Find out what a career in paediatric and perinatal pathology is like - join our panel of experts for this informative, free event.

This online event will shine a spotlight on careers in paediatric and perinatal pathology. Our speakers include consultants Professor Marta Cohen, Dr Clair Evans, Dr Rachel Rummery; and Dr Francesca McDowell, a histopathology trainee who has sub-specialised in paediatric and perinatal pathology. The session (to be held on Zoom Webinar) aims to give medical students and foundation doctors a comprehensive introduction to this fascinating pathology specialty. Our speakers will cover:

• Their personal journeys into their specialty
• What working in their specialty is like day to day
• The transition from trainee to consultant
• The contribution that paediatric and perinatal pathology makes to patients, their families, and healthcare. 

The speakers will make time for questions. Join us for this exciting and unique event - book your place for free. 

This event is being run jointly by The Royal College of Pathologists, the Manchester Pathology Society, ICSM Pathology Society and the Pathology Subcommittee of UCL Medical Society.

Our speakers

Professor C Marta Cohen OBE

Professor Cohen is a Consultant Paediatric Pathologist and Head of Department at Sheffield Children’s NHS FT in Sheffield, UK. (2003-), and former Clinical Director of Pharmacy, Diagnostic and Genetics (2019-2024). In 2015 Professor Cohen was honoured with a recognition as a Sheffield Ambassador. In 2018, she became the 1^st female Honorary Professor in Paediatric Pathology, when she was appointed by the School of Medicine and Population Health, Division of Clinical Medicine, University of Sheffield. Professor Cohen is currently Vice President for learning at the Royal College of Pathologists (2023-2026). Professor Cohen is an international research profile and opinion leader in paediatric pathology and the investigation of sudden infant death.  In 2020 she was awarded the Order of the British Empire by the late Queen Elisabeth for her contribution to SIDS.

Dr Clair Evans

Dr Clair Evans' current roles are Consultant Paediatric and Perinatal Pathologist in Glasgow; Associate Postgraduate Dean for the National Diagnostic Specialties NHS Education for Scotland and Honorary Clinical Senior Lecturer University of Glasgow. Dr Evans holds various roles at The Royal College of Pathologists: Chair of the Pre Perinatal and Paediatric Specialty Advisory Committee, Co-Chair of the CESR Portfolio panel, and Chair of the Panel of examiners in Paediatric Pathology.

Dr Evans is Clinical Lead for national recruitment into Paediatric Pathology ST3 (CCT specialty training route). She graduated from St Bartholomew’s and The Royal London medical school in 1999 and did her Histopathology and Paediatric Pathology training in Sheffield. Dr Evans moved to Glasgow for Consultant post in 2008.

Dr Rachel Rummery

Dr Rachel Rummery is a Consultant Paediatric and Perinatal Pathologist at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust and Honorary Senior Lecturer, University of Leeds.
She graduated from St Andrews University and Trinity College Cambridge, becoming one of the very first Calman registrars in histopathology. From this post she took a long career break with her children, returning to histopathology training in 2013.
During training, she became one of the inaugural national HEE SuppoRTT programme fellows, then HEE Lead for Return. She was also Deputy Chair of both the AOMRC Trainee Doctors’ Group and the RCPath Trainee Advisory Committee. She completed specialist training in 2023 and was appointed as a Consultant in February 2024.

Dr Francesca McDowell

Dr Francesca McDowell is a histopathology trainee who has sub-specialised in paediatric and perinatal pathology. She is currently based at Alder Hey Children's Hospital, Liverpool. In her role as trainee representative for both the Royal College of Pathologists and the British and Irish Paediatric Pathology Association, she hopes to raise the profile of the subspecialty, improve training opportunities, and share her passion for this rewarding, varied, and fascinating career.