To be a good microscopist requires a highly developed sense of pattern recognition based upon previous experience. The examination of individual slides needs to be thorough, so there is also a need for great patience and care. An importnat skill in pathology is to be able to relate microscopic changes to those observed in naked eye examination of either surgically removed specimens or specimens observed at the time of a post-mortem examination. So observational skills and the ability to think in three dimensions are very important. 

Potential career development

There is currently a substantial shortage of histopathologists in the UK and the rate of progression to an NHS consultant or academic senior lecturer post is often rapid. An understanding of the mechanisms of disease is at the heart of all modern medical education, so the contribution of the histopathologist to teaching in medical schools is very important. There are opportunities for clinical research fellows and academic progression to a full university professorship is likely to be at an earlier age than in some other clinical disciplines.