Dissertations Dissertations

Dr Teresa Davies Dr Teresa Davies

Dissertations Dissertations

Dissertations should only be submitted Dissertations should only be submitted after a proposal, agreed by the appropriate after a proposal, agreed by the appropriate Panel Chair has been accepted by the Panel Chair has been accepted by the college – the proposal will be included with college – the proposal will be included with the dissertation when submitted to the the dissertation when submitted to the examiners. examiners.

DISSERTATIONSDISSERTATIONS

The standard expected is approximately The standard expected is approximately equivalent to that of an MSc project. The equivalent to that of an MSc project. The project does not need to break new project does not need to break new ground but should show that the candidate ground but should show that the candidate has followed the scientific method of has followed the scientific method of investigation and has written their report investigation and has written their report appropriately to a good standardappropriately to a good standard

Content Content

ABSTRACTABSTRACT INTRODUCTIONINTRODUCTION This should place the project in the context This should place the project in the context

of current literature. This would normally of current literature. This would normally be at least a 1000 words (5 pages) and be at least a 1000 words (5 pages) and well referencedwell referenced

MethodsMethods

The methods used should be well The methods used should be well described in standard terms. Any new described in standard terms. Any new methods should be written up sufficiently methods should be written up sufficiently well for another scientist or clinician to well for another scientist or clinician to follow.follow.

MethodsMethods If patient groups are used then their If patient groups are used then their

recruitment and characteristics should be recruitment and characteristics should be described. It is very important that if described. It is very important that if candidates are describing the characteristics of candidates are describing the characteristics of a new test, it is used in all the patients so that a new test, it is used in all the patients so that it’s sensitivity and specificity can be described. it’s sensitivity and specificity can be described. If the new test is only used in patients If the new test is only used in patients discovered positive by another test then it is discovered positive by another test then it is important that this limitation is identified and important that this limitation is identified and sensitivity and specificity are not quoted. sensitivity and specificity are not quoted. Statistical methods should be describedStatistical methods should be described

RESULTSRESULTS

These should be written up using standard These should be written up using standard terms. Graphs and tables should be terms. Graphs and tables should be appropriately labelled and placed in the appropriately labelled and placed in the text as appropriate points. Appropriate text as appropriate points. Appropriate use of statistics is importantuse of statistics is important

Discussion and Conclusion Discussion and Conclusion

This should follow naturally from the results. This should follow naturally from the results. It is important that the conclusions do not It is important that the conclusions do not go further than the results warrant.go further than the results warrant.

The discussion should include current The discussion should include current literature.literature.

REFERENCESREFERENCES

These should be in standard format. These should be in standard format. Examiners are not expected to check Examiners are not expected to check every one, but it is important that some are every one, but it is important that some are checked as candidates have been known checked as candidates have been known to get these wrong.to get these wrong.

Any scientific or technical help with the material Any scientific or technical help with the material or investigations should be acknowledged.or investigations should be acknowledged.

The most contentious aspect often been the The most contentious aspect often been the length of the reports – avoid excessive length of the reports – avoid excessive wordiness. wordiness.

Marking Scheme Marking Scheme

Candidates have their dissertations Candidates have their dissertations graded A, B, or Cgraded A, B, or C

Grade C should only be used where the Grade C should only be used where the work does not follow the project proposal work does not follow the project proposal and is completely unsound. and is completely unsound.

Marking Scheme Marking Scheme

Grade B should be used where there are Grade B should be used where there are remediable errors, usually in the write up. remediable errors, usually in the write up.

It is often difficult for extra work to be It is often difficult for extra work to be undertaken and should not be requested undertaken and should not be requested unless it was clearly stated in the proposal unless it was clearly stated in the proposal and has not been done.and has not been done.

Grade A implies satisfactory project work Grade A implies satisfactory project work written up to a good standard. written up to a good standard.

