The Department of Pathology at Landspítali offers a structured specialist training programme in pathology, which was approved by the Evaluation and Credentials Committee in May 2018.

This is a two-year general foundation programme in pathology, while full specialist certification in pathology, in accordance with Regulation No. 467/2015 on the education, rights, and obligations of doctors and the requirements for obtaining a general medical licence and specialist licence, takes at least five years. Therefore, trainees are expected to complete part of their specialist training abroad in order to gain additional experience and expertise.

Duration: 2 years

Objective

The most important and comprehensive experience and knowledge in the specialist training are gained through daily work, carried out mostly under the supervision of and in close collaboration with consultants. This work involves extensive teaching, in addition to regular educational meetings within the department, and trainees are also expected to engage in self-directed learning.

During the two-year training programme in Iceland, trainees work regularly with and receive instruction in the diagnosis of specimens from most organ systems. In this way, they acquire a broad foundation in general pathology, strong skills in common and straightforward diagnostic work, as well as considerable competence in more complex pathological and diagnostic tasks.

Trainees also receive training in performing and processing autopsies, basic training in cytopathology, and an introduction to and instruction in molecular pathology.

The entire programme takes place in the Department of Pathology at Landspítali, Hringbraut, which is a relatively small department characterised by close personal contact and collaboration among all professional groups within the department