How to host a 'pathology pots' session

Many medical schools have a collection of archival pathology specimens (‘pathology pots’) often showcasing diseases which are now very rare. This resource is a fantastic way to engage undergraduates and potentially the public in pathology.

• Contact the University to establish the feasibility of such a session. What are the rules regarding access to this material and health and safety (e.g. formalin).
• If permission is granted, choose where you will hold the session – this may be restricted to an anatomy room if the pots cannot be taken off site. Alternatively, consider booking a teaching room.
• Consider the ideal group size – how many students per pot? How many demonstrators will you need? (consider asking your peers, trainees from other specialties, consultants or anatomy demonstrators if they would help).
• Plan the session – which pots do you have access to? Will you ‘theme’ the session based on organ system or disease?
• Consider whether to prepare handouts or a presentation to support the session.
• Design feedback forms for after the session.
• Record the session on your CV and consider writing about it e.g. in the RCPath Bulletin (contact the Editor of the Trainees’ Notes section in the first instance).