Titles of successful written work Titles of successful written work

The plan is to publish in the college The plan is to publish in the college bulletin, website regularly – 2008/09 now bulletin, website regularly – 2008/09 now on website on website

Examples of case books Examples of case books Non random abnormalities of chromosome 9 in haematological Non random abnormalities of chromosome 9 in haematological

disordersdisorders The clinical implications and value of molecular cytogenetic and The clinical implications and value of molecular cytogenetic and

molecular genetic studies in seven cases of CLLmolecular genetic studies in seven cases of CLL A series of chorionic villus samples displaying chromosomal A series of chorionic villus samples displaying chromosomal

mosaicism mosaicism FISH applications in ALLFISH applications in ALL An investigation into the low mutation detection rate for Holt Oram An investigation into the low mutation detection rate for Holt Oram

syndrome and the development of a sensitive method for detecting syndrome and the development of a sensitive method for detecting mutations in the TBX5 gene mutations in the TBX5 gene

Interpretation dilemmas in prenatal diagnosis following the detection Interpretation dilemmas in prenatal diagnosis following the detection of de novo chromosomes abnormalities with uncertain phenotypic of de novo chromosomes abnormalities with uncertain phenotypic effect effect

Case studies in molecular genetic analysis of inherited metabolic Case studies in molecular genetic analysis of inherited metabolic disordersdisorders

Examples of casebooksExamples of casebooks Molecular analysis of the UGATA1 Tata Box in a gene family associate with Molecular analysis of the UGATA1 Tata Box in a gene family associate with

Crigler-Najjar and Gilbert syndrome Crigler-Najjar and Gilbert syndrome Enhanced interpretation of malignancy cases by molecular cytogenetic Enhanced interpretation of malignancy cases by molecular cytogenetic

techniquestechniques Variant translocations in Oncology Variant translocations in Oncology Molecular cytogenetic techniques and their use in delineating constitutional Molecular cytogenetic techniques and their use in delineating constitutional

cytogenetic abnormalities cytogenetic abnormalities Molecular diagnoses in patients/families with mitochondrial disorders or Molecular diagnoses in patients/families with mitochondrial disorders or

endocrine disordersendocrine disorders The clinical significance of constitutional and acquired cytogenesis’s The clinical significance of constitutional and acquired cytogenesis’s

abnormalities illustrated by reference to abnormalities of chromosome 1 abnormalities illustrated by reference to abnormalities of chromosome 1 Interpretation dilemmas in prenatal diagnosis following the detection of de Interpretation dilemmas in prenatal diagnosis following the detection of de

novo chromosomes abnormalities with uncertain phenotypic effect novo chromosomes abnormalities with uncertain phenotypic effect Molecular genetic investigations of inherited cancers and haematological Molecular genetic investigations of inherited cancers and haematological

malignancies malignancies

Examples of dissertations Examples of dissertations Comparison of the uses and validity of offering techniques in the identification of Comparison of the uses and validity of offering techniques in the identification of

genetic abnormality and diagnosis of haematological disease genetic abnormality and diagnosis of haematological disease Syndromic and non syndromic hearing loss- development of a molecular genetic Syndromic and non syndromic hearing loss- development of a molecular genetic

clinical service clinical service Evaluation of DNA array technology as a diagnostic tool Evaluation of DNA array technology as a diagnostic tool Introduction of DHPLC technology into a diagnostic DNA laboratory Introduction of DHPLC technology into a diagnostic DNA laboratory Establishment of a molecular genetic service for Pelizaeus Merzbacher Disease and Establishment of a molecular genetic service for Pelizaeus Merzbacher Disease and

