National Pathology Week
National Pathology Week is a celebration of pathology, highlighting the important contribution pathologists make to healthcare. Through a programme of activities aimed at people of all ages, we aim improve public awareness and understanding of the science behind the cure – joining together with pathologists and laboratory scientists from around the world.
What we are doing in 2017
This year, National Pathology Week is being held 6–12 November. The theme is ‘Pathology in the Community’ and as part of this, we are:
- exploring ways in which the College, and its members, can engage with our local communities on matters relating to pathology, such as blood and organ donation, screening programmes, and what happens to samples once they are collected and sent to the laboratory
- improving public awareness and understanding of public health relating to pathology, such as vaccinations
- forming collaborations with some of our neighbouring organisations in Tower Hamlets, where the new College premises are, to increase the reach and visibility of the College and its work.
The College is running a series of events in Tower Hamlets, including a two-day pathology fair for school groups and families. We’re also organising events around organ and blood donation, careers talks in local colleges, as well as our ever popular virtual autopsies. See what's happening at the College and across the UK.
Would your school like to be involved in events surrounding National Pathology Week? Contact the public engagement team and we can help you get involved.
Get Involved
Volunteer for us
Firstly, look out for details in the College e-newsletter for volunteering opportunities in NPW or visit our volunteering page. We will be looking for pathologists from a variety of specialties to help with member and non-member events, to provide expert knowledge on their field and what it is like to work in it.
Run your own event
Many of our members run their own events, and we love to support this and to hear about what people are doing. You might want to follow our theme of ‘Pathology in the Community’, but, as always, all public engagement work is celebrated and appreciated. If you register your event with us, we will help publicise it via social media and on our website. It will also enter you into a prize draw to win £100!
For ideas on your own event, check out what some of our members did last year, read our guidance on running your own event and make sure you request some free promotional materials.
We created a video of our own staff explaining ‘Five things you need to know about pathology’, which was viewed 700 times on YouTube. Chris Charlton, Queen Elizabeth Hospital Gateshead
Request a visit
Perhaps you are a school teacher wishing to inspire your students into STEM careers, or you work in a hospital and want to empower people with the knowledge of what happens behind the scenes to their samples? Requesting a visit from a pathologist is a great way to gain a better understanding of what a ‘day in the life’ is like for them and to ask an expert all of the questions you've always wanted to know.
Join the conversation
Start tweeting about your National Pathology Week events and activities via using #NPW2017 and don’t forget to tag @rcpath. If you are unable to organise your own event, or volunteer at other event, please support National Pathology Week by sharing our content on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.