4 year programme                               July

The DM Chemical Pathology programme is a four year graduate course which aims to provide the graduate with the knowledge and skills to function as a consultant Chemical Pathologist equipped for independent practice in hospital-based and stand-alone clinical laboratories. On acceptance to the programme there will be a six month probation period during which the candidate’s performance will be assessed at regular intervals. Any candidate who fails the overall assessment during this period of probation will be required to withdraw from the programme.

The programme will be a minimum of four years (see Exemptions) from the date of entry. The course of study will normally take place at the University Hospital of the West Indies or at institutions in the contributing territories recognized by the University for this purpose; but up to one year’s elective period may be spent at an approved institution in or out of the Caribbean provided prior approval is obtained from the Board for Graduate Studies and Research through the Faculty Committee for Graduate Studies. Throughout the programme, candidates must hold recognized posts in accredited hospitals or be on the elective period approved by the Board for Graduate Studies and Research.

The programme is divided into two parts: Part I and Part II

Part I

• The first part is of a minimum of ninety-two (92) weeks duration, excluding leave and must include training in:

a) Chemical Pathology – 46 weeks

b) Anatomical Pathology – 23 weeks

c) Haematology Oncology – 23 weeks

• Provided the in-course assessments are satisfactory, the Part I examination is taken at the end of the 92 weeks. Admission to the second part depends on satisfactory assessments and performance in the Part I Examination. 

Part II

• The second part is of a minimum of ninety-two (92) weeks duration, excluding leave. In the penultimate year only, it will include a six (6) month period in Internal Medicine at the University Hospital of the West Indies or at institutions in the contributing territories recognized by the University for this purpose and may include a period not exceeding six (6) months spent as an elective, providing that approval has been obtained from the Faculty Committee for Graduate Studies and the Board for Graduate Studies and Research beforehand. Such approval must be obtained at least six months prior to the commencement of the elective period. The elective period may be spent in a hospital-based or stand-alone clinical laboratory, which can provide the student with experience not readily available at the hospital at which he/she is employed. Teaching and training in teaching methods, research methodology and laboratory quality assurance and management are also integral components of the programme. All students should appreciate the need for ongoing research in the field and are encouraged to cooperate with research efforts of department/division members. 
• During the second part in Chemical Pathology, specialist training in clinical chemistry and Laboratory management must be undertaken.

Examination

• Before admission to any examination, candidates must be certified by their supervisor as having completed the relevant parts of the programme. The examination consists of two parts: Part I and Part II. They are normally held once per year in May/June or November/December. Candidates are eligible for the Part I examination after completion of 24 months (including leave) of appropriate training and it is intended to test the student’s knowledge of the basic sciences as applied to all subspecialties of Pathology. It consists of:

a) Two written papers which may include multiple choice questions 

b) A practical examination

c) An oral examination

• On successful completion of Part I, continuation in the training programme will be dependent on the recommendation of the Specialty Board based on its continuous assessment and the results of the Part I examination. The Part II examination consists of:

a) Two written papers which may include multiple choice questions;

b) A practical examination

c) An oral examination.

• Students are normally expected to present themselves for the first examination being held following completion of the various Parts. In exceptional circumstances (such as ill health), a student may request permission from the Board for Graduate Studies and Research to defer the date of the first sitting. Candidates must register for the examination at the appropriate time. 
• Candidates must pass all components of the examinations to be deemed to have passed the examination. Should any candidate fail the examination at the first attempt, completion of this part must be within one calendar year of the first attempt.