Training Programmes
The three broad programs are run in all parts of Health Education England working across Yorkshire and the Humber, although not all hospitals have trainees.
The bulk of the trainees are based around the Teaching Hospitals, but trainees also spend time in District General Hospitals and other training centres.
The programs are all unique and vary in their content depending on the discipline and curriculum being covered.
Within the Yorkshire & the Humber region there are excellent opportunities for academic training. Each individual curriculum has its own opportunities available to all trainees, which can blend with quality Improvement and audit work. Bespoke opportunities can be built around short periods out of programme for specified project, and these are supported on an ad-hoc basis.
For those more committed to an academic training we offer a formal academic route, which culminates for some in appointment into senior clinician scientist roles. The preferred pathway is the National Institute of Health Research (NIHR). Academics are typically appointed first to an Academic Clinical Fellow (ACF) post for three years, blending clinical training an opportunity to study for a Diploma In Health Research, and 9-months dedicated to primary research. This foundation work may lead on to a formal fellowship application, and if successful three years out of programme culminating in PhD. Following on from this there are regular opportunities to apply for a clinical lecturer (CL) role, with 50% dedicated research time, and support to build your career to a formal academic appointment.
Academic posts are all subject to open adverts, and available to trainees on existing programmes, regardless of current location. The ACF Posts are generally also available to trainees entering the programme through national recruitment. There is a separate recruitment process, held locally through the local university.
All NIHR academic posts within the School of Pathology are supernumerary, so there is flexibility to plan the teaching and research aspect of the work flexibly around the requirements for clinical training and examinations. There is no absolute expectation to compete the pathway, and all academic trainees gain significant experience and benefit to their future careers.
Interested in academic training in Health Education England working across Yorkshire and the Humber? Find out more information about academic training in West Yorkshire here
The Academic Training Programme Directors can be located as follows, and will be happy to offer advice or support: https://yorksandhumberdeanery.nhs.uk/academic_training
For information regarding academic vacancies and recruitment in Health Education England Yorkshire and Humber please visit our recruitment pages: https://yorksandhumberdeanery.nhs.uk/recruitment/our_vacancies/academic_recruitment
The Academic Programmes:
Histopathology, Leeds University
Medical Microbiology, Leeds University
Infectious Diseases & Microbiology, Sheffield University
Chemical Pathology is a fundamental diagnostic and prognostic keystone of modern medicine. All disease processes reflect changes in biochemical reactions and the analysis of cells or body fluids in a hospital setting is a critical part of 21st century medicine. The role of the chemical pathologist is wide and consultants may bring a combination of scientific, clinical and managerial skills to their job. On the basis of a good understanding of the scientific principles of clinical biochemistry there is a major emphasis on the management of single or multi-laboratory units
Chemical Pathologists are not just based in the laboratory. Increasingly, you will be engaged in direct clinical care of specialist services including nutrition, diabetes and cardiovascular risk Chemical Pathology, and there is much overlap with endocrinology. The increasing clinical role of consultants in the speciality is recognised by the option of CCT in Chemical Pathology with Metabolic Medicine, available at ST3 entry point. There is also a more traditional Chemical Pathology curriculum available at ST1 entry point.
Research opportunities may be better than in other specialties. On-call duties are variable but should not be onerous unless in-patients are being cared for. This may make flexible training in the speciality particularly attractive. The growth of molecular approaches to diagnosis offers great opportunities for an individual interested in developing this part of the speciality.
Personal qualities include:
- Strong aptitude for, and interest in, the scientific basis of medicine and in laboratory work
- Leadership potential and the ability to take part in multi-professional working
- Recognising the need for constant re-education to allow a critical understanding of novel diagnostic and therapeutic approaches
- Clinical credibility is essential
The Programme
Our Chemical Training Programme has a reputation for delivering a high quality, broad based training with exposure to sub-speciality training governed by trainees’ interests and requirements. There is a robust process of educational supervision which drives the training scheme and is based on the “Gold Guide” and sound educational principles. We are supported by a Training Programme Director. We have a cohort of Educational Supervisors throughout the region. You will be allocated a named supervisor who will guide you all the way through your training
At present there are four separate bases for infection training in the Yorkshire & the Humber Region: Leeds, Hull, York and Sheffield, and further hospital placements take place in Huddersfield and Harrogate. The hospitals cover all areas of chemical pathology expertise with high quality and dedicated staff.
