Perceived gaps in preparation for pathology residency and opportunities for improvement

The transition from medical school to residency is both a transformative and a challenging process. International literature suggests that there are known or perceived gaps in preparation for residency training in many areas of medicine. However, in the current published literature, there is no discussion of perceived gaps existing in pathology residency preparation. This study surveyed both pathology residency program directors and first-year pathology residents about the knowledge of pathology and basic medical skills residents received in medical school, perceptions about readiness for pathology residency, and perceived gaps in preparation for pathology residency that could be addressed. This survey found that program directors perceived that residents were more prepared for pathology residency than the residents felt themselves to be. Pathology program directors and residents both perceived that knowledge of normal histology was a weakness. Program directors were significantly more likely than residents to report that weaknesses in the preparation for pathology residency included challenges common to the majority of newly graduated physicians including in gathering pertinent clinical history from the medical record, struggles in identifying system failures, and contributing to a culture of safety, as well as specific challenges for pathology including limitations in basic microscope use. Suggested efforts toward improving preparation for pathology residency could be accomplished through undergraduate and graduate medical education approaches, as well as with increased support from pathology professional organizations.