Diagnostic and Clinical Pathology

Choose a career in Diagnostic and Clinical Pathology and all the flexibility and opportunity to explore varied interests within Laboratory Medicine that affords. Do not limit yourself to just one area of the fascinating world of Laboratory Medicine!

Our well structured teaching with honed clinical pathology courses, abundant cases and wide spectrum of expertise affords a rich learning environment. Institutional centralization allows for a wide breadth of cases with great diversity. Experiences in the world-leading IWK Health Centre and the state-of the-art Medical Examiner’s Office add to the calibre of the resident’s training. The atmosphere is collegial with an emphasis on resident success.

In recent years, the addition of both Clinical Pathology courses in Medical Microbiology and Medical Biochemistry have further strengthened the program’s organization allowing more functional and targeted teaching and contributed to our resident’s ongoing success.

This residency program is for 5 years. The program length of training exceeds the standards set by the Royal College or College of Family Physicians of Canada.

PGY 1

The first year for Diagnostic and Clinical Pathology is a basic clinical year. It consists mainly of a mixed clinical experience. The purpose is to provide a background similar to that provided by the rotating internship in the past.

The year consists of thirteen 4-week rotations (blocks) that may be in any of the hospitals listed under Dalhousie University.

PGY 2-5

These years consist of:

Rotation sequences generally ensure ongoing contact with many of the different specialties throughout the four years. This program combines the advantages of training at a tertiary care centre whilst emphasis is placed on the role of the diagnostic and clinical pathologist.

The community laboratory rotation ensures that residents have an opportunity to put into practice, during their final year, those skills which they have learned. A laboratory management course given during the academic half-day provides the didactic information needed. Various areas of laboratory management are emphasized during clinical laboratory rotations.

Research

The Program requires the resident to put together a small project or a case presentation at the Department's Research Day or a CAP conference before completion of their training. The Program would encourage residents to carry their work through to publication. Research projects may be undertaken in either basic science or clinical science.

What do pathologists do?

Pathologists are medical doctors who interpret lab results and advise healthcare professionals on appropriate testing (RCPSC, 2023). They work across all age groups and care settings, including hospitals, clinics, and laboratories. Their roles include:

• Diagnosing diseases
• Ensuring lab accuracy and efficiency
• Overseeing lab quality and safety
• Ensuring compliance with medical standards

Some pathologists focus on areas such as blood disorders or infections, while others work across various disciplines. In complex cases, they may seek advice from subspecialists.

*The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. (2023). Diagnostic and Clinical Pathology Competencies. 

What is Diagnostic and Clinical Pathology (DCP)?

Diagnostic and Clinical Pathology (DCP) is a fascinating medical specialty that helps us understand health and disease through laboratory testing (RCPSC, 2023). It covers various essential areas such as:

• Surgical pathology, which involves tissue analysis
• Cytopathology, focusing on cell examination
• Autopsy pathology, offering insights after death
• Laboratory testing that detects infections, blood disorders, and chemical imbalances

*The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. (2023). Diagnostic and Clinical Pathology Competencies. 

How do I apply for the DCP residency program at Dalhousie?

Applications must be submitted through the Canadian Resident Matching Service (CaRMS), a national, not-for-profit organization that ensures a fair and transparent residency matching process. For the latest application details, visit the CaRMS website.

What is the length of the residency program?

The Diagnostic and Clinical Pathology Residency at Dalhousie is a five-year program accredited by The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC).

What types of training opportunities are offered during residency?

Dalhousie’s program provides diverse training experiences across the Maritime provinces. Residents complete several community rotation blocks in addition to rotations in Halifax. The community sites include:

• Truro, NS
• Fredericton, NB
• Saint John, NB
• Charlottetown, PEI
• Moncton, NB

Residents who have a primary residence in Halifax receive free accommodation and are reimbursed for travel costs during community rotations.

Is the DCP Residency Program at Dalhousie focused on research?

Yes. Research is a mandatory and integral part of the program. All residents are expected to complete at least one research project during their training. Highlights include:

• Dedicated time and support for research
• Presentation at the Department’s annual Research Day
• Opportunities to present at national and international pathology conferences (up to $3,000 of expenses will be covered by the Department of Pathology each year per resident)
• First authorship on case reports in peer-reviewed publications
• Monthly research seminars

What are the primary responsibilities during each rotation?

Responsibilities differ depending on the rotation. In Diagnostic and Molecular Pathology (DMP), residents review slides, sign out cases with staff, conduct gross examinations, and perform autopsy procedures and reporting. During hematopathology rotations, tasks include examining and reporting peripheral blood smears, bone marrow cases, lymph node cases, and transfusion medicine. In clinical chemistry rotations, residents sign out tests and perform protein electrophoresis under the supervision of chemists. During medical microbiology rotations, residents are expected to work at various benches and participate in rounds. They also take part in frozen sections and on-call duties.

How challenging is the DCP residency?

The DCP program is more demanding than DMP alone because of its wider scope. Residents must be proficient in multiple specialties, which requires extensive study and training. However, this also makes DCP graduates highly adaptable and competitive in the job market.

What is the work-life balance like?

Generally, very good. Although the workload is intellectually demanding, residents have time to study and receive support from staff. Calls are infrequent and usually originate from home, and the program is arranged to allow for personal time and academic preparation.

What types of support are available for residents?

Residents receive funding for presenting at conferences, conducting daily teaching sessions, and mentoring. All cases are overseen by staff, providing solid guidance throughout the program. Additional support includes access to educational resources, books, and structured teaching rounds.

What is the call schedule like?

DMP calls are typically limited to weekends and tend to be more relaxed. In contrast, DCP calls, such as those in hematopathology and chemistry, occur more frequently but are usually managed remotely. Residents may also participate in frozen section assessments during DMP rotations.

Is there time set aside for studying?

Yes. The program is designed to give residents enough time for studying. Staff are understanding and supportive, especially during the Royal College Exam periods. Many rotations, such as microbiology, include dedicated educational activities and self-study opportunities.

What are the career opportunities after finishing the DCP residency?

Job prospects are excellent. DCP graduates are highly sought after, especially in community hospitals that require a broad range of skills. The flexibility of DCP training allows graduates to work across various pathology subspecialties, making them suitable candidates for many roles. DCP graduates usually have no difficulty finding employment. For details on available positions, please visit the CAP-ACP website.

What is the living situation like in the area?

Halifax, Nova Scotia, is a lively coastal city known for its high quality of life, diverse culture, and breathtaking natural scenery. Learn more:

• Living in Halifax – Dalhousie University
• Cost of Living in Halifax – Numbeo

How can I learn more about the Dalhousie DCP residency program?

Take a look at these helpful resources:

• Dalhousie Department of Pathology Residency Programs 
• Maritime Resident Doctors
• Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada
• Royal College – DCP Specialty Information