Abeer, originally from Gaza, has been supported by FQMS to do her pathology speciality training in Egypt and Jordan. This summer we helped her do an observership at Christie Hospital in Manchester. Read about her experience and the differences she experienced:
“In pathology we say (you cannot separate passion from pathology any more than you can separate a person’s spirit from his body). The field of pathology is ever changing! That’s what makes it different from other specialties! The dynamics of change!
There is no doubt that training in different places has fostered my skill set as a clinician! I was privileged to train in three places, Cairo, Jordan and Manchester. Each place has its pros and cons!
Egypt pathology training
With a population of 97 million, Egypt has the hugest number of cases any pathologist that I’ve encountered! Whether you practice at Cairo University Hospital or Ain Shams Hospital, you are going to see a wide variety of cases. However, most cases are directed to the private practice labs, some of which are more advanced than the departments in teaching hospitals. In order to gain enough experience I chose to volunteer at one of those private labs 3 days a week after work. This combined experience helped me master my gross dissection skills and learn about different disease patterns! As a junior trainee have to figure your own way to meet the international standards and be able to practice independently!
Jordan pathology training
Pathology training in Jordan taught me to speak the international language of pathology! College of American Pathologists (CAP) protocols and WHO updates are followed on a daily basis! University hospitals establish a solid base for independent practice with a safe evidence based approach. The renowned King Hussein Cancer Centre is a referral centre for the entire region. Having said that, the large and varied number of cases means working under pressure and needing to manage your time carefully.
UK pathology training
This summer I was in Manchester. Manchester and all of the UK has a different system. The UK uses guidelines set by the Royal College, which is different from CAP. Big hospitals in UK are known for being the regional lead in sub-specialties. For example, Christie Hospital it is oncology cytogenetic and histopathology. Practising in one a hospital like this exposes you to rare cases and the different microscopic features for each disease. It introduced me to the power of subspecialty.”
Read more about the professional development programme here
