With 17 diverse specialties, and more appealing working hours than many other roles within medicine, pathology is a fantastic career choice for many. 

However, many medical students aren’t aware of pathology and lack exposure during their undergraduate courses. That is why the engagement work of our volunteer members is so valuable.  

To gain an insight into what this work involves, we spoke to Dr Kamaljit Kalsa, a consultant medical microbiologist and RCPath’s Public Engagement Coordinator for Scotland. She told us about the volunteering she’s been involved in, and why she enjoys it so much. 

Can you tell us a bit about your background? What drew you to pathology as a profession?

I am a consultant medical microbiologist based at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow. I was actually drawn to a career in microbiology after completing a 1-week taster as a FY2. I enjoyed applying the laboratory aspects to the clinical cases and felt there was a good mix of science and medicine. Prior to that I was unfamiliar with the opportunities available within pathology. 

Can you tell us more about your volunteer role and how you got involved? 

I currently hold the position of Public Engagement Coordinator for Scotland and am also a STEM Ambassador. These roles involve organising events at schools and community centres, all with the aim of promoting microbiology as a career. These events give young people the chance to develop an interest in science, and laboratory medicine in particular. 

In the past I have held events at local schools during National Pathology Week. This work has included demonstrating pathology equipment such as microscopes, UV light boxes for hand hygiene and preserved parasites in jars. This allows young people to gain an insight into pathology and see how interesting it can be! 

I recently gave a talk about my career at one of the College's Pathology Careers Webinars. These are aimed at medical students and foundation doctors. You can watch my talk and webinars on other specialties covered so far here.   

How does this work benefit/bring value to members? 

This outreach work promotes pathology and enables young people to consider this as a possible career. I often consider people within the laboratory specialties as the ‘unsung heroes’, as they are not often seen at the bedside but are still providing a massive service in terms of diagnostics and subsequent patient care. 

What are the positives about volunteering as a STEM Ambassador? 

Volunteering gives me variety in my work and reminds me why I enjoy my career as a medical microbiologist. The College has so many free resources on their website that can help you with planning great activities. Other members should get involved to inspire people to pursue pathology as a career. Most of all, it’s really fun! 

What advice do you have for other members who are interested in volunteering in public engagement? 

If you are interested in volunteering in this area, then you can register as a STEM Ambassador via the STEM Learning website. Also have a look at some of the ideas which have been used in the past for inspiration. 

What are your hopes for the pathology profession over the next 5 years, and how can the College support in this? 

I hope to continue to support the College in engagement work and inspire more young people to consider a career in pathology. I hope the College highlights these activities in their Bulletin and holds more training days on public engagement. 

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We are currently looking for volunteers to get involved with National Pathology Week in November. If you’d like to work with us on this, or become a STEM Ambassador, please get in touch at [email protected]. You can also find out more about our links with the STEM Ambassador programme here.