Supporting gynaecological pathology: volunteering at home and abroad

Abstract

Opportunities to volunteer in anatomical pathology exist locally within Australia and New Zealand and offshore, but are not widely promoted. Herein we provide an overview of volunteer initiatives specific to gynaecological pathology, with the aim of creating a resource for interested pathologists (see Box 1). Volunteering encompasses any activity in which time is given freely to benefit others. 1 Wilson J. Volunteering. Annu Rev Sociol. 2000; 26: 215-240 Crossref Google Scholar It follows that the initiatives discussed here are unpaid and largely performed outside of working hours, often requiring an ongoing engagement and commitment of time and effort. The work versus reward equation is difficult to quantify; however, in terms of upside, volunteering offers new challenges which force personal development, provides a sense of purpose, and the opportunity to form connections and make a contribution. The obvious downside includes the often ongoing nature of the commitment, significant time and effort involved, and lack of financial reward. The broader question of the ethics of volunteering, and whether initiatives in resource-poor settings creates a dependency on overseas help and hinders local development, has been addressed elsewhere. 2 Bauer I. More harm than good? The questionable ethics of medical volunteering and international student placements. Trop Dis Travel Med Vaccines. 2017; 3: 5 Crossref PubMed Google Scholar Box 1ResourcesProfessional societies relevant to gynaecological pathology: International Society of Gynecological Pathologists (ISGyP): www.isgyp.ca. International Gynecologic Cancer Society (IGCS): www.igcs.org. British Association of Gynaecological Pathologists (BAGP): www.thebagp.org. Australian and New Zealand Vulvovaginal Society (ANZVS): www.anzvs.org. Australian Society for Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology (ASCCP): www.asccp.com.au. Australian Society of Cytology (ASC): www.cytology.com.au. Join ISGyP and BAGP (you will require a sponsor): Any pathologist with an interest in gynaecological pathology is invited to join; trainees are welcome with reduced membership rates. Please contact Rachael or Karen with your affiliations for sponsorship. E-mail: Rachael.vanderGriend@cdhb.health.nz; Karen.Talia2@rch.org.au. Give a lecture for the RCPA Anatomical Pathology Trainee Lecture Series: E-mail: Felicity Barnes fe.barnes@alfredhealth.org; Ulli Metcalfe ullim@rcpa.edu.au. Create content for PathCast: Rifat Mannan mannanrifat03@gmail.com; Twitter: @mannanrifat03. Emilio Madrigal emiliomadrigal@gmail.com; Twitter: @EMadrigalDO Join a College committee: E-mail: Janet Chapoterera janetc@rcpa.edu.au. Write for the Structured Pathology Reporting of Cancer project: E-mail: Christina Selinger StructuredPathology@rcpa.edu.au. Pathology Education Outreach Committee (PEOC): To promote pathology education and training in the South Pacific and South-East Asia www.rcpa.edu.au/Education/Pathology-Education-Outreach. E-mail: Sailesh Ram peoc@rcpa.edu.au. Professional societies relevant to gynaecological pathology: International Society of Gynecological Pathologists (ISGyP): www.isgyp.ca. International Gynecologic Cancer Society (IGCS): www.igcs.org. British Association of Gynaecological Pathologists (BAGP): www.thebagp.org. Australian and New Zealand Vulvovaginal Society (ANZVS): www.anzvs.org. Australian Society for Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology (ASCCP): www.asccp.com.au. Australian Society of Cytology (ASC): www.cytology.com.au. Join ISGyP and BAGP (you will require a sponsor): Any pathologist with an interest in gynaecological pathology is invited to join; trainees are welcome with reduced membership rates. Please contact Rachael or Karen with your affiliations for sponsorship. E-mail: Rachael.vanderGriend@cdhb.health.nz; Karen.Talia2@rch.org.au. Give a lecture for the RCPA Anatomical Pathology Trainee Lecture Series: E-mail: Felicity Barnes fe.barnes@alfredhealth.org; Ulli Metcalfe ullim@rcpa.edu.au. Create content for PathCast: Rifat Mannan mannanrifat03@gmail.com; Twitter: @mannanrifat03. Emilio Madrigal emiliomadrigal@gmail.com; Twitter: @EMadrigalDO Join a College committee: E-mail: Janet Chapoterera janetc@rcpa.edu.au. Write for the Structured Pathology Reporting of Cancer project: E-mail: Christina Selinger StructuredPathology@rcpa.edu.au. Pathology Education Outreach Committee (PEOC): To promote pathology education and training in the South Pacific and South-East Asia www.rcpa.edu.au/Education/Pathology-Education-Outreach. E-mail: Sailesh Ram peoc@rcpa.edu.au.