Training and Organization for Pathology in Britain: The Role of Chemical Pathologists

In Britain, the term "clinical pathology" indicates the discipline of pathology applied to patients, whereas "chemical pathology" refers to pathology in its chemical and biochemical aspects, both as a basic science and for patient care. The initial training of a chemical pathologist is usually in general pathology, in metabolic medicine, or in research. This training continues solely in chemical pathology, and the specialist qualification, namely Membership of the Royal College of Pathologists, is taken at about 32 years of age. Training is similar in the other disciplines of pathology, and a pathologist usually achieves a senior permanent appointment by the age of 34 years. By national policy, pathology laboratories, each with departments of chemical pathology, hematology, histopathology, and microbiology, are centered in about 250 District General Hospitals. The chemical pathology section ideally includes both a medical consultant and an equivalent non-medical scientist. These ideals are unlikely to be reached because of pathologists usually include laboratory supervision, clinical liaison, teaching, and research. Many chemical pathologists also have specific clinical consultant activities, such as overseeing a Metabolic Unit.