Specialty Snapshot – Anatomical Pathology
Anatomical Pathologists are physicians responsible for examining tissues submitted to the laboratory for the purposes of investigating and diagnosing the mechanisms and development of disease. They use their expertise and skills to inform and guide clinical decisions for patients of all ages. In addition, they provide the definitive summary of penultimate clinical events, performing autopsies in complex medical cases and in cases of sudden and/or unexpected death. To become certified in this specialty in Canada, an additional 5 years of approved residency training is required, following attainment of a Medical Doctor (MD) degree. This training includes: 1 year of basic clinical training; 3 years of approved residency training in anatomical pathology (including training in surgical pathology and autopsy pathology); a minimum of 3 months' training in cytopathology; and training in forensic pathology and pediatric pathology. A further year of approved residency is also required.
Life as an Anatomical Pathologist
What exactly is Anatomical Pathology? Join host and fellow medical student Andrew Pauls for a discussion with Dr. Corwyn Rowsell (Anatomical Pathologist) and Dr. Nadine Demko (PGY-3 Anatomical Pathology), in which they share an overview of this fascinating specialty and provide insight in the day in the life of an Anatomical Pathologist.
Listen on Spotify or Apple Podcasts
Additional resource:
- Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada - Detailed training requirements
- CMA - Anatomical Pathology Profile
Read related stories:
- Choosing Your Medical Specialty: Anesthesiology
- Choosing Your Medical Specialty: Internal Medicine [Podcast]
Specialty Café / Café des spécialités is produced by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, and the podcast does not receive funding or other support from RBC Healthcare. This Podcast is promoted by RBC with the permission of the Royal College. © The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, 2021. All rights reserved.
This article originally appeared on the RBC Healthcare - Advice & Learning