1. Do Medical Students Understand the Role of a Pathologist? Do Medical Students Understand the Role of a Pathologist? Moreman, C. 1 Shukla, C. 2 Petts, G. 3 Cossins, S 2 1 University Hospitals of Leicester, 2 St James University Hospital, 3 The Royal London Hospital Discussion Figure 1 shows there are a number of medical students (12%) who think a Pathologist does not require medical training. This raises the concern they are not aware of pathology as a sub-specialty in medicine. Although the data in figure 2 reflects good understanding of what a Pathologist does, correlating these findings with those from figure 1, it is clear they do not appreciate the importance of clinical knowledge in reaching a definitive diagnosis. The results in table 1 are rather shocking and fuels the ongoing problem of lack of understanding of the attributes required to become a Pathologist. The art of diagnosis is mastered by appropriate decision-making and use of clinical knowledge (6% still unaware). 32% of respondents failed to understand that communication skills are vital to help reach that diagnosis and to decide the management plan for the patient. In addition, in all criteria, those respondents who answered ‘no’ or ‘unsure’ failed to recognise that all the attributes are required of any junior doctor, irrespective of speciality! The lack of understanding mentioned in the above paragraph may contribute to the low number of students who would consider a career in pathology (31%). A higher profile of pathology, by improving the way it is taught and increasing the number of students that work alongside a Pathologist, may help us target our number one audience. Medical students’ responses to the relevant attributes required to become a Pathologist. YesNoNot sure Clinical knowledge and expertise 94%2%4% Communication skills 68%20%12% Problem solving and decision making 87%8%5% Coping with pressure 74%14%12% Organisation and planning 89%6%5% Managing others and team involvement 84%9%7% Show commitment to personal and professional development 95%2%3% “Pathology is the hidden science at the heart of modern medicine, vital for the diagnosis and clinical management of disease”. 1 The pathology experience of medical students is declining and very few spend time in a pathology department. If they do not understand the role of a pathologist how can they be expected to be interested in a career in pathology. 2 Method To establish medical students’ understanding of the role of the pathologist an email with an attached link to an online survey was sent to each medical student from 24 medical schools in England and Wales. The questions were based on their experience of pathology teaching at their university and their understanding of the role of the Pathologist. Results 1126 students replied from 17 universities with even representation over years 1-5. Not all students answered each question. Figure 2.Figure 1.Table 1. References 1.Royal College of Pathologists 2.Foster, CS. and Newland, A. Response by Royal College of Pathologists to Discussion Paper: “The Future of the Medical Workforce”. The Royal College of Pathologists. 22nd Feb 2007.