Trainees' Advisory Committee

The Trainees' Advisory Committee (TAC) is run by trainees, for trainees. It represents all branches of pathology and there is a broad experience base within the membership, both medical and non-medical. Its primary function is to facilitate communication between the College and its trainees. 

Shape of Training
The TAC is directly involved in the ongoing Shape of Training discussions. We have a representative who sits on the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges (AoMRC) Trainee Committee; her involvement with the AoMRC committee has led to RCPath co-badging a Shape of Training Trainee Survey which was distributed by RCPath to all trainees.  In addition, the trainee representatives on the College Advisory Training Teams recently had the opportunity to input into the AOMRC's mapping exercise which is now published on the College website.

Research
The TAC trainee representatives on the Research Committee have been very active. The TAC is working with the Research Committee to identify barriers for trainees getting into research, investigating mentoring schemes and looking at ways to reinstate the pathway for continuing research activity. The TAC is also promoting the Trainee Specialty Medal Award for Research to increase the number of applicants.

COVID-19 Training Impact Survey results

COVID-19 has had a huge impact on pathology departments, trainers and trainees. it has disrupted training and examination schedules for many across the pathology specialties. There is concern about the impact of this on the progression of trainees in all specialties through their training programmes, and also on their well-being.

There is a determination to restart and reboot training to address the significant issues that the pandemic has caused for trainees. So that we can help ensure that pathology trainees receive all the necessary support and resources to help them going forward, the RCPath Trainees' Advisory Committee, the ACP Trainee Members Group and the RCPath Learning Team produced a survey to assess the impact of the pandemic on training across the pathology trainee body. With special thanks to Dr Caroline Russell (RCPath TAC Cytopathology Representative) who led the survey construction and development. 

This report presents the results of the survey. The data will be used in discussions with HEE, the devolved bodies and other interested stakeholders to provision for the future of pathology training. The report can be found here.

Thank you very much to all who completed this survey. 

Chair: Dr Sophie Roberts 

The Bulletin of the Royal College of Pathologists
The College's quarterly Bulletin publication has a Trainees' Notes section with features and news specific to College trainees in all specialties. The Bulletin has current and back numbers online - you will find these in the Publications section of the website.

What does my TAC representative do for me?
Roles of TAC Committee Members sets out the tasks carried out by each trainee representative. Remember, communication is a two-way thing: if you don't voice your comments or concerns, they won't be reported. Specialty representatives rotate attendance at TAC meetings but are encouraged to issue reports to each meeting. 

Recruitment to posts on the Trainees' Advisory Committee
In general, posts on the Trainees' Advisory Committee (TAC) are listed on the monthly President's e-newsletter - if you wish to become involved in TAC, please don't forget to look at it each month. We currently have 4 vacancies on the TAC advertised here.

Trainee Research Activity
Trainees are encouraged to become involved in research activity. Details of sources of funding open to trainees and of the College's annual research medal for trainees appear under the Research and Innovation section.