In November 2008, the Royal College of Pathologists organised its first ever National Pathology Week (NPW).
The aim was to raise awareness of the role of pathology in modern medicine amongst members of public as well as other healthcare professionals. The week was a big success with over 300 events being organised throughout the country.
Feedback was very positive with almost everyone who attended an event having a better understanding of pathology and being keen to attend another event in future.
This year’s theme is Pathology: the heart of modern healthcare, focusing on the central role of all the pathology disciplines in the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and monitoring of all types of heart disease.
For example, chemical pathologists will highlight their role in the measurement and interpretation of cholesterol and heart enzyme levels, haematologists will explore their role in treating blood clotting disorders, microbiologists will demonstrate the diagnosis of infections that affect the heart, immunologists will look at the pathology behind heart transplantation, geneticists will reveal how some heart disease is inherited from our parents, and paediatric pathologists will explain their role in the diagnosis of congenital heart disease.
All of this will be presented in the context of the busy, modern NHS pathology service, with expert pathologists and scientists. If you are interested in finding out more or becoming involved please visit www.nationalpathologyweek.
The Royal College of Pathologists would also like to thank Siemens for its continuing support in sponsoring National Pathology Week in 2009 |