article · Academic Pathology
Variability in pathology education is viewed as a major challenge to delivering high-quality pathology services across Sub-Saharan Africa. An evaluation of current and former anatomic pathology trainees at Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences in Tanzania assessed their preparedness across core competencies. Based on a survey of 30 respondents, over 95 percent felt properly prepared for surgical pathology report writing, grossing, fine-needle aspiration, and interdisciplinary consultation. Trainees identified high case volumes as a primary advantage of the programme. Conversely, confidence was notably lower regarding laboratory management tasks. Participants also highlighted ongoing institutional hurdles, such as limited infrastructure, small faculty numbers, and insufficient mentorship. Overall, while the residency programme was perceived to equip trainees adequately for independent clinical work, curricula require adjustments to better incorporate laboratory management.
Pathology services are crucial for diagnosing diseases and guiding patient care, yet training consistency remains a hurdle in Sub-Saharan Africa. Understanding how well residency programmes prepare doctors for real-world demands allows institutions to address specific weaknesses, such as laboratory administration and resource shortages, ultimately strengthening regional healthcare systems and diagnostic capacity.
The abstract does not indicate an application pathway, as it focuses entirely on the evaluation of an educational residency programme.
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One of the proposed primary barriers to high-quality pathology services in Sub-Saharan Africa has been the variability in pathology training. In this study, we evaluated the perceived readiness for practice of current and former anatomic pathology residents at Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences in Tanzania. An online survey evaluating perceived readiness in the ability to perform core professional competencies in anatomic pathology was distributed to previous and current Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences pathology residents. The survey had 30 of 45 (67%) respondents, which included current and former residents. More than 95% of participants either strongly agreed or agreed that the Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences training program prepared them to perform grossing, surgical pathology report writing, fine-needle aspiration, and effective interdisciplinary consultation. Fewer participants were confident in activities related to laboratory management. The program's major strength was the exposure to a large number of cases, while weaknesses included a small number of faculty, insufficient mentorship, and limited infrastructure. Current and former trainees of the Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences pathology residency program overall felt that their training prepared them for independent clinical practice. Additional training in laboratory management should be considered.
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DOI: 10.1016/j.acpath.2025.100217
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