From the Editor – October 2025
Beyond the NHS and its challenges at home, we are living through a period of significant global turmoil. Although we are exposed to this daily through our news screens and feeds, it is difficult for many of us to imagine what it would actually be like to practise in the midst of armed conflict. Professor Roman Moskalenko is a pathologist from Sumy, Ukraine, who experiences this first hand, every day. In a sobering and thought-provoking interview, he shares some of the many challenges his department has faced and how, despite this, he and his dedicated staff have managed to continue their vital work.
I’m sure you have all seen the plethora of ‘self-tests’ now available on the high street – how can their quality and safety be ensured? Professor Peter Johnston, College Vice-President for Workforce and Corporate Engagement, considers this, in response to Dr Annette Thomas’s article on quality assurance in our last issue on near-patient testing. On the agenda too, Professor Ian Cree, former head of the WHO Classification of Tumours, reviews how personalised medicine is revolutionising cancer care and Dr Shubha Allard and Professor Cheng-Hok Toh introduce the new patient co-chair of the National Blood Transfusion Committee in England.
Pathology is its people, and the College currently has a sharp focus on workforce. The importance of attracting, supporting and nurturing our future colleagues has never been greater. In this issue, we highlight examples of engagement and support for new and potential colleagues, right the way from sixth form pupils through to recently appointed consultants. Dr Matt Clarke reports on this year’s RCPath/BDIAP Pathology Taster Event for resident doctors; we meet our undergraduate and foundation doctor essay prize winners, Lewis O’Brien and Dr Laura Stark, who wrote about innovation in pathology; and sixth form student Leon Faris reflects on his experience in a pathology laboratory. Dr Claire Deakin, Chair of our newly established New Consultants’ Committee, introduces her vision for the role, while medical student Mariia Gnatenko explains how the RCPath Summer School cemented her intention to specialise in pathology. Meanwhile, the Pathology Portal celebrates 3 years of supporting pathology education and training.
The International team is gearing up for International Pathology Day – some of their activities are previewed here. The College’s new Clinical Director for International Activities, Professor Tahir Pillay, reflects that “Pathology must not only serve patients locally but connect professionals globally” as he outlines his priorities for the role.
Finally, we have an update on College subscription rates for 2026, news of the RCPath/BIMDG 2025 Galea Lecture, which was given by Professor Brian Biggar, and book reviews by Dr Ryan Clark (Weedon’s Skin Pathology, 6th Edition) and Dr Louisa Miller (Diagnostic Pathology: Transplant Pathology, 3rd Edition).
Thank you for reading. As ever, please get in touch if you have a suggestion for an article or would like to provide any feedback on the Bulletin. I’m always delighted to hear from you!
Professor Angharad Davies
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