Join our pathology summer school

This annual event held every August is open to UK medical students in any year of training, offering the opportunity to find out about the wide range of pathology specialities through a mixture of lectures and small-group interactive breakout sessions. This free 2-day course will give you a chance to talk to current trainees and established consultants about their careers.  

The Summer School is hosted by the Royal College of Pathologists and sponsored by the College, the British Division of the International Academy of Pathology, British Society for Haematology, Association of Clinical Pathologists, and the British Infection Association.

This was one of the best summer schools i have ever attended. This course has shown me how diverse and interesting pathology can be, and now I look forward to becoming one.

What's happening? 

This is not a revision course but a chance to learn more about the role of pathology in healthcare, including current research and future advances. The content will be relevant whether you are considering a career in pathology or not; all doctors use pathology services and benefit from a greater understanding of the specialties. 

Pathology Summer School 2024 - Programme

Thursday 8th August 

The Royal College of Pathologists, 6 Alie Street, London E1 8QT

10.15-10.30    Registration 

10.30-11.00    Welcome and Introduction to Pathology Specialties, Dr Bernie Croal, RCPath President

11.00-11.30    Lecture – Careers in Pathology, Professor Nicki Cohen 

11.30-12.00    Lecture – Day in the life of a Pathologist, Professor Peter Johnston 

12.00-12.30    Lunch 

Breakout sessions covering pathology specialties (45-50 min each session)

12.30-13.20    Breakout 1 
13.25-14.15    Breakout 2  

14.15-14.30    Short comfort break

14.30-15.20    Breakout 3  
15.25-16.15    Breakout 4  

Evening BBQ 
18.15       
Drinks & mingling in the Terrace Room (RCPath)
18.30        BBQ
20.30        Close

Friday 9th August 

Guys Hospital Campus, Kings College London, Gordons Museum

09.45-10.00    Registration

10.00-10.15    Welcome back 

10.15-10.45    Lecture – Making the most of the opportunities in pathology training, Dr Matthew Clarke 

10.45-11.15    Lecture – Pathology training and examinations, Dr Katie Allen TBC

Breakout sessions covering pathology specialties (45-50 min each session)

11.15-12.05    Breakout 5 
12.10-13.00    Breakout 6 

13.00-13.40 Lunch/refreshments

13.40-14.30    Breakout 7 
14.35-15.25    Breakout 8  

15.25-15.40    Summing up and feedback 

Breakout sessions will include:
•    Clinical Biochemistry 
•    Death Investigation  
•    Haematology 
•    Histopathology 
•    Immunology
•    Microbiology 
•    Neuropathology
•    Pots 

When is it happening?

The next summer school is scheduled for Thursday 8 and Friday 9 August 2024, places will be offered based on a formal application process. Food and drink is included in the event, plus the evening meal at the College on the Thursday night. For those students attending from outside of London we will also cover the cost of overnight accommodation for one night (student accommodation organised by the College). Travel expenses are not covered.

On the day

You will have opportunities to interact with trainees and consultants in various pathology specialities as well as take part in numerous interactive activities, plus enjoying informal networking at the BBQ on Thursday night.

How to apply 

Applications are now open for the 2024 Pathology Summer School.To apply you must be a UK medical student with proof of year of study and university you are attending. Applications will close on Friday 31 May 2024. Please note summer school places are limited.

Undergraduate Pathology Summer School Application Form 2024

This course was the best thing I have done all summer. I loved both days and relished the opportunity to look around the Gordon Museum as well as speak to such friendly and engaging subject specialists. I am so glad I signed up and would strongly advise you to also.

Discover more about pathology careers