| The term ‘pathologist’ is
often used to refer to medical doctors specialising in pathology,
but in fact the majority of people working in pathology disciplines
are trained scientists, not doctors. In the UK, most pathology staff
work in the National Health Service, though some work for universities
or in industry.
If you‘re interested in becoming a pathologist
and you’re still at school, it would be wise for you to take
as many science subjects as you can. It’s worth checking out
our Find Out More section and looking
at the many websites that can help you there.
Overall there are three paths to becoming a professional
pathologist.
After training in medicine and reaching postgraduate level, doctors
who wish to specialise in pathology then do several years’
further training. This often involves some extra time in research,
leading to the award of a research degree. Fully qualified pathologists
eventually become consultants in their specialist field. Only pathologists
who have previously trained as medical doctors can have direct responsibility
for patient care.
Clinical scientists are graduates, often with a research degree
or PhD. They’ve usually had a three-year period of initial
training at university, followed by four or five years of specialist
training. A major part of a clinical scientist’s role is to
provide scientific leadership in the laboratory, including the development
of new services. They can attain the equivalent status to medical
consultants and head up a laboratory. However, they are not medically
trained and so do not treat patients directly.
Biomedical
scientists usually enter pathology after their first degree, though
they can also enter as a trainee after A-levels, studying for a
degree part-time. They usually specialise in one pathology discipline
and provide technical services within the laboratory. Senior biomedical
scientists often have an important role in laboratory management.
A specialised type of biomedical scientist is the forensic scientist.
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