Not just dead bodies

Members of the public are invited to a special preview of the final episode, ‘Finding Rachel’, of the current series of BBC’s Silent Witness at the Arts Picturehouse on 4 November to find out more about the diverse roles that pathologists play in the real world.

Dr Ben Swift, Home Office Pathologist and BBC adviser, will introduce the screening and will be joined by Professor Andrew Wyllie and Dr Chris Smith from the Department of Pathology to share their experiences.

The world of forensic pathology provides fascinating material for television. As a forensic pathologist, Dr Swift plays an important role in solving real life mysteries and helps ensure that the portrayal of pathologists isn’t too far from the truth.

Professor Wyllie, Head of the Department of Pathology, will discuss the broader context of pathology and how research in the Department is leading to new cures and treatments for major diseases.

Dr Chris Smith, of the Naked Scientists fame, represents pathologists who help treat disease. As a virologist he plays a role behind the hospital scenes diagnosing diseases and helping to determine treatment programmes.

‘Finding Rachel’ sees the Silent Witness team investigating the death of a British medical student in Zambia. The screening runs from 6.00-8.45pm and tickets can be booked by clicking the link on the right.

The event is in aid of the charity Campod (Cambridge Fund for the Prevention of Disease) and is part of National Pathology Week.

Campod is a charity based in the Department of Pathology that raises money to directly support research into diseases of major social significance. Amongst others, these include cancer, influenza, MRSA, Sleeping Sickness, Diabetes, Arthritis and Coeliac disease.

Campod would like to thank Dr Ben Swift, the BBC Silent Witness production team, the Arts Picturehouse, the Cambridge Film Trust and their sponsors, Cambridge Research Biochemicals.

Image attribution: © BBC/Photographer Todd Anthony