congress
  • Patient Safety Award for pharmacist prescribing (UK Clinical Pharmacy Association)
  • British Medical Journal’s (BMJ) patient safety award for the trust’s Hip Quality
  • Improvement Programme

In March 2015, they were also chosen as a ‘vanguard’ site by NHS England – one of eight sites in the country to be tasked with taking a national lead on transforming care for patients and in July 2015, Jeremy Hunt, the health secretary, named the trust as an NHS organisation providing the very best standard of seven-day services for our patients, a standard to which other NHS trusts should aspire. The trust offers a wide range of specialties with some of the largest specialist departments in the region, including the largest trauma and orthopaedics service, one of the largest cardiology departments and one of the largest units in the region for colorectal surgery services.

WHAT IS THE PATHOLOGY DEPARTMENT LIKE? 

The department has full UKAS ISO 15189 accreditation. It\'s Histopathology and Cytopathology services are centralised into a custom-built laboratory in April 2003, which has accommodation for eight consultants plus specialist registrars. There is a well-equipped library and teaching suite within the department. Fully automated immunohistochemistry is provided with a comprehensive range of routine antibodies available at the Trust. The laboratories are served by the Telepath computer system with links across the Trust and NHS networks. PathoSys is used for reporting breast cores and resection specimens, colorectal cancer specimens, bowel cancer screening specimens, cervical punch and loop biopsies and bronchial biopsies and in line with recent advances in the field of histopathology, the department has introduced and have recently gone live with skin
reporting. The team consists of five consultant Histopathologists, two Specialty Doctors, plus up to two specialist registrars on rotation from a nearby infirmary who cover histopathology and cytology on a rota basis. The non-gynae cytology plus the surgical histology workload will be shared equally.

WHAT CAREER DEVELOPMENT AND OPPORTUNITIES ARE AVAILABLE? 

The Trust and Histopathology team are dedicated to supporting their doctors\' career development through devising a personal development plan, the post holder will be required to agree a programme of continuing professional development which meets his/her and service provision requirements. Regular MDT meetings are held for lung, colorectal, breast and upper GI. High definition videoconferencing and slide projection facilities are available in the MDT suites on the North Tyneside and Wansbeck sites and there will also be opportunity for the development of teaching experience. Undergraduate students from the affiliated University are regularly attached to clinical teams within the Trust and the new appointee would be expected to undertake teaching at an undergraduate level throughout the Trust, including the assessment of clinical medical students and examining from time to time.

They would also be expected to to participate in clinical audit activities (personal, departmental and inter-departmental) including clinical audit meetings. The post holder will have a reflective approach to their own practice with an ability to acknowledge poor behaviour and act upon feedback sought from others during the Trusts 360o appraisal.

The Trust has also puts emphasis on their commitment to the development of leadership skills.

LIFE IN THE REGION:

The region offers both the opportunity for scenery but also city living. Firstly, there is easy accessibility to one of the finest coasts in Britain, with unspoilt sandy beaches and wild rocky headlands, as well as the National Park with its 400 square miles of wooded valleys and open moorland rich in wildlife. The North Pennines are an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the wildest and least populated region of high moorland in England. Sailing, golf, fishing, riding, walking, cycling, rock climbing, gliding and watersport facilities abound and there are most types of sporting and leisure pursuits including major national football, rugby, cricket, athletics and horse racing venues within easy reach.

Then, the vibrant and modern city of Newcastle-upon-Tyne is the major educational, cultural and business centre for the North East of England and offers a combination of lively bars, top-rated nightclubs and many musical and theatrical attractions. Eldon Square is an excellent shopping centre in the City and for a complete shopping experience, the Metro Centre in Gateshead boasts over 360 shops and services all under one roof. A magnificent new Concert Hall has been constructed on the opposite side of the river to the Quayside Development.

A neighbouring pleasant market town boasts a race course, three golf courses, an historic abbey and a country park, is located 20 miles west of Newcastle upon-Tyne. Situated in the Tyne Valley, Hexham is the focal point for the rural Tynedale District, the largest local authority district in England and one of the most consistently beautiful. The town enjoys good road and public transport links to Newcastle. To the west of Hexham is the City of Carlisle and the M6. The town is also particularly well placed for access to the Lake District.

For families, local education opportunities are very good, with a number of league-leading junior, senior and sixth form schools and colleges in both the private and public sector. Housing is excellent with a wide range of affordable properties both period and modern. As a result of the proximity to the National Park, its historic centre and relative prosperity, this area is now one of the most popular residential locations in North East England with reasonable house prices. The region also has an excellent road, rail and metro network, and the busy ports have regular sailings to the continent. From Newcastle International Airport, flights are available to most national and international destinations.

