In September, the RCPath's Public Engagement Innovation Grant Scheme funded a virtual pathology careers event for the University of Buckingham Medical School (UBMS) in collaboration with Milton Keynes University Hospital. Final year medical students were given a series of presentations by pathologists from various specialties who were at differing points of their career. 
 
Pathology specialties are under-represented in the medical school curriculum and foundation year rotations so this event was held with the aim of informing and inspiring the next generation of students.

"Pathology is core to everything we do in healthcare" - Professor Mike Osborn, RCPath President

When it comes to choosing career pathways, many junior doctors are unaware of the options within pathology as a future career. As RCPath President Professor Mike Osborn remarked during his introductory presentation, “Pathology is core to everything we do in healthcare”. 

Speakers from five specialties across the pathology spectrum: Immunology, Histopathology, Chemical Pathology, Haematology, and Microbiology gave their insider views from work-life balance to financial income and routes into their field. Professor Osborn remarked that “Pathologists are a happy bunch of people” and from the presentations, it was apparent there is something for everybody within pathology - from fields with high clinical input to laboratory-based roles.
 

“I did not consider a career in Pathology until this talk” - medical student who attended the online careers event.

 Student feedback from the day was that it was eye-opening, enlightening, and helpful. One student wrote “I did not consider a career in Pathology until this talk”. They appreciated the candid experiences of professionals shared on this platform such as financial realities of roles where there may be fewer on-call commitments but a greater work-life balance and predictability of working patterns.

The RCPath Public Engagement Innovation Grant scheme provided funding for student prizes for this event. The scheme gives you the chance to be awarded with up to £1000 to run your own pathology-themed events for the public. The next round of the scheme opens in January 2022.
 
Dr Farhan Ahmed
MBBS, FRCPath(UK), MRCP(UK), SCE(MRCP Diabetes & Endocrinology UK), MSc Clinical Chemistry(UK), MSc Public Health(Sydney) 
Consultant in Chemical Pathology and Metabolic Medicine