Dr Alice Wort, a Specialist Registrar in Microbiology at the RVI, and Clinical Research Fellow at Newcastle University, has joined the illustrious ‘Power List’ – an annual celebration led by “The Pathologist” which highlights key achievements in the laboratory healthcare profession.

Each year there is a different theme with 2016 celebrating the work of some of pathology’s ‘rising stars’ around the world. Chosen by an expert panel of judges, Dr Wort is one of only 4 UK based pathologists to be included.

Of her accolade Dr Wort said: “I am honoured to be included in The Pathologists 2016 rising stars power list. The 2016 list is made up of amazing pathologists who are at the forefront of pathology research, education, patient safety and public engagement. It is a privilege to be included alongside them.”

Dr Wort was nominated for her ability to represent and advocate for her profession. The nomination said: “Alice manages to juggle clinical commitments, research, chairing the Trainees’ Advisory Committee, and undertaking public engagement work, including organising a careers weekend for junior doctors considering a career in pathology.”

Dr Wort’s current research focuses on investigating the bacteria and viruses that cause chest infections or pneumonia in children, and is supervised by Dr Malcolm Brodlie and Dr Matthew Thomas – both Consultants in Paediatric Respiratory Medicine at the Great North Children’s Hospital.

As well as providing up to date information on the bugs which cause pneumonia in children, the research will demonstrate the effects of recent changes in the vaccination schedule and guide future treatment strategies, it involves collaboration between Newcastle University, The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and other NHS Trusts in the region.

Alongside her research, Dr Wort is also Chair of the Trainees’ Advisory Committee at the Royal College of Pathologists, a role she believes is the highlight of her career so far: “Medical research was the reason I became a doctor. I find the challenges and questions stimulating and exciting.

“Although I love my research and getting funding for my PhD was an important point in my career, the highlight of my career so far has been chairing the Trainees’ Advisory Committee at the Royal College of Pathologists (RCPath). The Trainees’ Advisory Committee is responsible for representing trainees’ views and issues to the College.”

Dr Wort’s inclusion in the Power List comes during an exciting time for pathology in Newcastle following on from the opening of the new Proximity Laboratory at the RVI in late 2016. She believes there are more exciting developments to come. “There are challenges ahead for pathology and laboratory medicine but also great opportunities.

“Molecular pathology is an exciting development. Pathologists from all laboratory medicine specialties need to come together and lead the way in translating the new technologies into clinical practice. We have to be at the heart of ensuring molecular pathology works for our patients. Ongoing clinical research and development is needed to diagnose disease quicker and tailor treatments to improve our patients’ lives.”

To see the Power List in full visit The Pathologist magazine website