Deadline approaching for ASD Histopathology Reporting applications

The application deadline for the IBMS Advanced Specialist Diploma qualifications in Histopathology Reporting is closing soon.

The RCPath/IBMS Advanced Specialist Diploma (ASD) in Histopathology Reporting - Gastrointestinal Tract Pathology/Gynaecological Pathology/Dermatopathology is a portfolio based training programme covering the broad-based elements of histopathology training. 

The training has three stages each of which will last for a minimum of 12 months covering the broad-based elements of histopathology training and will lead to the RCPath/IBMS Advanced Specialist Diploma (ASD) in Histopathology Reporting - Gastrointestinal Tract Pathology/ Gynaecological Pathology/Dermatopathology.  

How to apply

To be considered for the training programme please submit the following documentation to examinations@ibms.org no later than Monday 9 September 2019:

• Completed expression of interest form
• Evidence of commitment from your Educational Supervisor and Clinical Supervisor/Director through the provision of their details on the expression of interest form and a work/ job plan that must indicate the protected time the applicant will be given in order to undertake the pathway that they are applying for
• A letter of support from the Clinical Director and Medical Head of Department which should be counter-signed by a member of the Trust Executive Team 
• A 250-word personal supporting statement which details your current role and experience

For more information, see the IBMS website. In 2018 Dr Jo Horne, Andrew Usher and Gerry van Schalkwyk shared their experiences with the programme in an issue of The Biomedical Scientist.

Layla Wakefield said,

“If you are ambitious, driven and like a challenge then I wholeheartedly suggest the Histopathology Reporting ASD.

At the beginning with the pilot scheme, we were venturing into unchartered territory without foresight as to whether any of us or the qualification, would be successful.                                       

Fast forward seven years and the qualification has become an immense success with a number of biomedical scientists fully qualified and in consultant level posts, many more at various stages of the qualification, plus dermatopathology added to the original gynae pathology and GI pathology specialties. The development of a Consultant Scientist workforce is gathering momentum which will be key in staying ahead of the ever-increasing histopathology workload.

The qualification isn’t easy but it isn’t meant to be. We are undertaking an equivalent level qualification to that of our medically qualified colleagues. However, the skills, knowledge, confidence and career goals you can acquire make it all worth it. I had an extremely supportive organisation and department which goes a very long way in helping you recognise and achieve your potential.

I am currently in post as a Consultant Biomedical Scientist in gynaehistopathology and work alongside medically qualified histopathologists as part of an integrated reporting team. I am amazed at what I have been able to achieve, but more importantly, on a day to day basis I thoroughly enjoy what I do.”