For the Chemical Pathology (Metabolic Medicine) programme. Trainees are appointed by national selection process at ST3 level, to complete five years of training to award of CCT. For the Chemical Pathology programme trainees are appointed by local recruitment at ST1 level, and complete a four year programme. Trainees are allocated to a base hospital either in Leeds, Hull, York and Sheffield, according to their preference, made at the point of application. They will retain this principal base for the duration of training, though may choose to swap by agreement with their TPD. You can expect to rotate out from your base to other regional hospitals, and all trainees are encouraged to benefit from the wide diversity of placements within our region.
Progress in training is monitored using assessment practices laid out in the curriculum and reviewed by the Speciality Training Committee at the Annual Review of Competency Progression (ARCP) process.
We have a recommended list of external and local courses which are made available. As a smaller specialty we encourage engagement with trainees outside of the region, and can offer a flexible range of opportunities depending on the individual training need. Additionally there are meetings held by the Yorkshire Laboratory Medicine Discussion Group (YLMDG) and the Association of Clinical Biochemistry (ACB). The ACB also supports trainees with courses and training days specifically mapped to those areas of the curriculum that may be difficult for trainees to meet in routine clinical practice. Trainees have the opportunity to go on a management course attend at least once during their training, which is useful both preparation for consultant jobs, and for interview skills. The School also runs an in-house clinical leadership skills day, biannually for senior trainees.
Please find information on the sites delivering this Programme below:
Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
York Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust
Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust
Diagnostic Neuropathology is the pathological study of disease of the nervous system, in life and in death. Neurosurgical specimens, taken for therapeutic and sometimes purely diagnostic purposes, are at the forefront of our workload. We look at routine biopsies, smear preparations or frozen sections of samples to make intraoperative diagnoses to guide the neurosurgeon during surgery. Other specimen types include cerebrospinal fluid samples and muscle and nerve biopsies from neurologists, rheumatologists, and general medics. Ophthalmic specimens may also form part of the workload.
We work alongside neuroradiologists, neurosurgeons, neuro-oncologists, neurophysiologists, and neurosurgeons as part of multidisciplinary teams. Neuropathologists contribute to a range of regular multidisciplinary meetings to discuss the assessment and management of patients with brain and spinal tumours, muscle and nerve disease, and epilepsy.
Proteomic and genetic studies is increasingly being used in neuroscience, and neuropathologists often engage in this developing area.
Examination of postmortem specimens (whole autopsies and fixed whole brains) adds further variety. Some neuropathologists perform forensic brain examinations and act as expert witnesses in medicolegal cases. Whereas advanced autopsy training has become optional for general histopathology trainees, it remains a key component of our arsenal for diagnosis and also research.
Since neuropathologists work almost exclusively in teaching hospitals, teaching is an additional role that many of us undertake with enthusiasm and have sufficient flexibility in our working day to do. Consultant posts have rotas for covering neurosurgical specimens, but out of hours work is minimal or absent, and many of us work flexibly.
Training
National recruitment take place twice yearly. Successful applicants will enter diagnostic neuropathology training at ST3 level. Those from histopathology should have passed the fellowship of the Royal College of Pathologists (FRCPath) part 1 exam and those from neurology or neurosurgery the membership of the Royal College of Physicians (MRCP) or fellowship of the Royal College of Surgeons (FRCS) exams. Clinical “neuro-related” experience and knowledge have become mandatory.
Many trainees do some research during their training, sometimes leading to a PhD or MD. Knowledge of research techniques, particularly with respect to molecular genetics, is embedded within the curriculum. The close link of academic neuropathology departments with clinical neurosciences and basic research institutions opens unique opportunities to pursue fascinating and competitive basic and applied research and the potential to lead world-class research teams.
