Specialist Doctor in Histopathology

The purpose of this post is to provide diagnostic histopathology services to University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust as a reporting histopathologist. We would expect participation in surgical reporting of biopsies and resections, in addition to cytopathology reporting, frozen section cover, specimen dissection, participation within multi‑disciplinary team meetings and attendance at regular internal histopathology consultant meetings. For those aiming to complete the Portfolio Pathway for the Royal College of Pathologists, we would further require the completion of a minimum number of autopsies.

The role will initially be generalist but can be tailored to areas of need for completing the Portfolio Pathway. We anticipate that candidates may identify two or three areas of sub‑specialist interest during the post, and this will be supported by allocating appropriate mentors.

We will encourage all candidates to work independently within their competencies. Where competencies are not yet established, the cellular pathology department is committed to supporting the successful candidates’ continuing professional development. The balance of independent versus supervised practice will be discussed in detail upon successful application. The ideal candidate will already have evidence of independent reporting practice.

The main duties of the job are discussed in detail below or in the attached job description. If there are any queries, please feel free to contact the department using the contact information below.

We are a people business – where every member of staff matters and can make a difference. Patients are at the heart of everything we do. Joining University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust means becoming part of a team of dedicated staff, who are committed to leading the way through innovation, clinical excellence and great customer care. The Trust has great opportunities for career development in a highly progressive working environment.

We offer all of this in a vibrant, modern city with a historic reputation for adventure. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds to apply for our roles, as diversity strengthens our teams.

To independently report routine and urgent surgical histopathology/ cytopathology work where competent to do so.

To report under supervision in areas of needed development.

To provide a clear, real‑time, case log to demonstrate the above and, over time, show an increasing ratio of independent practice. This log should be kept in a format such that it can be used for Portfolio submission.

To report at a safe and effective rate with reference to current Royal College of Pathologists guidance and commensurate with experience.

To report cases within current turnaround time targets where safe to do so, and to keep senior colleagues appraised of anticipated delays.

To initially provide a generalist service to the department whilst developing areas subspecialist interest.

To show progress toward and eventually apply to the GMC for specialist registration, where applicable.

To provide a regular and specialist dissection service to the main cellular pathology laboratory. We would encourage regular dissection sessions to be independent practice and would fill a service provision role, whereas specialist sessions would be under supervision and would give the successful candidate the opportunity to learn how to dissect complex subspecialist specimens.

To provide intra‑operative frozen section assessment, initially under supervision until mutually agreed otherwise.

To attend the mortuary for, at least, the minimum number of cases required for the Portfolio Pathway.

To provide ad hoc teaching sessions to medical students and speciality trainees in histopathology.

To provide multi‑disciplinary cover, initially under supervision until mutually agreed otherwise.

To adhere to Trust policies and stay up to date with Trust mandatory training.

To stay up to date with appraisal and revalidation.

• BM BS or equivalent
• FRCPath II or equivalent
• Full registration (and with a licence to practise) with the…