The agreement will lead to examination centres being established by the RCPI in Ireland for the delivery of FRCPath Part 2 examinations in histopathology and haematology. This will increase the number of candidates who can sit the exams and making the examinations more accessible for Irish candidates. The agreement was announced during the Faculty of Pathology Annual Symposium.

 

 

With centres in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, Histopathology FRCPath Part 2 will be available to 40 candidates annually across the Spring and Autumn examination sessions. An annual exam centre for Haematology FRCPath Part 2 will also be provided for eight to ten candidates. Locations will rotate across Belfast, Dublin and Cork.

President of the Royal College of Pathologists, Professor Mike Osborn, said:

‘This Memorandum of Understanding between our two great institutions will help us build on our already close relationship. It will allow us to develop training and examinations to ensure that we have the medical workforce we need in the future.’

Professor Mary Horgan, RCPI President, said:

‘This agreement is an important milestone in our ongoing collaboration with the Royal College of Pathologists. We are committed to working together to continually improve standards in training and practice in pathology and laboratory medicine. Providing additional opportunities for our trainees and exam candidates to complete their examinations is crucial to futureproofing and advancing the specialty which plays such a vital role in health services globally. It ensures a sustainable pipeline of new consultant histopathologists and haematologists for our health service’.

Professor Osborn was conferred with an Honorary Fellowship of the Faculty of Pathology during the Annual Symposium.

He said:

‘I am hugely grateful to be awarded this honorary fellowship. It further cements the close links between our institutions. I look forward to continuing to work closely with our Irish colleagues. Thank you.’

Professor Mary Keogan, Dean of the Faculty of Pathology, said:

‘It was a great pleasure to bestow Professor Osborn with Honorary Fellowship, the highest honour which the Faculty can award. I look forward to continuing to work collaboratively on the delivery of exams in Irish exam centres.’