Important information for trainees about The Royal College of Pathologists and the organisation of training can be found on the College website.
https://www.rcpath.org/trainees/training/training-by-specialty/diagnostic-neuropathology.html
The Programme
In Yorkshire and the Humber there are two training sites, Leeds and Sheffield. These cover neuropathological services for the entire region, including remote access to Hull. The post is based in Leeds, though trainee will also spend a substantial time in Sheffield, and also have the opportunity to spend time in national centres to gain specialist skill as required by the curriculum. The training plans will be bespoke, depending on the background and entry point of the individual trainee. There is also opportunity to link closely to the general histopathology trainees in the region, as there are many areas in common, and great value in the wider peer group.
A robust process of educational supervision drives the training scheme and is based on the “Gold Guide” and sound educational principles. We are supported by our Training Programme Director (TPD). We have strong cohort of Educational Supervisors and you will be allocated a named supervisor who will guide you all the way through your training.
Trainees have the opportunity to go on a management course attend at least once during their training, which is useful both for examinations and for interviews when applying for Consultant jobs. The School also runs an in-house clinical leadership skills day, biannually for senior trainees.
After completing the Part 1 FRCPath examination, you’ll build on your knowledge and experience of neuropathological autopsies and intra-operative biopsies, and receive training in writing neuropathology reports and presenting complex cases at multi-disciplinary meetings. The FRCPath Part 2 in Neuropathology is designed to test your practical skills and understanding, and show that you can apply your expertise appropriately and safely.
Please find information on the two sites delivering this Programme below:
Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Histopathology encompasses a study of disease, makes diagnosis, provides prognostic information and guides management of patients to ensure accurate and timely care of clinical problems encountered by patients in the NHS today.
The lifelong study of disease, combined with the constant requirement to diagnose clinical conditions, creates one of the most rewarding and intellectually challenging career choices for an individual with a genuine interest in the subject of medicine. Histopathologists find their work very rewarding, as they are making a vital contribution to disease diagnosis. Although there is very little patient contact, you are helping patients in a very important way. Because the on-call commitment is minimal and direct management of patients lies with other doctors, this is a specialty where a good work-life balance can readily be achieved. While certain diagnoses can be easy to make, others can be challenging or seemingly impossible. Great mental concentration for sustained periods is required, which can be exhausting even if the physical demands of the day job appear light. However, this means most days are finished with a sense of real satisfaction and achievement. The specialty faces exciting challenges in moving to digital technology, and the fast growing sphere of molecular diagnosis and genomic medicine.
Important information for trainees about The Royal College of Pathologists and the organisation of training can be found on the College website: https://www.rcpath.org/discover-pathology/careers-in-pathology.html
The Programme
Our Histopathology Training Programme in Histopathology has a reputation for delivering a high quality, broad based training with exposure to sub-speciality training governed by trainees’ interests and requirements. A robust process of educational supervision drives the training scheme and is based on the “Gold Guide” and sound educational principles. We are supported by three Training Programme Directors (TPDs). We have strong cohort of Educational Supervisors throughout the region. You will be allocated a named supervisor who will guide you all the way through your training.
The Yorkshire and Humber Histopathology Training Programme comprises six or twelve month placements in hospitals in Sheffield, Leeds, Dewsbury, Bradford, Hull, Halifax, Harrogate and York, Chesterfield, and Doncaster. These are supervised by high quality and dedicated staff.
We are able to offer higher autopsy training module, leading to the Certificate of Higher Autopsy Training (CHAT). Higher cervical cytology training may be facilitated, though would require secondment to a neighbouring region to complete the Certificate of Higher Cervical Cytopathology Training (CHCCT). We also offer the opportunity to sub-specialise in Paediatric & Perinatal Pathology and Diagnostic Neuropathology at ST3 entry point.
Trainees are appointed by national selection process at ST1 level to complete five years of training to award of CCT in Histopathology. Trainees are allocated to a base hospital either in Leeds or Sheffield, according to your preference, made at the point of application. Here you will join one of the ST1 School cohorts, and will retain this principal base for the duration of training. You may choose to swap by agreement with the TPD. All trainees can expect to rotate out from their base to a regional hospital, for at least for six months, though many trainees benefit from the diversity of multiple placements, including a range of teaching hospitals. Typically those based in Leeds can expect a wider range of placements, though we are working to spread this opportunity more evenly.
