Joint Molecular & Cytogenetic FRCPath

Written Option Workshop

Guy's Hospital

17-01-11

Gemma Monaghan

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First

• Welcome• Toilets, fire exits• Mentor list – thanks to Sally Cottrell• Feedback questionnaire• Thanks

– Speakers– Example written options

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Programme

2.00 Part 2 Written Options.........................Gemma

2.25 Coffee & View Successful Written Options

3.10 Casebook...................................Andrea/Gemma

3.20 PhD thesis...............................................Gemma

3.30 Papers......................................................Louise

3.40 Dissertation.............................................Teresa

3.50 Examiner's perspective..........................Teresa

4.10 Future Plans for the FRCPath…… Jonathan

4.30 Close

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Information for Candidates

• http://www.rcpath.org/resources/pdf/genetics2011_v2.pdf

• http://www.rcpath.org/resources/pdf/Molecular_Genetics.pdf

• http://www.rcpath.org/resources/pdf/Clinical_Cytogenetics.pdf

• http://www.rcpath.org/resources/pdf/Exam_Regs_2011_Version_1.pdf

• http://www.rcpath.org/resources/pdf/Guidance_for_candidates_undertaking_written_projects_for_Part_2_Examination2011.pdf

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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

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Written Options

• a) a casebook. • b) a dissertation • c) ≥ 3 refereed published papers • d) a PhD/MD thesis, normally

completed during the training period

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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

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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

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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

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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

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Part 2 Viva

• Teresa

• Separate self help for viva preparation

• Must have passed written component

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Written Options

• a) a casebook. • b) a dissertation • c) ≥ 3 refereed published papers • d) a PhD/MD thesis, normally

completed during the training period

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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

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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”

Dissertation (2)

• Project should arise from the normal work and interests of the department

• May wish to choose a topic on analytical work

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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

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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

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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 1st named author)

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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

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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

PhD/MD option

• If PhD too old:

- can be rewritten as a dissertation– results & subject up to date in

light of current research & publications

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

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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

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Assessment of Written Work

• Teresa

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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

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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

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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)

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Submitting Written Option (3)

• Other documentation required– passport photo signed &

endorsed by sponsor– Stamped addressed postcard for

confirmation of receipt

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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

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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

• http://www.rcpath.org/resources/pdf/published_works.pdf

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Thanks for listening

• gemma.monaghan@nhs.net