RxPG - VIROLOGY - Recent Updates by RCPath from 2004

Part 2 examination

Medically qualified candidates are required to have trained in a recognised Regional Higher Specialist Training Programme in virology for a period of normally not less than four years. The timing for non-medically qualified candidates has yet to be agreed.

Note: Applications for entry to the exams following shorter periods of training must be supported fully by the relevant programme director and educational supervisor, and will be considered jointly by the Chair of the Microbiology Panel of Examiners and the Chair of the Microbiology CATT.

Old Part 2 examination
The old Part 2 examination in virology is under review. Trainees in programme will be examined under existing guidelines if they have successfully completed the old Part 1 examination, there will therefore be a need to continue to offer this Part 2 examination until all such trainees have completed training. The old Part 2 assessment involves two components.

1) Completion of a research project. This research can be written up as a dissertation for the Part 2 examination. Alternatively the College can accept submission of a completed PhD, MD thesis or portfolio of published papers.

2) A viva voce examination of approximately one hour, during which the candidate is assessed by two examiners on all aspects of the specialty. This oral examination may or may not include a discussion of the candidate’s research. The examiners must be satisfied that the candidate shows evidence of competency in all aspects of clinical virology and may proceed to completion of his/her training and independent practice.

New Part 2 examination

This is under review and details will be available later in the year. It is likely that there will be a written and a practical component to the examination together with a form of portfolio assessment.