Spastic Paraplegia type 2 Spastic Paraplegia type 2 Molecular diagnosis of hereditary NPCCMolecular diagnosis of hereditary NPCC An investigation into the low mutation detection rate for Holt Oram syndrome and the An investigation into the low mutation detection rate for Holt Oram syndrome and the

development of a sensitive method for detecting mutations in the TBX5 gene development of a sensitive method for detecting mutations in the TBX5 gene Molecular genetic analysis of atypical haemolytic uraemic syndromeMolecular genetic analysis of atypical haemolytic uraemic syndrome The development of denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) as a diagnostic The development of denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) as a diagnostic

tool in inherited peripheral neuropathiestool in inherited peripheral neuropathies Distribution and frequency of mutations identified within the mismatch repair genes Distribution and frequency of mutations identified within the mismatch repair genes

hMLH1 and hMSH2 associated with HNPCC and their predicted pathogenic effect hMLH1 and hMSH2 associated with HNPCC and their predicted pathogenic effect The development of denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) as a diagnostic The development of denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) as a diagnostic

tool in inherited peripheral neuropathies tool in inherited peripheral neuropathies

What are the examiners What are the examiners looking for ?looking for ?

Marking and Feedback Marking and Feedback

Two examines mark independently Two examines mark independently If disagreement goes to panel chair for If disagreement goes to panel chair for

casting vote casting vote If B or C feedback will be given as to If B or C feedback will be given as to

what is needed what is needed Work resubmitted goes back to original al Work resubmitted goes back to original al

examiners examiners

Casebooks Casebooks

ACCEPTABLEACCEPTABLE BORDERLINEBORDERLINE UNACCEPTABLEUNACCEPTABLE

Number of Number of casescases

Within guidelines set Within guidelines set by Specialtyby Specialty

Minimum number in Minimum number in guidelinesguidelines

Less than the Less than the minimumminimum

Type of Type of casescases

A good mix A good mix illustrating different illustrating different problemsproblems

Some cases Some cases illustrating the same illustrating the same problemsproblems

Cases do not show Cases do not show broad experience broad experience across the specialtyacross the specialty

DiscussionDiscussion Discussion places Discussion places cases in the context cases in the context of literature.of literature.

Excessive or patchy Excessive or patchy discussion of cases. discussion of cases. Insufficient reference Insufficient reference to literature but to literature but essentially shows has essentially shows has understood underlying understood underlying pathology and impact pathology and impact on clinical on clinical management. management.

Inadequate Inadequate discussion with no discussion with no reference to reference to literature or missing literature or missing important work in the important work in the area. Conclusions area. Conclusions stated which cannot stated which cannot be drawn from case be drawn from case history. history.

ReferencesReferences Standard style, Standard style, adequate coverage adequate coverage of literature.of literature.

Standard style, but Standard style, but insufficient references insufficient references to really cover the to really cover the literature although literature although main work referencedmain work referenced

Non-standard style, Non-standard style, missing or incorrect missing or incorrect references.references.

ACCEPTABLEACCEPTABLE BORDERLINEBORDERLINE UNACCEPTABLEUNACCEPTABLE

IllustrationsIllustrations Clear, well Clear, well labelled labelled illustrations illustrations pertinent to text.pertinent to text.

Poor labelling of Poor labelling of illustrations or poor illustrations or poor use of appropriate use of appropriate illustrations.illustrations.

Illustrations that are Illustrations that are irrelevant to the case irrelevant to the case or do not add to the or do not add to the case history.case history.

Use of Use of EnglishEnglish

Clear, appropriate Clear, appropriate use of English, use of English, properly spell properly spell checked. checked. Occasional typo Occasional typo acceptable.acceptable.

Obvious typos but not Obvious typos but not too many. Poor too many. Poor English grammar English grammar (though bear in mind (though bear in mind candidates for whom candidates for whom English is not first English is not first language – meaning language – meaning must be clear).must be clear).

Too many typos (>1 Too many typos (>1 per page), meaning per page), meaning obscured by poor use obscured by poor use of English.of English.

ConstructionConstruction Good division into Good division into cases, well laid cases, well laid out with brief out with brief introduction and introduction and summary.summary.

Poor layout making it Poor layout making it difficult to follow but difficult to follow but essentials of cases are essentials of cases are clear.clear.

