Specialty Doctor in Histopathology

Job overview

The main purpose of this post is to assist Consultant Histopathologists and Clinical Scientist in providing comprehensive histopathology services and morphologic molecular testing.

The post holder will be expected to handle specimens and dissect specimens for Histological processing.The post holder will use the alternative/CESR pathway to attain specialist registration with the GMC.

The post holder will be assigned a desk with microscope and internet/hospital IT-linked computer (with LIMS installed) in a shared office space. They will also have access to the Hospital library, post-graduate centre and the research and development unit.

The post holders will have good exposure to general pathology as well as specialised cardiothoracic pathology. There will also be the opportunity to experience practical aspects of molecular pathology/genomic testing (in close collaboration with the clinical scientist) and digital pathology. The post holder will contribute to a thriving culture of clinically relevant audit/quality improvement as well as full participation of the department in relevant projects in the Trust’s Research and Development unit.

These Specialty Doctor/Clinical Fellow posts are posts that have been specially designed to help the department achieve its goals and offer opportunities to aspiring young pathologists to become established consultants.

Main duties of the job

Typical duties include working closely with Consultant Pathologists, helping in the diagnostic process of diseases, examination of tissue samples “cut-up” (both general and specialised cardiothoracic pathology), morphology aspects of molecular testing and microscopic descriptions/reporting, producing final histopathology report by pre-screening slides/initial drafting of reports.

It is expected that the successful candidate will adhere to the departmental Standard, Operating Procedure (SOPs) and standards for safety, quality and infection control.

The appointee will perform supportive pathological tasks under the direction of a pathologist, examining and reporting information about surgical specimens, correlating findings with patient clinical history and radio-imaging, attention to detail for processing and examining delicate specimens and tissue samples.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Behavioural qualities

• Act as a role model for compassionate and inclusive leadership and take personal responsibility for obtaining feedback on self, and ensuring all managers and staff within the directorate are trained in EDI.
• Ensure that there is a specific commitment to deliver equality and inclusiveness in all aspects of service line activity including service provision and recruitment, development and management of staff.
• Take an operational leadership role in improving culture at service line level, delivering key actions as agreed.
• Cultivate a safe working environment where there is regular opportunity to hear and act on staff experience feedback and deliver on the plans to improve experience.
• Actively challenge discriminatory behaviour and where there is discriminatory behaviour taking place, take the appropriate action.
• Individuals who not only recognise the importance of diverse perspectives and beliefs but also actively contribute to a positive team culture. This entails treating everyone with kindness, regardless of differences, and creating an environment where all voices are heard and respected.

Clinical / operational responsibilities

The post has no direct patient or client contact.

The post has no responsibility for financial resources.

• The post has no subordinates but may be under immediate supervision of the substantive specialty doctors and or the advanced practitioners during the performance of certain tasks like ‘cut-up’. Experiential training will occur both by designed training sessions and through routine working with the different consultants.
• Routine (minimum annual) formal appraisal will be used to assess performance and progress.
• Physical skills required are attention to detail, manual dexterity and meticulous health & safety observance in this environment of hazardous chemicals, potentially diseased human tissues and sharp instruments.
• The post holder is expected to combine a good degree of independent working with a keen awareness of own limitations and to seek guidance from consultants or others as appropriate.