Royal College of Pathologists

The Royal College of Pathologists is a professional membership organisation committed to promoting excellence in the practice of pathology. Its main function is the overseeing of postgraduate training, and its Fellowship Examination (FRCPath) is recognised as the standard assessment of fitness to practise in this branch of medicine.

The Royal College of Pathologists is a professional membership organisation, whose mission is to maintain the internationally renowned standards and reputation of British pathology, through training, assessments, examinations and professional development, to the benefit of the public. It is a registered charity and is not a trades union. Its 11,000 members work in hospital laboratories, universities and industry worldwide.

The RCP was founded in 1962, to optimise postgraduate training in the relatively young science of pathology, with its high importance in the diagnostic process, and the increasing range of specialist studies within it. The College received its Royal Charter in 1970 and its Patron is Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

The Fellowship Examination of the Royal College of Pathologists (FRCPath) is the main method of assessment for UK pathology training - evaluation of a candidate's training programme, indicating fitness to practise, whilst also marking the entry into independent practice and the beginning of continuing professional development. Upon successful completion, trainees are awarded Fellowship status of the Royal College of Pathologists.

Fellowship may also be awarded on the basis of submitted published works, though this does not contribute to the award of the Certificate of Completion of Training and is not a mark of eligibility for appointment to a Consultant post or unsupervised practice.

The College runs a national scheme for overseeing of continued education of pathologists in clinical practice, as well as sponsoring workshops, lectures and courses.

The following are disciplines of pathology which the College oversees:

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