Cases merged or Cases merged or inadequately inadequately separatedseparated

Dissertations Dissertations

All dissertations should be considered overall. All dissertations should be considered overall. Any dissertation with a section which is Any dissertation with a section which is unacceptable should be considered for a unacceptable should be considered for a rewrite. Dissertations which are mostly rewrite. Dissertations which are mostly acceptable with occasional borderline areas acceptable with occasional borderline areas (for example occasional typos or rather long (for example occasional typos or rather long winded introduction) may be considered for an winded introduction) may be considered for an A overall if borderline areas do not detract from A overall if borderline areas do not detract from the principal results and conclusions of the the principal results and conclusions of the work. The remainder should be returned for work. The remainder should be returned for rewriting.rewriting.

AcceptableAcceptable BorderlineBorderline UnacceptableUnacceptable

IntroductionIntroduction Clear description Clear description of project, put into of project, put into context of current context of current literature.literature.

Project poorly described, Project poorly described, too long or too shorttoo long or too short

Inadequately Inadequately referenced. Shows referenced. Shows no understanding of no understanding of current literature or current literature or project design.project design.

MethodsMethods Appropriate Appropriate description of description of methods, methods, patients, patients, samples, samples, statistics.statistics.

Bare descriptions, could Bare descriptions, could be followed with difficulty. be followed with difficulty. Patient groups not well Patient groups not well delineateddelineated

Methods missing or Methods missing or inadequately inadequately described. No described. No statistical methods. statistical methods. Patient groups Patient groups inadequately inadequately discussed. Ethical discussed. Ethical approval (where approval (where required) Not required) Not mentioned.mentioned.

ResultsResults Clear description Clear description of principal of principal results.results.

Scrappy descriptions of Scrappy descriptions of results, in poor order of results, in poor order of presentation but main presentation but main results describedresults described

Inadequate use of Inadequate use of tables or graphs for tables or graphs for results. Poor results. Poor descriptions which descriptions which do not make results do not make results clear.clear.

AcceptableAcceptable BorderlineBorderline UnacceptableUnacceptable

DiscussionDiscussion Discussion places Discussion places results in the results in the context of context of literature. literature. Conclusions Conclusions correctly drawn correctly drawn from results.from results.

Excessive or patchy Excessive or patchy discussion of results. discussion of results. Insufficient reference to Insufficient reference to literature but essentially literature but essentially shows has understood shows has understood impact of results.impact of results.

Inadequate discussion Inadequate discussion with no reference to with no reference to literature or missing literature or missing important work in the important work in the area. Conclusions area. Conclusions stated which cannot be stated which cannot be drawn from results.drawn from results.

ReferencesReferences Standard style, Standard style, adequate adequate coverage of coverage of literature.literature.

Standard style, but Standard style, but insufficient references to insufficient references to really over the literature really over the literature although main work although main work referenced.referenced.

Non-standard style, Non-standard style, missing or incorrect missing or incorrect references.references.

Diagrams/Diagrams/GraphicsGraphics

Clear, well Clear, well labelled diagrams labelled diagrams and graphs using and graphs using appropriate appropriate scalesscales

It is difficult to visualise It is difficult to visualise from the, tables and from the, tables and graphs the main points graphs the main points of results. Poor use of of results. Poor use of scales and labelling of scales and labelling of axis.axis.

Insufficient or Insufficient or unlabelled diagrams, unlabelled diagrams, tables and graphs of tables and graphs of results. Use of scales results. Use of scales that distort results.that distort results.

AcceptableAcceptable BorderlineBorderline UnacceptableUnacceptable

Use of Use of EnglishEnglish

Clear, appropriate use Clear, appropriate use of English, properly of English, properly spell checked. spell checked. Occasional typo Occasional typo acceptable.acceptable.

Obvious typos but not Obvious typos but not too many. Poor too many. Poor English grammar English grammar (though bear in mind (though bear in mind candidates for whom candidates for whom English is not first English is not first language – meaning language – meaning must be clear).must be clear).

