Core curriculum in pathology for future Irish medical students

Abstract

Pathology is important in training to become a medical doctor but as curricula become more integrated, there is a risk that key aspects of pathology may be excluded. Following a survey of the current delivery of teaching in Ireland under the auspices of the Faculty of Pathology at the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland, suggested components of a core curriculum in pathology have been developed to be delivered at some stage during the medical course. These have been based on key principles and themes required by the Medical Council in Ireland. Professionalism is one of the core principles emphasised by the Medical Council. It includes the role of the pathologist in patient care and other professional values such as patient-centred care, clinical competencies and skills, e.g. explaining results, and knowledge under the various sub-disciplines, i.e. histopathology (including neuropathology), clinical microbiology, haematology, chemical pathology and immunology. In each of these, we suggest key aspects and activities that the medical graduate should be comfortable in carrying out. The methods of delivery of teaching and assessment across pathology disciplines have evolved and adapted to recent circumstances. Lessons have been learned and insights gained during the COVID-19 pandemic as educators have risen to the challenge of continuing to educate medical students. Integrated and multi-disciplinary teaching is recommended to reflect best the professional environment of the medical graduate who works as an integral part of a multi-disciplinary team, with the minimum dependence on the traditional lecture, where at all possible. Finally, options on assessment are discussed, e.g. multiple-choice questions, including their respective advantages and disadvantages.

Investigation of the Effect of Virtual Microscopy on Pathology Education in a Medical Faculty

“…It is emphasized that virtual microscopy has a great potential in the standardization of medical education and pathology specialty training. Therefore, universities, training and research hospitals and organizations such as the Federation of Turkish Pathology Societies should cooperate to determine the topics to be learned in pathology education and to create a common pathology virtual education archive (20)(21)(22)(23). Virtual microscopy can play an important role in medical education, even if it does not completely replace the traditional light microscope.…”

The experiences of families receiving a diagnosis of 22q11.2 deletion syndrome in Ireland

“…Due to the lack of support for families receiving diagnoses of 22q11DS, funding for support group activities such as parent and sibling workshops are needed. There is an identified need for non-genetics HCPs to be educated and trained in carrying out and consenting for genetic testing and appropriately delivering results, perhaps through small group sessions and MDT case-based teaching(Humphreys et al, 2021) and the development of best practice guidelines. The further development of online training modules such as "Rare Disease Information for Healthcare Professionals" (can be accessed at https://www.ucd.ie/vavct est/johnt est/NRDO/ F I G U R E 4 Needs of specialities by age (Habel et al, 2014, reprinted with permission)RD-01%20-%20Sto rylin e%20out put/story_html5.html?lms=1) on 22q11DS specifically, and on the psychosocial impact of rare diseases on a family could be utilized for non-genetics HCPs.…”