In response to the high number of inquiries we've had from overseas pathologists about the arrangements for the Autumn sitting of the FRCPath Histopathology Part 2 exam, we've been in contact with the Royal College of Pathologists and have summarised these updates under the headings below.
The publicised dates for the exam are Tuesday 11 and Wednesday 12 October 2022, although these are subject to change due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
The withdrawal deadline for the exams is Friday 15 July 2022.
The RCPath guidance which asks candidates to wait to sit the Part 2 exam the year after passing the Part 1 exam was in place to avoid overwhelming the limited capacity of the exam centres. Those who were successful in the Spring 2021 Part 1 exam are able to sit the Part 2 exam in Spring 2022. If the College needs to prioritise bookings, it will be done in the same way as previously. Therefore, if there is a requirement for candidates who have passed in Spring 2022 to wait until Spring 2023 to apply, a notice will be put on the News section of the examinations page around the end of May/ beginning of June.
It is therefore important to check regularly for updates to the examinations page, which you can do here.
Details on the Autumn 2022 sitting of FRCPath Part 2 have yet to be finalised, however, unlike Spring 2022, it may be possible to arrange to sit the exam in Irbid (Jordan), Dubai (UAE) or Cairo (Egypt) if there are sufficient applicants. The availability of FRCPath Part 2 examination centres outside the UK will be indicated on the Royal College website (when the application window opens for Autumn 2022 at the end of May) and candidates should contact the Examinations Department to express their interest in taking the exam in the available centre when they make their application.
We therefore advise that you keep an eye on the RCPath application page here.
The College's overall policy is that the College and centres have no obligation to provide microscopes. Candidates can bring their own as this is equipment they are familiar with, or can hire a microscope. Some overseas centres may be more able to provide microscopes and if that is the case it would be stated on the letter sent to candidates with their centre confirmation.
If you would like to borrow a microscope for your FRCPath Histopathology Part 2 exam, we advise that you check well in advance what the options are for your chosen centre, or are available to you online.
If you have any further questions about the FRCPath exams, your route to the UK as an overseas histopathologist, or any other aspect of GMC Registration, the NHS or relocating to the UK, please get in touch with us here.
We'd also like to invite you to join the IMG Histopathologists online community - as well as support on Royal College exams, our Facebook group of international pathologists and dedicated pathology recruiters offers guidance on other aspects of working in the UK, including finding NHS posts and CESR.
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:
This is a good opportunity for any FRCPath or European-qualified histopathologists to join a friendly, high calibre department in the North East of England. The department are looking for experienced but hungry histopathologists to join them for a long-term post, and the trust will support candidates working on the Portfolio Pathway in Histopathology (formerly known as CESR). The trust will consider both UK and overseas applicants.
What is the NHS Foundation Trust like?
The NHS Foundation Trust serves as a district general hospital, providing essential healthcare services to the local population. Under its management, various healthcare facilities in the region. Consistent positive evaluations from the Care Quality Commission (CQC) underscore its commitment to delivering high-quality patient care, safety, and efficiency. The catchment area of this trust encompasses the north east, ensuring residents have access to comprehensive healthcare close to home. Through its services, the trust plays a vital role in promoting community health and well-being, contributing to a stronger, healthier population.
What is the department & team like?
The department have been centralized at a state-of-the-art Pathology Centre located at the NHS Foundation Trust\'s main hospital. These services cater to the local population in the North East. The consolidation of Cellular Pathology Services, completed in 2014, marks an innovative reorganization in pathology services. Satellite hot lab facilities are available at the NHS Foundation Trust\'s other sites. The NHS Foundation Trust leads this service, and the appointed individual will be contracted.
Pathologists are equipped with high-quality IT infrastructure to facilitate remote attendance at Multidisciplinary Team Meetings (MDTs). In cases where physical presence is required, a departmental electric car or a hopper service is available for transportation. Digital pathology implementation is underway progressively for pathologists interested in participation.
Career Development & Further Opportunities Available
The department will in time be moving towards a specialist reporting model and there will be opportunity to carve out your lead role in either the GI, head & neck, and urology sub-specialties.Non-EEA candidates:
EEA candidates:
UK candidates:
A unique opportunity awaits Histopathologists, especially Consultants, to join a dynamic team of 35 professionals at the Histopathology Department within a prestigious NHS Foundation Trust. Engaged in diverse diagnostic tasks, the department encourages research and teaching, offering a platform for career growth. This role is ideal for overseas Histopathologists interested in the UK NHS, with a focus on those specializing in the EEA or experienced IMGs aiming to fulfill CESR requirements.
The Histopathology Department boasts a skilled team of consultants and junior doctors, equipped with cutting-edge facilities for accurate diagnostics. Handling a wide range of cases annually, the department ensures timely and precise reports, contributing to patient care.
The department is part of an NHS Foundation Trust that is considered as a leading healthcare institution, emphasizes staff well-being, inclusivity, and equal opportunities. With 23,500 staff, the Trust is dedicated to creating a compassionate work environment where every team member can thrive. The commitment to inclusivity is deeply ingrained, driven by diverse staff networks and a Fairness Taskforce led by the CEO.
The career development opportunities at University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust extend to research and development initiatives. Actively participating in regional and national research programs and clinical trials, the Trust supports staff in project planning and submission. This role presents a compelling prospect for experienced international histopathologists pursuing CESR and specialist registration in the UK NHS.
ARE YOU ELIGIBLE FOR THIS ROLE?
EEA Candidates:
Experience of working in Histopathology (essential)
Non-EEA Candidates:
FRCPath or PLAB (essential)
Experience of working for Histopathology (essential)
UK based applicants
Experience of working in Histopathology (essential)
A compelling opportunity awaits a Consultant Histopathologist at South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, renowned for its \"good\" overall rating by the CQC. This pivotal NHS job offers the chance to contribute significantly to pathology services within the Tees Valley Collaborative Service. Collaborating with a skilled team of 12 consultants, the role involves 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 at The James Cook University Hospital stands as a beacon of diagnostic excellence, equipped with a dedicated team of consultants and junior doctors. With a robust staffing quota, the department handles a diverse caseload, offering comprehensive care ranging from routine diagnostics to complex pathology. State-of-the-art facilities, including a modern operating suite with 20 theatres and a 33-bedded critical care unit, underscore the commitment to precision and cutting-edge diagnostics.
The department is part of an NHS Foundation Trust that oversees a diverse healthcare landscape, including their main hospitals that is a major teaching and trauma center with 1,024 beds, a 24-hour acute admissions unit, and an emergency department. The NHS Foundation Trust has another hospital, integral to community care, complements the trust\'s commitment to excellence across Middlesbrough and Northallerton.
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.
It is part of the Middlesbrough, 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.
This opportunity, tailor-made for experienced international histopathologists, aligns with the aspiration to achieve CESR and specialist registration within the UK NHS. It not only offers a stimulating professional environment but also serves as a gateway to making a meaningful impact on healthcare.
ARE YOU ELIGIBLE FOR THIS ROLE?
EEA Candidates:
Experience of working in Histopathology (essential)
Non-EEA Candidates:
FRCPath or PLAB (essential)
Experience of working for Histopathology (essential)
UK based applicants
Experience of working in Histopathology (essential)