Too many typos Too many typos (>1 per page), (>1 per page), meaning meaning obscured by obscured by poor use of poor use of English.English.

ConstructionConstruction Good division into Good division into introduction, method, introduction, method, results and conclusion.results and conclusion.

Merging of results and Merging of results and conclusions conclusions occasionally acceptable occasionally acceptable for some projects.for some projects.

Division Division between between sections not well sections not well observed. observed. Methods in Methods in introduction, introduction, new results new results stated in stated in discussion.discussion.

Examiner guidelinesExaminer guidelines

All dissertations should be considered overall. Any dissertation with a All dissertations should be considered overall. Any dissertation with a section which is unacceptable should be considered for a rewritesection which is unacceptable should be considered for a rewrite

Dissertations which are mostly acceptable with occasional borderline Dissertations which are mostly acceptable with occasional borderline areas (for example occasional typos or rather longwinded introduction) areas (for example occasional typos or rather longwinded introduction) may be considered for an A overall if borderline areas do not detract from may be considered for an A overall if borderline areas do not detract from the principal results and conclusions of the work the principal results and conclusions of the work

The remainder should be returned for rewriting The remainder should be returned for rewriting

The dissertation cannot be rejected at the written stage if the Examiner The dissertation cannot be rejected at the written stage if the Examiner considers that there is an inadequate project designconsiders that there is an inadequate project design

if this was passed by the Panel Chair if this was passed by the Panel Chair

Examiner feedbackExaminer feedback

Work graded A do not require feedback Work graded A do not require feedback

Work graded B will have a report on a separate sheetWork graded B will have a report on a separate sheetThis should contain nonperjorative comments designed to help the candidate This should contain nonperjorative comments designed to help the candidate

rewrite their submissions.rewrite their submissions.Where possible examples of errors should be quoted. Where possible examples of errors should be quoted. Examiners should avoid sarcasm.Examiners should avoid sarcasm.

The intention of feedback is for the candidate to produce work which will get The intention of feedback is for the candidate to produce work which will get an A at the next attempt an A at the next attempt

Examiner comments Examiner comments

References not presented in a consistent mannerReferences not presented in a consistent manner FISH probe loci not presented in a consistent mannerFISH probe loci not presented in a consistent manner Incorrect references - the examiners will probably know most of them and Incorrect references - the examiners will probably know most of them and

may check may check Methods incomplete - e.g. methods refer to bone marrows but bloods also Methods incomplete - e.g. methods refer to bone marrows but bloods also

included included Use of abbreviations Use of abbreviations Accuracy and typos Accuracy and typos Clinical details patchy Clinical details patchy Introduction was brief and offers an uncritical summary of the literature Introduction was brief and offers an uncritical summary of the literature In introduction textbook references are provided - although appropriate in In introduction textbook references are provided - although appropriate in

some cases the candidate would be expected to cite original publications some cases the candidate would be expected to cite original publications Sources of figures of not candidates own should be acknowledged Sources of figures of not candidates own should be acknowledged

Examiner comments Examiner comments

There should be a critical appraisal of techniques used in the clinical There should be a critical appraisal of techniques used in the clinical context of the cases presented context of the cases presented

The candidate should demonstrate an up to date knowledge and The candidate should demonstrate an up to date knowledge and understanding of where diagnostic testing is moving to in the future understanding of where diagnostic testing is moving to in the future and an awareness of potential impact of new molecular tests and an awareness of potential impact of new molecular tests

Each cases ahs a materials and methods section, to reduce Each cases ahs a materials and methods section, to reduce repetition these should be combined into a single section repetition these should be combined into a single section

The content of the introduction and discussion should be reviewed The content of the introduction and discussion should be reviewed and restructured - some things need moving from discussion to and restructured - some things need moving from discussion to introductionintroduction

Images of variable quality Images of variable quality Comment on the sensitivity of the methodologies Comment on the sensitivity of the methodologies RNA studies require further development - what further development RNA studies require further development - what further development A diagram of the mutations identified would be useful A diagram of the mutations identified would be useful

