Running as part of National Pathology Week (NPW) 2026, the event celebrates the NPW 2026 theme, 'Welcome to the Lab' by inviting anyone with an interest in working in medicine or science to join our expert speakers to find out what it’s like to work in neuropathology.

Neuropathology is one of 17 specialties in pathology, the study of disease. Pathologists are medically or scientifically qualified and work in hospitals and laboratories with other doctors and healthcare professionals to prevent, diagnose and treat disease.

Chaired by Consultant Neuropathologist and Honorary Senior Clinical Lecturer, Dr Monika Hofer, with co-hosting support from undergraduate, Benjamin Sowden, this webinar features two speakers: Consultant Paediatric Neuropathologist, Dr Matthew Clarke & Specialty Registrar, Dr Fernanda Ruiz.

The speakers will explain what neuropathology is and why it is important to healthcare. They’ll also share their personal journeys into the specialty including their education and training, as well as their day-to-day work including any research they do.

Attendees will have the opportunity to ask speakers questions. This online event is free, but registration is essential. Book your place via the booking button to the right.

There are 12 webinars on different careers and topics in pathology running during NPW 2026. See more details on the NPW page.

To find out more about careers in pathology visit our careers pages.

Meet the speakers

Chair: Dr Monika Hofer

Dr Monika Hofer is a Consultant Neuropathologist and Honorary Senior Clinical Lecturer at Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and the University of Oxford. She has been RCPath Training Lead for Diagnostic Neuropathology since 2019 and the Secretary General of the International Society of Neuropathology (ISN) since 2018.
 

Co-host: Mr Benjamin Sowden

Ben is currently a 2nd year medical student at the University of Manchester and Chair of the UOM Pathology Society. Ben and his Society members are working to introduce more students to the world of Pathology in partnership with the Royal College of Pathologists, by running events and talks throughout the academic year to allow students to develop an insight into this fascinating speciality.  

Speakers: Dr Matthew Clarke and Dr Fernanda Ruiz

Matthew is a Clinician Scientist and Consultant Paediatric Neuropathologist 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 lead for foundation and undergraduate pathology. 

Dr Fernanda Ruiz (MD, PhD, FRCPath) is a senior Resident in Diagnostic Neuropathology at the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, London. Her work involves diagnosing diseases of the brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerves, and muscle, including brain tumours, neurodegenerative disorders, and inflammatory conditions.