Scotland PERCs

In recent years, the College has recognised the importance of explaining its work and the work of pathologists to the wider public, through the establishment of the Public Engagement programme.

The programme has been a great success and to maintain momentum we have recruited Public Engagement Regional Coordinators (PERCs), to work with the College’s Director of Engagement and Publishing and the Public Engagement Manager, as well as their regional Council in delivering the programme successfully across the UK. The PERC role is a voluntary position and helps provide support to those organising events in their region.

Dr Christine Peters

I consider public engagement as essential for the development of trust in and support for our specialties. My passion is to promote public scientific interest and understanding, particularly in schools. Pathology is unsurpassed in potential for cross-curricular learning with ethics, molecular technologies, business planning, drug-trial evidence, health promotion, data management, team working and cellular biology all being part of our professional tapestry. I also see enormous personal benefits, the sheer positivity that is generated by enthusing about one’s job is energising.
Email: [email protected]

Dr Kamaljit Khalsa

As a Medical Microbiology Registrar working in one of the largest hospitals in Europe I am in a fortunate position of having experience in treating infection in a wide patient group. My interests include antimicrobial resistance and stewardship which I believe are vital areas of public engagement. It is essential that all member of the public are aware of the growing problem of antimicrobial resistance and the need for prudent antimicrobial prescribing.

I believe that in my specific region there is need for more Public Engagement Coordinators and I could really contribute to widening the awareness of Pathology within Glasgow and surrounding areas. Teaching children in schools is an area of key interest of mine and I enjoy providing tutorials and talks for a number of years on a host of microbiology related themes.

Email: [email protected]

Dr Kevin Deans

I have been involved in National Pathology Week since it started in 2008. Most recently, I was Regional Coordinator for the North of Scotland in National Pathology Week 2010. We’re all very aware of the misconceptions about pathology held by many, and public engagement events can help to provide a clearer picture of what pathologists actually do. Engaging with children and young people is also very valuable in terms of generating interest and firing enthusiasm for science generally, and specifically raising awareness of career opportunities in the pathology specialties.
Email: [email protected]

Dr Margaret Evans

I am employed as a consultant paediatric and perinatal pathologist at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh. I am passionate about perinatal pathology and have worked closely with SANDS (Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Society) to try and dispel the fear that surrounds autopsy in order to promote a deeper understanding of stillbirth and neonatal death. I am at present studying for an LLM by research at Edinburgh University, looking at posthumous rights and autopsy practice. This has afforded me the opportunity to study the relationship between pathology and society.
Email: [email protected]