AM I ELIGIBLE FOR THIS ROLE?

EEA candidates: 

  • Recognised European Medical Degree or Specialist Qualification in Histopathology
  • Full and specialist registration (and with a license to practice) with the General Medical Council or be eligible for registration within six months of interview
  • Experience in postmortem, and prostate and skin pathology

Non-EEA candidates: 

  • FRCPath
  • Full and specialist registration (and with a license to practice) with the General Medical Council or be eligible for registration within six months of interview
  • Experience in postmortem, and prostate and skin pathology

UK-based candidates: 

  • Within 6-months of CESR or CCT in Histopathology
  • Experience in postmortem, and prostate and skin pathology
99,532 - 131,964

An excellent NHS job opportunity for an experienced Locum Consultant Histopathology to join this NHS Trust as a Consultant working in an established Histopathology department in the UK. This NHS job offers CESR Portfolio Pathway support, and international applications from IMGs are welcome.

The NHS Trust

This NHS Trust is a modern and progressive healthcare organization located in the UK. The Trust provides a wide range of acute and general hospital services, serving a large and diverse population. With state-of-the-art facilities and a commitment to providing the highest quality care, the Trust is dedicated to supporting the professional growth of its staff. The Trust has a strong focus on patient-centered care and works closely with the community to ensure the delivery of comprehensive health services. As an NHS Trust, it offers a dynamic and supportive environment, making it an ideal place for doctors looking to develop their careers within the NHS.

The Trust is also involved in various research initiatives and collaborates with academic institutions, further enhancing its reputation as a leader in healthcare. This is an excellent NHS job opportunity for those interested in joining a forward-thinking organization committed to clinical excellence.

The Department & Team

The Histopathology Department at this NHS Trust is a well-established and highly regarded unit within the organization. The department is equipped with the latest diagnostic technologies, enabling the delivery of high-quality pathology services. The team is composed of experienced consultants, specialty doctors, and a skilled support staff, all working collaboratively to provide accurate and timely diagnostic services. The department plays a crucial role in the diagnosis and management of various medical conditions, making it an integral part of the hospital’s operations.

The team is known for its supportive and inclusive environment, which encourages continuous learning and professional development. Regular multidisciplinary meetings and case discussions are held to ensure the highest standards of patient care. This NHS job offers an excellent opportunity for doctors to join a team that values clinical excellence and is committed to providing the best possible outcomes for patients.

Continued Professional Development

This NHS job offers further training and accreditation within Histopathology, including CESR Portfolio Pathway Support, access to specialty training, and the opportunity to develop sub-specialist interest. The Histopathology Department at this NHS Trust is dedicated to the continuous professional development of its staff. Doctors joining the department will have access to a wide range of educational resources, including regular training sessions, workshops, and seminars. The department also encourages participation in research activities and offers support for those interested in pursuing academic qualifications.

Additionally, there are opportunities to attend national and international conferences, further enhancing the learning experience. The Trust’s commitment to professional development ensures that doctors are well-equipped to achieve their career goals while contributing to the advancement of medical knowledge.

Location

This area in the UK is an excellent place for international doctors to relocate to, offering a high quality of life for both individuals and families. The region is known for its affordable cost of living compared to other parts of the UK, making it an attractive option for those looking to settle in the country. Safety is a top priority, with the area boasting low crime rates and a friendly community atmosphere. The region is home to a variety of schools, both public and private, that provide excellent educational opportunities for children. There are numerous things to do, from exploring beautiful parks and natural areas to enjoying a vibrant arts and culture scene.

The area also benefits from excellent transport connections, with easy access to major cities via road and rail. Additionally, the region is diverse and multicultural, making it a welcoming place for people from all backgrounds.

Am I eligible for this role?

UK based candidates:

  • Experience in Histopathology

EEA candidates: 

  • Experience in Histopathology
  • European Specialist Qualification

Non-EEA candidates:

  • FRCPath
  • Experience in Histopathology
99,532 - 131,964

A leading UK-based pathology service is seeking a European or UK accredited Histopathologist to join their expanding team at a newly refurbished pathology hub. The modern laboratory features fully integrated digital pathology services and a highly experienced, diverse team, making it an ideal environment for both newly qualified and experienced pathologists looking to further their specialisation. The department is recognised for its high performance and supportive atmosphere, offering an excellent opportunity for doctors, whether new to the UK healthcare system or those looking to advance their careers.

