Who is the Department of Anatomical Pathology?
At the University of the Free State (UFS) Department of Anatomical Pathology, we provide a quality service in diagnostic histo- and cytopathology, post mortems on patients who have died from natural causes and teaching of both undergraduate medical and paramedical students as well as post graduate students specialising in our discipline.
The specialist pathologists are in the joint employment of the National Health Laboratory Services and the University of the Free State, while the registrars and support personnel are employed by the National Health Laboratory Services.
Services
The Department of Anatomical Pathology offers diagnostic histopathology and cytopathology services and processes approximately 25000 specimens a year from public service hospitals in the Free State, Northern Cape and North West Provinces.
The Division of Cytopathology receives 56000 specimens from the Free State, Northern Cape and Mpumalanga annually. We also offer;
- neonatal/foetal & adult post-mortem investigations,
- a bone referral centre,
- immunohistochemistry,
- electron microscopy and
- the only diagnostic renal biopsy service in the Free State.
Five full-time pathologists not only do diagnostic work, but also train pre- and post-graduate students in the medical and allied health professions. There are six registrar posts, and on average, one pathologist a year is qualified by the department. Departmental research is presented annually at local and international congresses, as well as in peer reviewed journals.
Training
Undergraduate Training
The department offers a one-semester course on general pathology to the second-year MB ChB class, and has inputs in many of the system modules during the second and third years of study. Our training programme includes:
- Problem slide basket discussions
- Electron microscopy
- Dermatology/Nephrology
- Surgery/Journal club
Postgraduate Training
A four-year postgraduate training programme is offered for medical practitioners wishing to specialise in Anatomical Pathology. Six approved registrar posts exist and on average one new specialist pathologist is produced each year. Many of the activities in the training programme are registered for CPD points.