Pathologists in Profile Royal College of Pathologists

In part two, Meena talks us through the case of a 25-year-old patient with Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). NF1 is one of the most common inherited genetic conditions. It is characterised by the growth of tumours along nerves and changes in skin coloring (pigmentation).

Our September podcast guest is Meena Upadhyaya OBE PhD FRCPath FLSW. Meena is an Emerita Professor of Medical Genetics at Cardiff University, an honorary Professor of Practice at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David, a visiting Professor at Ganga Ram Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research in Delhi and an international advisor for the organisation of rare diseases, India.

She has made substantial contributions to the molecular understanding of genetic conditions, including Neurofibromatosis Type 1 and Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy.

When Meena was growing up in India, she didn’t have an interest in genetics or pathology, or even a plan to pursue an academic career. In this episode, find out what changed and how she came to have such a successful and fulfilling career in the UK, all while navigating the challenges of life in a new country and juggling the responsibilities of parenthood.

In part two, Matt talks us through a case study of a 34-year old male who was found deceased in his ground floor apartment. Listen in to hear how Matt investigated the death and who he worked with to determined the cause.

Our June podcast episode is Consultant Forensic Pathologist Dr Matt Cieka. Matt works for police forces across the South East of England. He also performs coroner’s post mortem examinations to assist in the investigation of non-suspicious deaths. Matt trained at Keele University in Staffordshire before working as a junior doctor in Scotland. His initial pathology training was undertaken in the South West of England before he moved to Liverpool to undergo specialist training in forensic pathology.

Matt is keen to dispel the myths surrounding forensic pathology that are often portrayed in the media - he has never (yet) had to wrestle with a suspect at a crime scene! Away from work Matt enjoys keeping fit and cooking.

In part one, Dr Matt Cieka tells us about his career as a Consultant Forensic Pathologist, shedding light on the differences between his role and the portrayal of forensic pathologists in popular television shows.

In part two, we talk to Heidi about the innovation and developments in emergency transfusion. Find out how the organisation of trauma and treatment has changed during the last decade to improve survival.

Our first podcast guest of 2023 is Consultant in Transfusion Medicine, Dr Heidi Doughty, OBE. Find out about Heidi’s diverse career within transfusion medicine, working in hospitals, blood services and as an army reservist. Heidi’s career has focussed on the appropriate use of blood, transfusion for trauma and emergency preparedness and has enabled her to study and work on a wide variety of projects at home and abroad.