There are two issues clearly identified in this debate (i) remuneration and (ii)
the need for trained cytopathologists. The latter is an important issue in relation
to some of the problems that have occurred of late, and of which everybody is
aware. It is vitally important therefore to identify (a) the competencies that are
required for a Clinical Scientist who will be practising as a cytopathologist, (b)
the training required to practice in that role, and (c) the assessment required to
ensure that the practitioner is competent. Until these standards are defined it
will not be possible to be registered as a Clinical Scientist practising as such in
cytopathology. As Chairman of the Registration Council for Scientists in
Health Care (the guardian of the voluntary register for Clinical Scientists) and
Chairman designate of the Clinical Scientists Board of the Council for the
Professions Supplementary to Medicine, I have written to the President of the
Royal College of Pathologists to open the dialogue on these issues.
C P Price
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