Join Dr Matt Clarke to hear about a range of interesting and mysterious cases where finding the diagnosis has been a challenge!

Diagnostic neuropathology is a very exciting, diverse and cutting-edge specialty. Neuropathologists diagnose a wide variety of different cases including brain tumours, neurodegenerative disease, inflammatory conditions, infections, neuropathies and muscle diseases to name a few!

In this webinar, Dr Matt Clarke (a senior neuropathology resident based at Great Ormond Street Hospital and the Institute of Cancer Research) will talk you through a range of interesting and mysterious cases where finding the diagnosis has been a challenge. We will explore the different histological features that might give us clues, the immunohistochemistry findings, and the results of different molecular investigations to help solve these cases and provide an accurate diagnosis for our patients. We will also take a look at how valuable continued engagement with research is to help improve our diagnostic strategies, potentially leading to better treatment options for the future.

If you are interested in exploring what a career in neuropathology could offer you, or if you would like to learn more about the type of work a neuropathologist does, do come and join us!

This event is being run jointly by The Royal College of Pathologists, the University of Manchester Pathology Society, ICSM Pathology Society and the Pathology Subcommittee of UCL Medical Society. The event will be chaired by Dr Noha El Sakka OBE, RCPath Vice President for Communications.

Meet the speaker

Dr Matthew Clarke
Matthew is a specialty registrar and NIHR Clinical Lecturer in diagnostic neuropathology based at Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children for his clinical work, and the Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) for his research. He undertook his medical training at Keele Medical School, originally choosing a career in surgery before changing to pathology. He completed a PhD in the molecular pathology of infant gliomas at the ICR. Matthew was Chair of the RCPath Trainees’ Advisory Committee from 2018-2023 and the Chair of the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges, Trainee Doctors’ Group (ATDG) from 2021-2024. Matthew is actively involved in different pathology societies, including being ‘Deputy Meetings Secretary’ of the BDIAP, a former Editor of ‘ACP news’ and the Trainee Representative for the British Neuropathological Society. He has been the recipient of awards for public engagement, research, and science communication. He featured in the Pathology Power List 2021. He is the current RCPath Undergraduate and Foundation Lead.

Meet the Chair

Dr Noha El Sakka OBE

Dr El Sakka obtained a PhD in 2005 at the University of Aberdeen, followed by 2 years of post-doctoral research in the field of infection. Following completion of the FRCPath and Medical Microbiology training in 2015, Dr El Sakka was appointed a Consultant Microbiologist at NHS Grampian and an Honorary Clinical Senior Lecturer at the University of Aberdeen. She held the role of Director of Medical Microbiology and Virology service in Grampian between 2017-2023, and is currently the Director of Laboratory service in Grampian.

She was appointed to various national roles including Specialist Advisor to Scotland CMO and to the Scottish Government (2018-23), Chair of the Scottish Clinical Virology Consultants Group and Chair of the Scottish Diagnostic Virology Group. In December 2021, she was also elected a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians in Edinburgh.

In addition to her role as the RCPath Vice President for Communications, Dr El Sakka is also a member of the RCPath Scotland Regional Council and a member of the Joint Medical Microbiology and Virology Speciality Advisory Committee and is the RCPath country advisor for Egypt.

In June 2022, Dr El Sakka was awarded an Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the Queen's Birthday Honours list for her services to the NHS and the COVID-19 response.