Pathology Service Overview

This prominent pathology service provides a comprehensive range of diagnostic services, including biochemistry, haematology, microbiology, and histopathology, to a large catchment area. It is supported by a multidisciplinary team of consultants and specialists, ensuring high-quality and timely care across hospitals and clinics.

Career Development Opportunities

The service is committed to the ongoing development of its medical staff, with opportunities to pursue sub-specialisation in areas of anatomical interest. The new appointee will contribute to both formal and informal teaching of trainees and may participate in postgraduate education programs. There are also opportunities for research through the dedicated Research and Development Department, with research actively encouraged during designated sessions. Furthermore, the new consultant will gain valuable experience participating in multidisciplinary team meetings (MDTs), which are regularly held within the department.

Living in the Region

The area offers a unique combination of both tranquil rural settings and vibrant city life. Residents can explore beautiful landscapes or enjoy cultural attractions in nearby cities. The region is home to esteemed universities and quality schools, with well-established transport links connecting it to major cities and airports. Housing options range from charming historic homes in smaller towns to contemporary developments in more urban areas, accommodating a variety of lifestyles.

How will IMG Connect support your application to this role?

Any European or UK-based histopathologists on the specialist register for histopathology will be eligible to apply, as will any IMG having undergone the CESR pathway to secure specialist registration. 

IMG Connect can subsequently help you with CV preparation, interview practice, contract negotiations, and subsequent relocation planning to the UK, for you and your family. 

For any overseas doctor looking to develop as a specialst in the UK, IMG will keep it simple for you!

50,00 - 80,000

IMG Connect are proud to be representing NHS England in the recruitment of a paediatric & perinatal fellowship role, providing overseas pathologist the access to specialist registration / CESR in their field, without the need to enter specialty training. With the opportunity to work in either one or multiple of the UK\'s largest and most established NHS pathology departmetns, this Fellowship in Paediatric and Perinatal Pathology is ideal for either paediatric pathologists with extensive overseas experience, or young-aspiring pathologists with a strong interest and desire to train further in paediatric & perinatal pathology.

The Fellowship is designed as an 18 month training programme for international medical graduates who are experienced paediatric/perinatal foetal pathologists who are willing to work as consultants in this field in the UK. You will work and train in one or two of the NHS\'s largest and most renowned institutions.

Am I eligiible?

  • Full FRCPath Histopathology is desirable
  • FRCPath Part 1 is essential
  • Current active duties in adult autopsy
  • 5-years histopathology experience, including some performance of perinatal autopsies as well as adult autopsy.
  • Pass in either IELTS or OET
52,530 - 82,000

Opportunity for a Consultant Histopathologist at a major University Hospital in the Northeast of Engalnd. The role offers the chance to contribute significantly to pathology services within a regional pathology hub, working with a skilled team of 12 consultants delivering a comprehensive cellular pathology reporting service to a diverse population across several towns, and totaling 1.6 million residents.

This role is particularly advantageous for overseas Consultant Histopathologists aspiring to establish themselves in the NHS. Suited for candidates with specialization in the European Economic Area (EEA) or experienced International Medical Graduates (IMGs) seeking completion of the Certificate of Eligibility for Specialist Registration (CESR), it provides a unique pathway for professional growth.

The Histopathology Department is a centre of diagnostic excellence, the department handles a diverse caseload, offering comprehensive care ranging from routine diagnostics to complex pathology. 

Their main hospital is a major teaching and trauma center with 1,024 beds, a 24-hour acute admissions unit, and an emergency department. The Trust\'s dedication to research and development is evident through active participation in regional and national research programs and clinical trials. The Research and Effectiveness department within the Trust facilitates project coordination, supporting innovation. A specialized member of the research staff brings expertise in managing the pathological aspects of clinical trials.

The urban hub, offers residents a dynamic living experience with access to scenic parks, cultural attractions, quality schools, and Teesside University. Robust transportation links connect Middlesbrough locally and to major cities and airports. Housing options, from historic residences to modern developments, cater to diverse preferences, ensuring a vibrant urban lifestyle with green spaces and educational excellence.

ARE YOU ELIGIBLE FOR THIS ROLE?

EEA Candidates:

  • Experience of working in Histopathology (essential) 
  • European Specialist Qualification in Anatomical Pathology

Non-EEA Candidates:

  • FRCPath (essential)
  • ???????Experience of working for Histopathology (essential)

UK based applicants

  • Experience of working in Histopathology (essential)

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