The aim of the training schedule is to provide an organized and structured educational experience for qualified doctors to acquire the basic competence of a pathologist. Pathology residents are required to fulfil a training period of at least 5 years.
The first three years of training are termed as R1, R2 and R3. Training during this period consists of 'Core Pathology Training' (as defined by the RRC). This prepares a resident for the American Board Certification (or alternatively the FRCPath Part I of the UK or Australasia) examinations.
The following two years of training are termed as R4 and R5 (or elective years). These years are a period of specialised or consolidated training where the resident is given the option to acquire more experience in general pathology, subspecialty training (e.g. renal pathology) or pathology-related research activity. During this period, a resident who also wishes to obtain fellowship of the RCPA (UK or Australasia) may sit for the FRCPath Part II examination if the candidate fulfils the training and examination requirements of the respective colleges.
During the course of training, residents will be required to rotate to other ACGME accredited participating institutions to complete or complement the training not available in the sponsoring institution.
The following table illustrates the basic structure of the training from R1 to R5
| R1 |
Core Pathology Training |
| R2 |
Core Pathology Training |
| R3 |
Core Pathology Training |
| FRCPath Part I / American Board Certification |
| R4 |
Electives (General or Subspecialty Pathology, Pathology Research etc.) |
| R5 |
Electives (General or Subspecialty Pathology, Pathology Research etc.) |
|
FRCPath Part II
(can be taken from R4 onwards) |
|