Examiner comments Examiner comments

Various clinical criteria are referenced but not explained Various clinical criteria are referenced but not explained The candidate states it has low specificity - what is the specificity The candidate states it has low specificity - what is the specificity Information is there but mixed up and could be presented in a way Information is there but mixed up and could be presented in a way

that is a lot clearer that is a lot clearer The patient groups should be identified in the methods The patient groups should be identified in the methods Figure legends should be more informative Figure legends should be more informative In figure 14 and 15 Patients name is evident and should be In figure 14 and 15 Patients name is evident and should be

removedremoved The quality of G banded images included was inadequate to The quality of G banded images included was inadequate to

confirm the interpretation of the abnormalities reported confirm the interpretation of the abnormalities reported The aim of the casebook is stated as being…..this would be a The aim of the casebook is stated as being…..this would be a

very tall order very tall order

Questions and answers Questions and answers

Question Question

Is it possible to combine routes – e.g. papers Is it possible to combine routes – e.g. papers plus dissertation?plus dissertation?

Answer Answer

No but ….No but …. Can use papers as case reportsCan use papers as case reports Can use work from PhD in dissertation Can use work from PhD in dissertation

Needs to be up to date and/or include Needs to be up to date and/or include discussion of current practice discussion of current practice

QuestionQuestion

How do you go about submitting your How do you go about submitting your proposal for approval? proposal for approval?

AnswerAnswer

See information on college websiteSee information on college website

All go to Chair of exam panel for approval – All go to Chair of exam panel for approval – usually quite quick usually quite quick

QuestionQuestion

Is there a time of year you need to make Is there a time of year you need to make proposals?proposals?

AnswerAnswer

Can be submitted any time Can be submitted any time

Not advised to undertake work before proposal Not advised to undertake work before proposal accepted – some do get rejectedaccepted – some do get rejected

Once proposal approved you cannot submit a Once proposal approved you cannot submit a different project – the proposal and written different project – the proposal and written work will both go to the examiner! work will both go to the examiner!

QuestionQuestion

Timescale from proposal to submission? Timescale from proposal to submission?

AnswerAnswer

Three years – there were some in my filing Three years – there were some in my filing cabinet that are > 10 years old!cabinet that are > 10 years old!

Can be extended if special circumstances – eg Can be extended if special circumstances – eg mat leave , apply to the collegemat leave , apply to the college

Work must reflect current practice Work must reflect current practice

QuestionQuestion

Is the college strict on dates it will accept them Is the college strict on dates it will accept them for the next oral exam for the next oral exam

AnswerAnswer The finished project must be submitted at least 4 The finished project must be submitted at least 4

months before the beginning of the part 2 (allow 6) months before the beginning of the part 2 (allow 6) examination period for which the candidate wishes to examination period for which the candidate wishes to enter enter

The college cannot guarantee that a project will be The college cannot guarantee that a project will be marked in time for the candidate to undertake the marked in time for the candidate to undertake the examination if examination if

* It is submitted less than 4 months before the * It is submitted less than 4 months before the beginning of the examination period (ie Jan)beginning of the examination period (ie Jan)

*It is submitted more than 4 months in advance but *It is submitted more than 4 months in advance but has to be returned to the candidate for amendments has to be returned to the candidate for amendments

Applications for the part 2 viva may be Applications for the part 2 viva may be submitted whilst the written option is still submitted whilst the written option is still under consideration by examiners, but entry to under consideration by examiners, but entry to the exam will not be confirmed until the the exam will not be confirmed until the written option has been awarded a pass mark written option has been awarded a pass mark

Candidates who withdraw from their part 2 Candidates who withdraw from their part 2 exam while their written option is under exam while their written option is under consideration will not forfeit their fee consideration will not forfeit their fee

Do not add to your stress levels and submit Do not add to your stress levels and submit well in advance!well in advance!

