1. Joint Molecular & Cytogenetic FRCPath Written Option Workshop Guy's Hospital 17-01-11 Gemma Monaghan

2. 2 First Welcome Toilets, fire exits Mentor list – thanks to Sally Cottrell Feedback questionnaire Thanks – Speakers – Example written options

3. 3 Programme 2.00Part 2 Written Options.........................Gemma 2.25Coffee & View Successful Written Options 3.10Casebook...................................Andrea/Gemma 3.20PhD thesis...............................................Gemma 3.30Papers......................................................Louise 3.40Dissertation.............................................Teresa 3.50Examiner's perspective..........................Teresa 4.10Future Plans for the FRCPath…… Jonathan 4.30Close

4. 4 Information for Candidates http://www.rcpath.org/resources/pdf/genetics2011 _v2.pdf http://www.rcpath.org/resources/pdf/genetics2011 _v2.pdf http://www.rcpath.org/resources/pdf/Molecular_Ge netics.pdf http://www.rcpath.org/resources/pdf/Molecular_Ge netics.pdf http://www.rcpath.org/resources/pdf/Clinical_Cytog enetics.pdf http://www.rcpath.org/resources/pdf/Clinical_Cytog enetics.pdf http://www.rcpath.org/resources/pdf/Exam_Regs_2 011_Version_1.pdf http://www.rcpath.org/resources/pdf/Exam_Regs_2 011_Version_1.pdf http://www.rcpath.org/resources/pdf/Guidance_for _candidates_undertaking_written_projects_for_Part _2_Examination2011.pdf http://www.rcpath.org/resources/pdf/Guidance_for _candidates_undertaking_written_projects_for_Part _2_Examination2011.pdf

5. 5 When to take Part 2? – Normally not taken until eight yrs post degree – Does not have to be a large gap between Parts 1 and 2 if Part 1 attained ~6–7 yrs post-degree or more can move rapidly to Part 2 – Candidates are required to give evidence of widening experience over at least 2 yrs training by examination of a written component & an oral exam

6. 6 Written Options a) a casebook. b) a dissertation c) 3 refereed published papers d) a PhD/MD thesis, normally completed during the training period

7. 7 Proposal Must submit a proposal to RCPath – Dissertation – Casebook – Papers If possible, submit a proposal before commencing a PhD thesis for approval College ask for modifications to significant number of projects so approval is advisable

8. 8 When to Submit a Proposal? Only submit written work proposal after successful completion of the part 1 written exam Cannot submit completed written option until passed part 1 practical Can submit proposals by email – exams@rcpath.org

9. 9 Proposal Content Proposal should outline the project – background – aims – methods – significance of the study – include approval of a relevant ethics committee where appropriate Proposal no more than 1500 words

10. 10 Submitting Written Component Submit within 3 yrs of proposal approved If fail to submit in time: – need to apply for an extension, giving reasons OR – submit a new proposal Written component must be awarded a pass mark before the oral exam taken If taking next viva exam, must submit written 6 months before the part 2 viva date

11. 11 Part 2 Viva Teresa Separate self help for viva preparation Must have passed written component

12. 12 Written Options a) a casebook. b) a dissertation c) 3 refereed published papers d) a PhD/MD thesis, normally completed during the training period

13. 13 Casebook 7-8 cases Supervisor to confirm candidate has made major contribution to the cases Candidate must make clear their personal involvement in each case Include discussion of significance of findings & survey of literature Total length ~10,000 to 20,000 words – excluding refs – would not normally >20,000 words

14. 14 Dissertation Purpose of dissertation - to allow assessment of candidate's practical ability based on work performed in the department in which they are employed & their ability to report and assess the significance of their findings. It is a test of candidates ability to analyse, criticise and present data

15. Dissertation (2) Project should arise from the normal work and interests of the department May wish to choose a topic on analytical work

16. 16 Dissertation (3) Usually 4000-6000 words in length (excluding bibliography) Research work used – Human molecular genetics – Human cytogenetics Reasonably up to date Include declaration if any of the work has been submitted in support of another qualification eg PhD

17. 17 Casebook & Dissertation English Standard of dissertation project should be such that it is suitable for publication in a scientific journal Standard of writing in casebook should be equivalent to that expected for publication of a case report in a scientific journal Illustrations & tables interleaved appropriately with text

18. 18 Casebook & Dissertation (2) Include statement indicating any work that has been published (list the references) – Cannot simply reproduce published work – Present in a revised, amplified or extended form – Candidate is the major contributor to relevant publications (usually 1 st named author)

19. 19 Casebook & Dissertation (3) Any scientific or technical help acknowledged Double spacing (except references) Must be bound (preferably plastic spine) – Allow for alterations Two bound & one electronic Written work scanned for improper citation or plagiarism using source-matching software

20. 20 PhD/MD Option Ideally submit proposal (title & summary) prior to undertaking PhD to ensure project work acceptable Or Submit 1 copy of completed thesis & university confirmation of the award & full CV Reasonably up to date – Ideally during period of training – Within past 6 years

21. PhD/MD option If PhD too old: - can be rewritten as a dissertation – results & subject up to date in light of current research & publications

22. PhD/MD Thesis Thesis should : –Demonstrate that have experience in current techniques –Bulk of work should normally be during training –Not more than 6 years old

23. 23 Papers Option Louise Lavender talk Examples – 6 NF2 papers (5 first author, 1 multi) – 14 FAP, HNPCC, other polyposis syndromes (4 first author, 10 multi) – 17 molecular classification of MODY (1 sole, 3 first, 1 last, 11 multi) Commentary - length not specified – ~3000-4000 words

24. 24 Assessment of Written Work Teresa

25. 25 Submitting Written Option Printed application form to the Examination Dept RCPath – Do not send to examiner If want to take viva – send it 6 months before exam candidate wishes to enter

26. 26 Submitting Written Option Sponsored by fellow of the college involved in your training – Certify candidate has personally carried out the work If impractical - HOD as sponsor

27. 27 Submitting Written Option (2) Can submit for both written & viva at same time – Viva entry not confirmed until pass – Withdraw while written under consideration do not forfeit fee Can submit written option ONLY without applying for viva – Do not pay for part 2 exam until applying for viva component (£505)

28. 28 Submitting Written Option (3) Other documentation required – passport photo signed & endorsed by sponsor – Stamped addressed postcard for confirmation of receipt

29. 29 FRCPath by Published Work Granted to persons, whether medically qualified or not, who submit published works of sufficient distinction on pathology and related subjects Not normally intended for pathologists working in diagnostic departments of the major specialties

30. 30 FRCPath by Published Work 30 peer-reviewed publications first or senior author make substantial high-quality contributions to research & practice within the applicant's nominated discipline Can contact David Rubinsztein to discuss – dcr1000@cam.ac.uk dcr1000@cam.ac.uk http://www.rcpath.org/resources/pdf/pu blished_works.pdf

31. 31 Thanks for listening gemma.monaghan@nhs.net