These members support the College in delivering the FRCPath, Diploma and Certificate examinations across 17 pathology specialties. Thank you to everyone who sent in their reflections to share as part of this spotlight series. Make sure to go back and read the first set of testimonials from our volunteers here.
The College is always in need of volunteers to support our work in examinations and assessment. Whatever your specialty or skillset, we’d love to have you on board. Please head to our volunteer pages to find out more information on the roles and how to apply.
Dr Preethi Gopinath, Consultant Histopathologist
“I’m Dr Preethi Gopinath, a consultant histopathologist at Princess Alexandra Hospital in Harlow, Essex. I trained in the East of England and have been a general histopathologist, lead for breast pathology and autopsy pathologist since 2017. I’ve always been passionate about medical education, serving as the Director of Medical Education since 2022 and winning the DME of the Year national award in 2025.
I’ve designed and run examinations and assessments for many years, starting with undergraduate and postgraduate surgical examinations, and currently as an examiner for RCPath. I enjoy volunteer work and was fortunate to have been a Crowd Doctor at the 2012 London Olympics and Glasgow Commonwealth Games in 2014.
After passing my FRCPath exam, I was grateful to the supportive examination centre team at Newcastle for making my experience bearable despite the pressure. I volunteered as an examiner to pay that experience forward and represent diversity in the volunteer examinations team. Differential attainment is a focus for the GMC and royal colleges, and I hope to provide a fair, equitable and consistent experience to all candidates. I’ve also enjoyed meeting colleagues from around the world as examiners and candidates, sharing good practice in the UK and overseas examinations.
I started as a question writer and standard setter for Part 1 FRCPath histopathology, then progressed to examiner and centre lead for Part 2. I’ve also been involved in question writing and examining for the Certificate of Higher Autopsy Training (CHAT) exam. The examiner role is busy, with the most activity in April and October during the exams. I also set and mark exams, standard set questions for Part 1 and write questions for Part 1 in the preceding months.
As centre lead, I’ve gained experience with logistics and organisation. This starts 4 months before – confirming the venue, arrangements for candidates, and relying on a team of administration, examiners and volunteer invigilators with RCPath and Chief Examiner (Dr Sarah Lower) for support. Dr Lower encouraged me and provided opportunities to shadow her efficient exam centre management, which was invaluable. The stakes are high to ensure smooth running for candidates to perform at their best, given their sacrifices and pressures. This drives me to continue despite the demands from our diagnostic service. Finding time to examine is a challenge, but the work is rewarding and motivating.
As a district general hospital-based pathologist, I feel it’s important to represent our experience in the exam, giving the perspective of working in a non-tertiary/specialist environment. Much of this work is done in my own time and using our usual study/professional leave allowance. I’m grateful to my understanding family, supportive colleagues and department for enabling me to pursue my career aspirations. Several of my colleagues are now involved in running exams or as examiners.”
Dr Farhan Ahmed, Consultant in Chemical Pathology and Metabolic Medicine
“I have been a consultant in chemical pathology and metabolic medicine for nearly 10 years in the Thames Valley region.
I have done all sorts of volunteering over the years and am a newcomer as an RCPath examiner. This specialty has given me so much, so this is the best way to give back.
I have enjoyed meeting future pathologists and current colleagues, and the experience of being on the other side of the table. I have also been impressed by the fairness and standard of the examination process.”
Dr Kimberley Gilmour, Consultant Clinical Scientist in Immunology
“As a consultant clinical scientist in immunology, I translate new tests from research into clinical use. I attend multidisciplinary team meetings to advise about tests and their results. I review test results, interpret them and write appropriate comments so the referring clinician and patient can understand the results.
Being an immunology examiner for the College requires me to write and review questions and model answers as well as marking exams. I find it rewarding as the exams demonstrate the knowledge and competency of the trainees. By supporting and guiding younger immunologists, I ensure that immunology remains a viable profession at the forefront of medical science.”
Dr Malur Sudhanva, Consultant Medical Virologist
“I have been a consultant medical virologist at Kings College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust since 2004. More recently, I took on the role of Laboratory Director for Virology at Blackfriars Hub and Strategic Clinical Lead for Virology at Synnovis in 2024.
Within the Royal College of Pathologists, I have actively contributed through various voluntary roles in training and curriculum development, and sitting on advisory committees.
My involvement as an RCPath examiner spans medical microbiology and virology for FRCPath Part 1, Combined Infection Training (CICE), as well as senior examiner for FRCPath Part 2 virology. I have also had the privilege of serving as chair of the Panel of Examiners for virology for about 5 years. Examining candidates has been one of the most fulfilling and meaningful volunteer roles I have undertaken within the College.
The responsibility of volunteering has been immensely rewarding. It involves evaluating new exam questions, formulating evidence-based model answers, updating existing question banks as research and evidence evolves, rigorously covering all aspects of the curriculum for each exam and standardising question-writing across the College.
Additionally, setting pass marks through Modified Angoff standardisation ensures the examination is fair. The significance of this work is heightened by the fact that the FRCPath Part 2 examination serves as a critical milestone – an exit exam that determines whether candidates progress to become consultant medical virologists or consultant clinical scientists with independent responsibilities.
Serving as chair of the panel has been a humbling experience. Collaborating with over 25 senior examiners, I have helped refine the examination process, recruited 7 new examiners, conducted 7 Part 2 examinations and successfully streamlined the exam format with GMC approval in 2024.
Over the years, I have lost count of the number of successful candidates who have gone on to accomplish remarkable careers in healthcare. Equally important are the candidates who, after initial setback(s), have modified their training, critical thinking and studies, and eventually succeeded. Exam score feedback has helped unsuccessful candidates to focus on gaps in their exam techniques and training.
Ultimately, ensuring a fair and rigorous assessment process strengthens the profession and safeguards the future of healthcare. I believe my volunteering helps this cause.”
Thank you
Thank you again to all our volunteer members for their incredible work this exam season. Do keep an eye out for the third and final set of testimonials from our examiners, to be published tomorrow.
If you have any questions or comments about this blog series, or if you have any suggestions for future blogs, please contact the Member Engagement and Support team.
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