You can find all previous spotlights on our blogs page. We hope that you have enjoyed the series and feel inspired to get more involved with the work of the College. There are many opportunities available to suit a wide range of interests and skill sets. 

Our final spotlight is on Dr Vinita Mishra, Consultant Chemical Pathologist and Clinical Director in the Department of Clinical Chemistry and Metabolic Medicine at NHS University Hospitals of Liverpool Group. She is also the Chair of the Chemical Pathology College Specialty Training Committee (CSTC) at the College. Dr Mishra was nominated for this series by Jenny Maginley, Training Manager at the College. Jenny said: 

"Dr Mishra ensures that training standards are maintained in chemical pathology and keeps the Chemical Pathology CSTC informed of curriculum and training standard developments and requirements. She also reviews and signs off on all Chemical Pathology Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT) recommendations. 

Furthermore, Dr Mishra reviews any educational approvals, such as out-of-programme applications to undertake research. She also contributes to the development of the General Medical Council (GMC) National Trainee Survey for chemical pathology." 

Can you tell us a bit about your background? 

I am a Consultant Chemical Pathologist in Clinical Biochemistry and Metabolic Medicine at NHS University Hospitals Liverpool Group. I also serve as Clinical Director for my specialty and Chair of the Chemical Pathology CSTC. 

Previously, I was Training Programme Director for Merseyside and Northwest England for 6 years, followed by Associate Head of the School of Pathology for Northwest England for a further 6 years. In addition, I served as Secretary and subsequently Chair of the Nutrition Division of the American Association of Clinical Chemistry for 6 years, until 2012. 

What drew you to pathology (and specifically chemical pathology) as a profession? 

Several factors influenced my decision to pursue chemical pathology. A key consideration was the opportunity to maintain a strong work-life balance while continuing a fulfilling clinical career. The specialty is largely daytime-based and does not typically involve out-of-hours commitments, which has allowed me to balance professional and personal responsibilities. 

It also enables me to practise as a clinician, managing patients with chronic metabolic disorders in an outpatient setting, without inpatient commitments. 

From an academic perspective, I developed a strong interest in metabolic pathways during my undergraduate studies. This interest deepened during clinical training, where I saw how central biochemical processes are to the development and management of chronic disease. The interpretation of biochemical abnormalities in the context of clinical history remains one of the most intellectually rewarding aspects of my work. 

These combined factors led me to undertake postgraduate training in clinical biochemistry. 

You are currently Chair of the Chemical Pathology College Specialty Training Committee (CSTC) at RCPath. Can you tell us more about how you got involved and what the role entails? 

I have been Chair of the Chemical Pathology CSTC since 2024. In this role, I lead triannual CSTC meetings, bringing together key stakeholders including Training Programme Directors, the Chair of Examinations, trainee representatives, the Chair of the Specialty Advisory Committee (SAC), the Lead Postgraduate Dean, the Clinical Director of Training Assessment, and a lay representative. 

The CSTC is responsible for ensuring that the chemical pathology curriculum is delivered in accordance with GMC standards and for providing guidance to regional deaneries. The committee oversees training, assessments, examinations and recruitment processes, ensuring alignment with national standards. 

A key function of the CSTC is quality assurance. This includes reviewing training programmes, conducting surveys, and working collaboratively with stakeholders to support curriculum development. The committee also provides a forum to identify challenges, share best practice, and drive continuous improvement in training delivery. 

How does this College activity benefit members and the wider profession? 

The CSTC plays an important role in bringing together key stakeholders – including Training Programme Directors, postgraduate deans, the College’s Training team, and trainee representatives – to ensure that the curriculum remains relevant to current and future clinical practice. 

It supports trainers by identifying emerging areas of practice and enabling them to respond effectively to developments in technology and patient care. It also facilitates the sharing of best practice across regions, helping to maintain high standards of training nationally. 

For trainees, the CSTC provides a structured platform to raise feedback, contribute to discussions on training quality, and help shape the future direction of the specialty. 

In addition, the committee monitors service developments that may necessitate curriculum change, ensuring that training remains responsive, forward-looking and aligned with healthcare needs across the UK. 

What do you enjoy about this work, and how has it contributed to your professional development? 

My journey in medical education began in 2011 as an Educational Supervisor, progressing to Training Programme Director and subsequently Associate Head of the School of Pathology. 

Serving as Chair of the CSTC has been a particularly rewarding extension of this pathway. It has provided the opportunity to contribute at a national level to the development of chemical pathology training. 

This role has strengthened my leadership skills, enhanced my confidence as a medical educator, and enabled me to build valuable professional networks with colleagues across the UK. It has also deepened my understanding of the College’s role in supporting high-quality training. 

Above all, I value the opportunity to contribute to shaping the future of the specialty. 

What have been the positives of volunteering with the College, and what advice would you give to others considering getting involved? 

Volunteering with the College has been highly rewarding. It provides an opportunity to contribute to the development and delivery of high-quality training, while also enabling collaboration and networking with colleagues across the profession. 

I have particularly valued the opportunity to participate in meetings at the College, and to support the introduction of a hybrid format, which enhances accessibility while retaining the benefits of in-person engagement. 

I would strongly encourage other members to get involved in College activities. It is an excellent opportunity for professional development, offers valuable insight into training and policy, and allows individuals to make a meaningful contribution to the future of pathology. 

What are your hopes for the future of pathology in your specialty? 

My aspiration is to continue enhancing the training experience for both trainers and trainees in chemical pathology, supported by the College at a national level. 

The specialty must remain adaptable in response to rapid socio-economic change and the evolving NHS landscape. Through the work of the CSTC, we are helping to prepare future chemical pathologists to embrace innovation, respond to change and deliver high-quality patient care. 

Ultimately, strengthening training will ensure that the specialty continues to evolve in ways that benefit both patients and the wider healthcare system. 

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Our thanks to Dr Mishra, all our spotlight volunteers, and every other member volunteer who supports – or has supported – our College activities. Together, we can continue to pursue our mission to advance the science and practice of pathology, and to deliver the best patient care possible. 

There are many ways to get involved – please see our list of volunteer role vacancies, or if you have an area of interest, please use the Contact us page to get in touch directly with the relevant College team. 

If you have any questions on our member spotlights, or have an idea for a blog you’d like to write, please get in touch with the Member Engagement and Support team.