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

1. Gemma Monaghan Joint Molecular & Cytogenetic FRCPath Written Option WorkshopGuy's Hospital17-01-11

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

3. 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

4. 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

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

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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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)‏

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. 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. 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. Assessment of Written Work • Teresa

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

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. FRCPath by Published Work • 30 peer-reviewed publications •  10 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

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