We have a strong academic training programme based at Leeds University, with a number of Academic Clinical Fellows (ACFs), and Clinical Lecturers (CLs). There are excellent opportunities for Out of programmer experience, leading to PhD.
There is a continuous programmer of formal and informal postgraduate education. A full day seminar programmer is delivered bi-weekly, on Mondays. We have a recommended list of external course which are made available. Trainees have the opportunity to go on a management course attend at least once during their training, which is useful both preparation for consultant jobs, and for interview skills. The School also runs an in-house clinical leadership skills day, biannually for senior trainees.
Progress in training is monitored using assessment practices laid out in the curriculum and reviewed by the Speciality Training Committee at the Annual Review of Competency Progression (ARCP) process.
The diagnosis and management of infection are constantly changing. New molecular methods of testing, combined with genetic sequencing, are changing the way we are able to detect pathogens, track outbreaks and uncover resistance to rapidly respond this shifting landscape.
The field of Medical Microbiology and Virology is undergoing major changes with the ongoing developments in next generation sequencing, and reconfiguration of laboratory services. We work closely with our infectious disease physicians to provide the Combined Infection Training curriculum. This means that the role of the microbiologist and virologist is rapidly changing and adapting to this new working environment with automation and rapid molecular testing. We continue to use traditional methods where molecular methods have not been developed. This is an exciting time to be training in these infection specialities.
There are many enjoyable elements of the work. The fascinating, complex and ever-evolving interactions between the human host and the microbial agents of infection. The combination of cutting-edge laboratory science with clinical care for individual patients. Most patients with infectious diseases make a rapid and complete recovery which makes the job very satisfying. The varied work environment, generated by the microbiologist’s ability to provide input across a broad range of specialties. The opportunity to develop special interests in research, teaching, sub-specialties, antibiotic use or other infectious diseases problems. There is close consultant support for trainees.
The work is professionally challenging in many ways. There is a broad knowledge base relating to infectious diseases, microbiology and virology which provides for extensive learning and devolvement. The role of the microbiology and virology is evolving, with further specialisation and flexibility possible. Microorganisms are changing and new diseases constantly emerging, providing challenges to the microbiologist and virologist alike.
Important information for trainees about The Royal College of Pathologists and the organisation of training can be found on the College website: https://www.rcpath.org/trainees/training/training-by-specialty/medical-microbiology.html
The Programme
Our Infection Training Programme has a reputation for delivering a high quality, broad based training with exposure to sub-speciality training governed by trainees’ interests and requirements. . We offer training in Medical Microbiology and Virology and work very closely with our Infectious Diseases colleagues to provide joint training. There is a robust process of educational supervision which drives the training scheme and is based on the “Gold Guide” and sound educational principles. We are supported by three Training Programme Directors. Additional support is provided by our two Infections Disease Programme Directors, both through the Combined Infection Training pathway, and into Higher Specialist Training for those taking dual certification. We have a cohort of Educational Supervisors throughout the region. You will be allocated a named supervisor who will guide you all the way through your training
At present there are three separate bases for infection training in the the Yorkshire & the Humber Region: Leeds, Hull and Sheffield. We offer a range of options with it infection pathway:
- Pure Microbiology
- Joint Microbiology and Infectious Diseases
- Joint Virology and Infectious Diseases
- Joint Infectious Diseases and General Internal Medicine
Further hospital placements take place in Bradford, York, Calderdale and Harrogate. The hospitals cover all areas of infection expertise with high quality and dedicated staff.
Trainees are appointed by national selection process at ST3 level, to then complete four or five years of training to receive a CCT in their chosen infection pathway. Trainees are allocated to a base hospital either in Leeds, Sheffield or Hull, according to their preference, made at the point of application. They will retain this principal base for the duration of training, though may choose to swap by agreement with their TPD. All trainees can expect to rotate out from their base to regional hospital, for at least six months, and all trainees are encouraged to benefit from the wide diversity of placements within our region
Progress in training is monitored using assessment practices laid out in the curriculum and reviewed by the Speciality Training Committee at the Annual Review of Competency Progression (ARCP) process.
