FRCPath Irish Exam Centres for Histopathology and Haematology Announced

An agreement to formalise the arrangement for the delivery of FRCPath Part 2 examinations in Ireland was signed today by the Faculty of Pathology at the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland (RCPI) and the Royal College of Pathologists.

Announced during the Faculty of Pathology Annual Symposium, the agreement will see examination centres established by RCPI in Ireland for the delivery of FRCPath Part 2 examinations in histopathology and haematology, increasing the number of candidates who can sit the exams and making the examinations more accessible for Irish candidates.

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 center for Haematology FRCPath Part 2 will also be provided for eight to ten candidates. Locations will rotate across Belfast, Dublin and Cork.

“This agreement is an important milestone in our ongoing collaboration with the Royal College of Pathologists,” Professor Mary Horgan, RCPI President said.

“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 Mike Osborn, President of the College of Pathologists, was in Ireland for the signing of the agreement at No. 6 Kildare St.

“This Memorandum of Understanding between our two great institutions will help us build on our already close relationship and will allow us to develop training and examinations going forward to ensure that we have the healthcare workforce we need in the future” Prof Osborn said.

Professor Osborn was conferred with an Honorary Fellowship of the Faculty of Pathology during the Annual Symposium at No. 6 Kildare Street.

Prof Osborn said: “I am hugely grateful to be awarded this honorary fellowship which further cements the close links between our institutions. I look forward to continuing to work closely with our Irish colleagues going forward. Thank you.”

“It was a great pleasure to bestow Prof Osborn with Honorary Fellowship, the highest honor which the Faculty can award. This further cements our ongoing relationship with the Royal College of Pathologists, and I look forward to continuing to work collaboratively on the delivery of exams in Irish exam centres,” Prof Mary Keogan, Dean of the Faculty of Pathology said.