QuestionQuestion

Would the inclusion of molecular genetic Would the inclusion of molecular genetic analysis be expected in a cyto dissertation?analysis be expected in a cyto dissertation?

AnswerAnswer

Not expected but it would be acceptable and Not expected but it would be acceptable and will become increasingly common will become increasingly common

A cytogeneticist could include a A cytogeneticist could include a predominately molecular dissertation as long predominately molecular dissertation as long as it was related to cytogenetics as it is a as it was related to cytogenetics as it is a cytogenetics exam cytogenetics exam

Also molecular work could include some Also molecular work could include some cytogenetics cytogenetics

QuestionQuestion

Can the dissertation include practical work that Can the dissertation include practical work that you have carried out in the last few years? you have carried out in the last few years?

AnswerAnswer

Yes as long as not too old > 5 yearsYes as long as not too old > 5 years Undertaken during candidates period of training for Undertaken during candidates period of training for

FRCPath FRCPath For a PhD probably not acceptable if undertaken prior For a PhD probably not acceptable if undertaken prior

to part 1 – could be written up as a dissertation to part 1 – could be written up as a dissertation Allows assessment of the practical ability of Allows assessment of the practical ability of

candidates based on work performed in the dept in candidates based on work performed in the dept in which they are employed. which they are employed.

It should arise from the normal work and interests of It should arise from the normal work and interests of the dept the dept

QuestionQuestion

For a casebook is it better to include a variety For a casebook is it better to include a variety of cases with a common theme?of cases with a common theme?

AnswerAnswer

The casebook should include discussion of the The casebook should include discussion of the significance of various findings and a survey significance of various findings and a survey of relevant literature. of relevant literature.

This is better with a theme (s) and not This is better with a theme (s) and not unrelated cases unrelated cases

The Standard of writing should be equivalent The Standard of writing should be equivalent to that expected for publication as a case to that expected for publication as a case report in a professional scientific journal. The report in a professional scientific journal. The casebook does not need to include only unique casebook does not need to include only unique cases but should show a breadth of experience cases but should show a breadth of experience of the specialty and should show that the of the specialty and should show that the candidate is familiar with the workup of a candidate is familiar with the workup of a complex or unusual case and has written their complex or unusual case and has written their report appropriately to a good standard.report appropriately to a good standard.

QuestionQuestion

What degree of specialization, i.e. What degree of specialization, i.e. constitutional vs. haemato-oncology, is constitutional vs. haemato-oncology, is tolerated during the oral examination in cases tolerated during the oral examination in cases where the applicants have no prospect to where the applicants have no prospect to actively practice one of the two specialties. actively practice one of the two specialties.

AnswerAnswer

None - The exam is the same for all candidates None - The exam is the same for all candidates so prepare accordingly so prepare accordingly

QuestionQuestion

If you plan & oversee development of services If you plan & oversee development of services but use technicians to help with the practical but use technicians to help with the practical work, can this still be counted as "your" work?work, can this still be counted as "your" work?

AnswerAnswer

It is unlikely anyone would have done It is unlikely anyone would have done everything themselves – acknowledge work everything themselves – acknowledge work that is not your own.that is not your own.

Part 2 vivaPart 2 viva

Remember that Remember that

Fellowship of the Royal Fellowship of the Royal College of Pathologists is a College of Pathologists is a

mark of professional mark of professional standing and esteemstanding and esteem

Part 2 viva questions Part 2 viva questions

Not released – all candidates on the same exam Not released – all candidates on the same exam will get the same questions, arranged in will get the same questions, arranged in advance and marking scheme agreed advance and marking scheme agreed

Cover three main areas – must pass in all three Cover three main areas – must pass in all three Scientific knowledge relevant to their branch of Scientific knowledge relevant to their branch of

genetics including RECENT literature genetics including RECENT literature Ability to apply BASIC knowledge appropriately Ability to apply BASIC knowledge appropriately

in a clinical context in a clinical context Understanding of lab organization, and direction, Understanding of lab organization, and direction,

including principles of budget control, quality including principles of budget control, quality control, safety and staff management control, safety and staff management