We have a strong academic training programme based at Leeds & Sheffield Universities, with a number of Academic Clinical Fellows (ACFs), and Clinical Lecturers (CLs). There are excellent opportunities for out of programmer experience, leading to PhD.
There is a continuous programmer of regional teaching on a rolling basis. We have a recommended list of external and local courses which are made available. Trainees have the opportunity to attend a management course at least once during their training, which is useful both preparation for consultant jobs, and for interview skills. The School also runs an in-house clinical leadership skills day, biannually for senior trainees.
Please find information on the sites delivering this Programme below:
Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
York Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust
Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust
The work of perinatal and paediatric pathologists has a huge effect on families, providing vital information during the most difficult periods of their lives, such as the loss of a baby or diagnosis of a child with cancer. Although some pathologists specialise in either perinatal or paediatric pathology, most work across both fields – diagnosing diseases and conditions affecting unborn babies through to older children. Perinatal pathology includes the study of disorders of the placenta, problems affecting unborn babies’ development, and causes of miscarriage, stillbirth and neonatal (newborn) death. A fundamental part of a perinatal pathologist’s role is to conduct autopsies on fetuses, and babies who are stillborn or die shortly after birth. They also carry out autopsies on older babies and children – sometimes to provide information in cases where a child has died under suspicious circumstances.
As a perinatal or paediatric pathologist, you’ll be part of a small specialty with fewer than 70 practitioners in the UK. Some paediatric pathologists are based in children’s hospitals, with perinatal work referred to them from surrounding obstetric units, and carried out in a dedicated paediatric mortuary. Others work in general histopathology laboratories and share mortuaries with other specialities.
Pathologists in this area work closely with laboratory staff and mortuary staff, as well as with doctors across many specialties. During your working day, you might spend time in the mortuary, laboratory, reporting at your microscope, and attending multidisciplinary team meetings. You’ll also be responsible for teaching trainees, and occasionally may need to attend coroner’s court as a witness at an inquest.
Important information for trainees about The Royal College of Pathologists and the organisation of training can be found on the College website.
Training
National recruitment take place twice yearly. Successful applicants will enter paediatric & perinatal pathology raining at ST3 level, having passed the fellowship of the Royal College of Pathologists (FRCPath) part 1 exam Many trainees do some research during their training, sometimes leading to a PhD or MD. Knowledge of research techniques, particularly with respect to molecular genetics, is embedded within the curriculum.
Important information for trainees about The Royal College of Pathologists and the organisation of training can be found on the College website.
The Programme
In Yorkshire and the Humber there are two training sites, Leeds and Sheffield, covering paediatric & perinatal services for the entire region. There are two posts, one based in Leeds and the other in Sheffield. Trainees spend a substantial time on both sites, and also have the opportunity to spend time in national centres to gain specialist skill as required by the curriculum. The training plans will be bespoke, depending on the background and entry point of the individual trainee. There is also opportunity to link closely to the general histopathology trainees in the region, as there are many areas in common, and great value in the wider peer group.
A robust process of educational supervision drives the training scheme and is based on the “Gold Guide” and sound educational principles. We are supported by our Training Programme Director (TPD). We have strong cohort of Educational Supervisors and you will be allocated a named supervisor who will guide you all the way through your training.
After completing paediatric & perinatal autopsies, and receive training in writing paediatric reports and presenting complex cases at multi-disciplinary meetings. The FRCPath Part 2 in Paediatric & Perinatal Pathology is designed to test your practical skills and understanding, and show that you can apply your expertise appropriately and safely. Trainees have the opportunity to go on a management course attend at least once during their training, which is useful both preparation for consultant jobs, and for interview skills. The School also runs an in-house clinical leadership skills day, biannually for senior trainees.
Please find information on the two sites delivering this Programme below:
Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
Sheffield Childrens’ NHS Foundation Trust