Description of the Gynaecological Pathology Service, Karolinska University Hospital
The Gynaecological Pathology Service is the reference laboratory for the Stockholm-Gotland Region, an area including approximately 2 million patients. All malignant gynaecological cancers for this area ae operated at the Karolinska, and diagnostic biospies are reviewed. The Karolinska is also a national center for vulvar cancer and trophoblastic neoplasia. In addition, the Service receives both national and international consults.
The staff on the service consists of 5 pathologists, each with an academic background and experience in teaching. The hospital is home to approximately 10 residents in various stages of training. The chief of the service is Dr. Joseph Carlson, who has 11 years experience in gynaecological pathology, organizes two annual courses, and has competitive research grants within the area. In addition, the Karolinska is a member of the European Reference Network for rare gynaecological cancers.
The service receives approximately 700 external case reviews, 670 primary surgical specimens, 1100 biobpsies and 30 frozen sections per year. The service also has numerous unique molecular tests for Sweden, including FOXL2 gene mutation analysis, STR genotyping for gestational tumors, and uterine sarcoma translocation analyses.
- We offer a maximum of two external observer positions per year. One for a Swedish observer (Karolinska or external), one for an international observer.
- We offer a stay of between 1 to 6 months
- We do not offer training during June, July or August. All other months of the year are available.
- We do not charge for training. NOTE: This is an unpaid observership.
- We will assist in finding low cost accommodation by helping the student use the resources of the Karolinska Institutets housing office. Note that housing in Stockholm is a problem, and thus we cannot guarantee that the applicant will be able to find housing.
- We will provide a letter confirming the observership, which should be sufficient for visas from observers outside the EU. Within the EU no visa is necessary.
- We will indicate to the observer which insurance they will need to have prior to their visit and request confirmation from the observer that they have the necessary insurance, either from their home institution or purchased from an insurance company.
- We will provide the observer with a detailed certificate documenting the work learning tasks they have performed.
- We will agree upon the duration and aim of the training prior to the observer’s arrival.
- We will send the applicant a Letter of invitation.
Name of the centre, address,
Karolinska University Hospital
Department of Pathology
Gynaecologic Pathology
Radiumhemmet P1:02
17176 Stockholm
SWEDEN
Head of the training programme,
Joseph Carlson, head of gynaecologic pathology
Details about specific areas in which training can be offered:
Gynaecologic pathology, particularly advanced diagnostics including molecular methods.
Number of positions offered for each year, expected duration of the training:
2 total, with 1 for international applicants, 1 for Swedish applicants.
Specific periods of the year when the visit may be realised (should be defined in direct contact between the centre of excellence and the applicant:
September till May. No observers can be accepted June, July or August.
Contact address for requesting details by the applicant (accommodation options, travel possibilities, etc.)
Joseph Carlson
Acceptance of applicants will be made in discussion between the head of gynaecologic pathology and the relevant chief.