The NCPTS runs a specific programme for Anatomical Pathology Registrars in New Zealand. Registrars are contacted individually each year and invited to join an email distribution list so that the NCPTS can inform them about the programme. Specific components of the programme are:
1. An annual weekend workshop, held in two locations (Auckland and Christchurch), dates to be determined. Lectures alternate with multiheader-based teaching sessions, in a coordinated 5-year teaching programme. Tutors include cytopathologists, histopathologists, colposcopists and gynaecologic oncologists. In Auckland the multiheader teaching is in ThinPrep and in Christchurch the multiheader cases are SurePath. Registrars are welcome to choose which location to enrol at.
2. A glass slide rotation programme of cervical cytology cases: Six sets of 10 cases are circulated to each Anatomical Pathology registrar training location each year. Three are ThinPrep sets and three are SurePath sets. Clinical details and NCSP histories are provided for each case, and a second sheet records the reported diagnosis and a brief commentary about the case.
3. Educational material and literature references are distributed to registrars periodically.
4. Registrars are encouraged to attend other NCPTS workshops such as the annual Australian Cytoscientist-led laboratory-based workshops. This annual workshop is ThinPrep or SurePath-based on alternating years. Attendance at professional meetings, such as the RCPA-NZ ASM where the NCPTS provides a contribution to the programme, is also encouraged.
5. The NCPTS is developing a 5-year study programme specifically for Anatomical Pathology Registrars in gynaecological cytology. This optional programme will give suggested numbers of cases that should be viewed during the registrar year, guidance regarding appropriate reading at various stages of training, and suggestions for using the online training resources now available.
Close collaboration with registrars and with the NCPTS National Training Committee will occur as this programme is developed.