To achieve FRCPath by exam To achieve FRCPath by exam you will have you will have

Passed 2 x 3 hour written papers Passed 2 x 3 hour written papers Passed 2 x 3 hour practical papers – Passed 2 x 3 hour practical papers –

no vivano viva Passed written work = work based Passed written work = work based

(casebook etc)(casebook etc) Passed 1 hour viva Passed 1 hour viva Completed 8 + years of higher Completed 8 + years of higher

specialist training specialist training

Why people failWhy people fail

Poor viva skills Practice - in your own lab Poor viva skills Practice - in your own lab and with senior staff in other labs and with senior staff in other labs

Forgetting the basic science Forgetting the basic science Not being aware of current literature Not being aware of current literature Not having breadth of knowledge – you Not having breadth of knowledge – you

will be asked across all areas of service will be asked across all areas of service

Note – there is not always one correct Note – there is not always one correct answer – can you argue your case clearly answer – can you argue your case clearly

The Examiners The Examiners

Fellows of the CollegeFellows of the College Passed FRCpath at least 5 years ago Passed FRCpath at least 5 years ago CG = 11 MG = 15 - Not all examine CG = 11 MG = 15 - Not all examine

all partsall parts Part 1 exam for 2 years - overlap for Part 1 exam for 2 years - overlap for

continuitycontinuity Co ordinated by panel chair and Co ordinated by panel chair and

College exam committee College exam committee

Examiners…. Examiners….

Sign up for 5 yearsSign up for 5 years

Job description and code of practiceJob description and code of practice

Examiner trainingExaminer training

Egregious errors Egregious errors

An extremely serious error of a An extremely serious error of a proposed action or actions made in proposed action or actions made in response to a question that is response to a question that is dangerous and has a high likelihood of dangerous and has a high likelihood of causing serious harm to the life or well causing serious harm to the life or well being of a patient or others – will being of a patient or others – will automatically be classed as borderline automatically be classed as borderline – outcome will depend on performance – outcome will depend on performance in rest of the exam in rest of the exam

Key dates - 2011 Key dates - 2011

Closing date for application for Spring Closing date for application for Spring Exams – Jan 7th Exams – Jan 7th

Exam held between March 21st and Exam held between March 21st and May 6May 6thth – viva 14 – viva 14thth April April

Examiners are not selected until after Examiners are not selected until after the closing date as we don’t know the closing date as we don’t know how many and to avoid examining how many and to avoid examining staff within own lab staff within own lab

Part 2 - frequency Part 2 - frequency

Due to small numbers of candidates Due to small numbers of candidates and need for 2 examiners each time and need for 2 examiners each time the part 2 viva is now only held once the part 2 viva is now only held once per year in the Springper year in the Spring

Sources of information Sources of information

The College Website The College Website Exam regs and guidelinesExam regs and guidelines Genetics regs Genetics regs Candidate infoCandidate info FAQFAQ

All on RCPath website All on RCPath website

Examiner guidelinesExaminer guidelines

All dissertations should be considered overall. Any dissertation All dissertations should be considered overall. Any dissertation with a section which is unacceptable should be considered for a with a section which is unacceptable should be considered for a rewriterewrite

Dissertations which are mostly acceptable with occasional Dissertations which are mostly acceptable with occasional borderline areas (for example occasional typos or rather borderline areas (for example occasional typos or rather longwinded introduction) may be considered for an A overall if longwinded introduction) may be considered for an A overall if borderline areas do not detract from the principal results and borderline areas do not detract from the principal results and conclusions of the work conclusions of the work

The remainder should be returned for rewriting The remainder should be returned for rewriting

The dissertation cannot be rejected at the written stage if the The dissertation cannot be rejected at the written stage if the Examiner considers that there is an inadequate project designExaminer considers that there is an inadequate project design

if this was passed by the Panel Chair if this was passed by the Panel Chair