Chemical pathologists use biochemical tests to investigate disease and advise clinicians on test selection, interpretation and follow-up. Their work combines laboratory quality and service management with clinical problems such as lipid disorders, diabetes, metabolic bone disease and inherited metabolic conditions.
Entry and current recruitment
RCPI describes a route through two years of BST in General Internal Medicine, followed by five years of HST. Its specialty overview lists MRCPI, MRCP(UK) or an equivalent qualification. Acceptance of alternative training or examinations needs confirmation under the rules for the intake you apply to.
Chemical Pathology remains a national HST specialty, but RCPI's current recruitment page states that applications are not being accepted for the July 2027 intake. There is no published next intake date to use for planning an application.
Training and examinations
The 2026/2027 curriculum specifies 60 months in Chemical Pathology posts. Training includes laboratory methods, result reporting, clinical liaison, outpatient experience, quality assurance and laboratory management, with assessments and an ePortfolio.
Trainees complete FRCPath in Chemical Pathology, Parts I and II, alongside the other requirements for CSCST. An examination pass alone does not complete specialist training.
Preparing to apply
Monitor the recruitment page for a specialty opening. Before that cycle, clarify eligibility, organise basic-training and qualification evidence, and review the specialty overview. Once advertised, follow the current Structured CV, document and portal instructions.
Clinical work
Chemical pathologists advise on test selection, interpretation and follow-up, and oversee laboratory quality and development of new investigations. Areas of practice include metabolic disease, nutrition, toxicology and endocrine testing. Much of the work connects laboratory findings with clinical decisions.